Public toilets are hard to come by in the Netherlands, but if you do manage to find one, just know you’ll be forking over quite a few cents to take a wazz. 🚽
To be exact, you’ll pay anywhere from €0.50 to a whole €1 for a public toilet, depending on the Dutch city you’re based in.
What is it?
If you come from the land of croissants, schnitzels, or clog dancing — you’re likely familiar with the idea of taking out your wallet just so you can sit on a public tinkle pot.
As you travel extensively through Europe, you’ll find yourself dropping a coin routinely in many train and gas stations, cafés, and restaurant bathrooms across the continent. 🗺️
Knowing how much the Dutch love to make a fast buck, they took the pay-per-use toilet practice and ran with it.
You should always have your wallet with coins in them when you travel! Image: Freepik
Now, every time you enter a public latrine in the Netherlands, you’ll be met by a robust gate and your local Gandalf (or restroom attendant) who says: “You shall not pass!”… unless you cough up a few coins. 🤺
Why do they do it?
Well, Gandalf…I mean, the restroom attendant… doesn’t just sit outside the loo, collecting money and refusing to let people enter.
Believe it or not, that cash is actually their paycheck for keeping the toilets clean, so you can use the bathroom without having to straddle a dirty toilet seat.
My least favorite thing about the Netherlands is having to pay €0.50 to use a public bathroom
The majority of public toilets are seen as a service here, not a right, so it’s a natural procedure that you pay the attendant for their services as they ensure a good (enough) experience of using (semi) clean toilets.
Not only that, but the Dutch also charge people for public toilets as a way to discourage folks from wildplassen (literally, wild peeing). 🥴
Apparently, many have the urge to unzip and take a leak in canals, on busy streets, against shop windows, and wherever they see fit.
Clean public toilets? That’s the dream when travelling around, but it comes with a price! Image: Depositphotos
So, in an effort to prevent this, the Dutch made toilets slightly more available to the public.
They put a price tag on them to ensure cleanliness and made peeing out in the open illegal with a fine of up to €140.
Why is it quirky?
We’re all well-acquainted with the ways of the world. Everything costs money nowadays, even if it’s for basic human needs (and that, in itself, is a weird thing 🙄).
In other countries, like Greece or the United States, folks are, for the most part, able to use a public latrine without having to carry any spare change.
In fact, it’s common etiquette to just enter any shop you see and ask if you can use the restroom.
When the Dutch see an opportunity to bulk up their wallet with a few extra shillings, they use the same age-old thinking pattern: “Is there a need?”, “Can I provide a solution to that need?”, and “How much can I charge for it?”
All in all, if you use something that costs money to maintain in the Netherlands, you pay for it. 🤷
Should you join in?
Well, you can opt for the dirty, stinky, graffitied train bathrooms, or take your chances and use an open urinal in the middle of a busy shopping street (where you pee standing up, might I add).
But if you’re out cruising the streets, and you’d much rather use a decent bathroom, you’ll have no choice but to join in on this quirk and let go of a few precious coins.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Moving to the winding canals and quaint windmills of the Netherlands can be the adventure of a lifetime. For many, it can also be the chance for a far healthier work-life balance in one of the most progressive countries on the planet.
However, life isn’t always sunshine and tulips in the lowlands. Creeping in through the windows and lurking in the shadows is a problem that many internationals suffer from: mental health issues (psychische klachten).
Sapping your energy and replacing it with anxiety, doom, and gloom, these ailments nudge the brakes on your journey to a perfect new life in the Netherlands.
So what’s the problem? And what should your employer be doing to help? We sat down with Dr Yvo in den Bosch, a former therapist at Dutch mental health clinic, U-center to find out more.
Expats at risk
Image: Yvo in den Bosch/Supplied
“The most recurring issues [for expats] are loneliness and isolation — and depression as a result of that,” says In den Bosch.
He notes that these difficulties go “hand-in-hand with substance abuse, especially if the aforementioned diagnoses aren’t noticed.”
This is especially true of internationals with “comorbid” diagnoses, involving two or more disorders occurring in the same individual, at the same time.
These diagnoses “require a whole different approach”, according to In den Bosch, as many of these individual ailments will not be picked up during a routine session with a psychologist (psycholoog).
Adapting to a Dutch workplace can be a struggle
Got a brand-spanking-new job in the Netherlands? Gefeliciteerd! (Congratulations!)
However, for many international employees, that joy is tempered by the stress of having to deal with the struggles of adapting to life in a foreign country.
Dutch workplaces have a specific culture that might feel strange for internationals. Image: Depositphotos
In den Bosch notes that there are a number of significant hurdles that internationals may have to navigate when getting a job in the Netherlands, including:
Difficulty adapting to the individualistic Dutch working environment
Isolation, loneliness, and homesickness
Anxiety about coming off as a “bad employee” for struggling
Depression stemming from the aforementioned issues
Substance abuse in an attempt to cope
In addition to these issues, an international employee’s home environment can also be an additional stressor when it comes to adapting to life in the Netherlands.
“If their spouses come to the Netherlands with them, the spouse also tends to have a big challenge integrating into society, especially if they aren’t in a working environment that can help them,” says In den Bosch.
Working from home can also place extra strain on mental health. Image: Freepik
This can put an extra strain on the working partner, as their home might no longer be a safe space to get away from the stress they have accumulated throughout the workday.
As a result, In den Bosch says that international employees looking for the best tools to succeed will need to keep an eye out for employers that prioritise the mental health of their workforce.
On the hunt for mental health specialists that are experts on comorbid diagnoses?
U-center, a mental health clinic nestled in South Limburg’s peaceful countryside, might be just what the doctor ordered.
Experienced in dealing with both international and Dutch patients alike, U-center is dedicated to treating patients that suffer from a cluster of mental health issues that often go undiagnosed by ordinary sessions with a psychologist.
Signs your Dutch employer values mental health
Just like the various fixings the Dutch have for their boterham (sandwich), employers in the Netherlands come in many different shapes and forms, and not all are as sweet and comforting as a thick layer of hagelslag.
Whilst there’s no surefire way to determine if your new boss is a good egg, here are some signs that point to a business prioritising its employees’ mental health. 👇
There’s a proper onboarding programme
Dreaming of boarding a shuttle for a new job on Mars? Unfortunately, onboarding has nothing to do with space travel, but it can definitely be fun (and necessary!).
Referring to the process by which new employees are integrated into the working environment, onboarding can involve tours of the building or facility, introductory presentations, training sessions, and a lighter workload.
Being trained properly is a good signal that a workplace knows what they’re doing. Image: Freepik
This is vital when firms in the Netherlands employ internationals, who are most likely unfamiliar with the individualistic nature of the Dutch workforce.
In fact, In den Bosch recommends that employers “invest in a decent onboarding procedure, dedicated to people from a different cultural background to help them integrate and connect.”
So, if your dream job offers you a comprehensive onboarding programme, it’s likely a sign that they care about the mental health and well-being of their employees.
They employ a counsellor or mental health coach
Even for those of us that absolutely love our jobs, there are times we’re caught up in a messy web of stress and want to rip our own hair out. If the thought of managing those emotions on your own sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone.
According to In den Bosch, employers that value mental health ensure that their employees “have regular check-in moments with a coach or supervisor, so they can establish a safe connection with somebody they can confide in.”
A good workplace is one that recognises the benefits of mental health support. Image: Freepik
This is especially important for internationals that are scared of broaching the subject at work, as having “a person from a firm or organisation introducing that topic will be really helpful in preventing these issues from spiralling.”
You can think of it as an early warning system that catches destructive thoughts or behaviours before they have a chance to grow into disorders that are far more difficult to treat.
This, in turn, gives you a fighting chance at being the best employee you can be — minus a significant chunk of the stress! 💪
Is that new job you’re eyeing at a company with a counsellor or mental health coach on staff? Hoera, you’ve picked a business that prioritises its workforce.
They focus on gradual reintegration after mental health issues
Jumping right back into the saddle after you’ve suffered a bad fall can be dangerous — not to mention terribly painful. Heading back to work after you’ve battled a burnout or similar mental health struggles is equally as challenging.
The key, according to In den Bosch, is a gradual reintegration into the workforce “in a way that is manageable.”
Face-to-face time with a supervisor or colleague can also help make the transition smoother. Image: Depositphotos
He adds that the employees “may still be dealing with a lot of health issues, or psychological issues, so they need time to invest in that and carry on with their therapy.”
As such, In den Bosch advises that employees are reintegrated with two-hour workdays. Following an evaluation after two weeks’ time, their working hours can either be extended or shortened as their mental health dictates.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: companies that don’t value your health aren’t worth the time. 💅
Going back to work after a mental health struggle is hard, but it doesn’t have to stress you out!
U-center’s team of specialists offer a seven-week reintegration programme for employees dealing with mental health.
Committed to getting you back on your feet again, their programme also dramatically reduces your risk of relapsing. See their unique approach.
They encourage employees to socialise outside of the work environment
It comes as no surprise that the inventors of the borrel love their after-work drinks, especially if there are steaming, hot bitterballen or kaassouffles on the side.
In addition to being delicious, finger-licking fun, In den Bosch confirms that businesses that organise social activities like borrels, sporting events, and other social gatherings are essentially waving a giant green flag.
Spending time with your coworkers can strengthen bonds and provide a support network. Image: Depositphotos
Dubbing these “conducive to overall mental health”, In den Bosch notes that it’s vital for businesses to invest in the social and physical well-being of their workforce.
If you’re heading to some work borrels or trips in the near future, then you’re very likely employed (or soon to be employed) at a company that cares about the wellbeing of its workforce!
Dealing with mental health issues will never be easy, but the important thing is arming yourself with the best tools to overcome your diagnosis.
Are you battling your own mental health issues at the moment? You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to the specialists at U-center to arrange the treatment that’ll work best for you.
Dutch people love their snacks, but Max from Arnhem takes it to the next level. His mission? Eat 406 frikandels in just one month — because why not turn deep-fried dedication into a sport?
The challenge was simple. Max started by eating one frikandel on the first day of the month. Then, each day, he had to eat one more frikandel than the day before.
The 21-year-old documented his greasy journey on TikTok. However, he had to abandon ship once he reached his 120th frikandel.
The challenge failed
By day 15, Max hit a wall — well, technically, his stomach did. In a TikTok update, he waved the white flag, saying his body simply couldn’t handle it anymore.
For the so-called ‘unlucky generation’ of students in the Netherlands, some reimbursement is on the cards with a new allowance scheme.
These students, who studied at a Dutch university between 2015 and 2023, missed out on around €13,000 while being ineligible for a grant, according to Erasmus Magazine.
Does this sound familiar? We’re sorry. And so is the government! So here’s how you can get some of that money back. 👇
Step one: find out if you’re eligible
If you were an HBO or university student between 2015 and 2023 and got your degree within ten years, you might be in luck.
Well, some call it luck; others might say it’s the compensation you deserve now that the existing student loan system is being abolished.
There are two allowances you could be eligible for: the allowance for lack of basic grant and/or the study voucher allowance.
To be get your reimbursement, you must fulfill the following requirements:
Allowance for basic lack of grant
Study voucher allowance
You were entitled to student finance for at least 12 months under the loan system (2015-2023)
You first received student finance between September 2015 and August 2019
You got your degree within 10 years
You got your degree within 10 years
You will receive €34.17 per month
You will receive a one-time payment of €2,097.08
We get it; the conditions are slight head-scratchers, so be sure to check the full Ts&Cs here.
Step two: get your money!
This step is actually pretty easy when DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) already has your data, as they will notify you directly if you meet the requirements.
For students who did not rely on student finance (or the student travel product) even though they were entitled to it, you can apply for the allowance yourselves.
Still unsure whether you qualify and how much you are owed? Head to DUO’s Right to Compensation form to find out.
Hold on a sec, is that all?
With rising housing and tuition costs on top of the extra debt, some of the ‘unlucky generation’ are not impressed with this reimbursement.
They feel that €2,000 is a somewhat small drop in a sea of student expenses.
Working from home is great — but with so many fantastic cafés, libraries, and coworking spots to work or study in Eindhoven, why not get out and about?
Whether you’re freelancing, studying, or working remotely, you deserve a breather from home distractions and a barista-made coffee by your side.
Unsure where to go? Here are the best places in Eindhoven for you to work, study, get in the zone — oh, and smash those deadlines, of course. ⚡️
Ready to soak up the cosiness while working? Jump to it! 👇
Why not escape your own living room to a café that makes you feel at home? Located on the Kleine Berg, one of the cutest streets in the city centre, Lucifer Coffee Roasters offers large tables, heaps of indoor and outdoor seating, plenty of power plugs, and fast WiFi.
Find yourself on the other side of the Dommel? No problem, Lucifer Coffee Roasters have another location there!
With an all-day breakfast and coffee made from locally roasted beans, this place will make sure you’re fueled up for work!
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: Every day from 7:30 AM until 6 PM (Kleine Berg), on weekdays from 10 AM until 4 PM (Bleekweg) 📍 Location: Kleine Berg 47, 5611 JS Eindhoven and Bleekweg 1a, 5611 EZ Eindhoven
2. ZwartWit Koffie: Australian atmosphere
Yummy all-day breakfasts and delicious coffee? Count us in! Image: Freepik
Is typical Dutch weather making you unproductive at home? No worries, ZwartWit Koffie will bring laidback Australian vibes to you — without having to leave the Netherlands. 🌞
With great WiFi, large tables, and friendly staff, people often sit here all day with their laptops without a problem.
Oh, and they have fantastic coffees and a delicious “All-day Brekkie,” score! 🍳
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: 8 AM until 5 PM, Monday to Saturday, Sunday opens at 10 AM 📍 Location: Victoriapark 7, 5611 BM Eindhoven
3. The Commons (at The Social Hub): Practical for travellers
Why not work in a café in a hotel? It can be just as relaxing! Image: Freepik
Don’t feel like walking far from the train station in order to find a place to work? No need! The Commons is located right next to the train station on the city side.
The café offers large and quiet workspaces and even has office chairs. Free and reliable WiFi? Ja! Power outlets? Zeker! Can I work here all day? Natuurlijk!
🏢 Type: Café in a hotel 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: Every day from 7 AM to 10 PM, with an hour break between 3 PM and 4 PM 📍 Location: Stationsweg 3, 5611 AA Eindhoven
4. The Happiness Café: Good vibes all around
Being in a café that has good vibes can help you stay motivated to keep working! Image: Freepik
In need of some happiness to help you meet those deadlines? The Happiness Café gives off cosy vibes with its decorations and extensive feel-good menu. They even make their own cookies and cakes, the perfect pick-me-up while you focus. 🍪
With excellent internet, accessible electrical outlets, and a lovely location close to the train station, this place is gezellig AND practical!
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Sunday 📍 Location: Nieuwe Emmasingel 9, 5611 AM Eindhoven
This art library is a fresh change of scenery when looking for a place to study or work in Eindhoven. Let the 140,000 books, magazines, and DVDs on offer ignite your creativity and productivity. 🎨
While admission to the Van Abbemuseum library is free, make sure to reserve your spot at least five days in advance, as there are limited working spaces and opening hours are not super convenient.
With free WiFi, the opportunity to copy and scan any documents you might need, and no noise nuisance, this library is a get-your-head-in-the-game kind of space.
🏢 Type: Library 💰 Price: Free of charge ⏰ Opening hours: 11 AM to 1 PM or 2 PM to 5 PM on Thursdays, 11 AM to 1 PM or 2 PM to 4 PM on Wednesdays 📍 Location: Stratumsedijk 2, 5611 ND Eindhoven
Located in the Witte Dame (White Lady), near the Eindhoven Library, is this café that will make you feel like you haven’t stepped foot outside your home.
With a welcoming interior, cosy corners with high tables, and jazzy tunes to get your workflow going, DENF Coffee is ideal for Eindhovenaars wanting to work or study all day. 🧑💻
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM, with Saturday and Sunday opening at 10 AM 📍 Location: Clausplein 4, 5611 XP Eindhoven
7. Coffeelovers Van Pierre: Booklovers galore
If you need a break from the working/studying life, there are many books to browse through! Image: Freepik
This cute coffee shop is a mix between a café and a bookstore. Van Pierre is located on level -1, where you’ll find large, long tables to sit with your laptop. If your devices need a boost, there are many power outlets right on the table!
In need of a break? Van Pierre also has relaxing sofas to chill and curl up with a book. 📚
If you’re a coffee addict, make sure to grab a loyalty card and get every tenth coffee free!
🏢 Type: Café and bookstore 💰 Price: Free, just the price of food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Saturday, with Sunday and Monday opening from 12 PM 📍 Location: Nieuwe Emmasingel 44, 5611 AM Eindhoven
The Eindhoven Library (Bibliotheek Eindhoven) is the perfect place to be when you need a quiet place to study or work in Eindhoven. 🙇♀️
The library has a quiet study room, free WiFi, and many power outlets.
Looking for something a little more lively during your break? The library café is a great spot for a coffee break. Just note that it can be quite noisy, so it may not be ideal for those Zoom calls. 😀
🏢 Type: Library 💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 7 PM, Monday to Saturday, 1 PM to 5 PM, Sunday 📍 Location: Emmasingel 22, 5611 AZ Eindhoven
9. Piazza Café: For those that love plants
Being surrounded by plants can be a huge mood boost while working! Image: Freepik
Shopping as a break, anyone? This luxurious café is located on the ground floor of De Bijenkorf department store and is equipped with free WiFi and many power outlets.
Its interior is a nature lover’s escape — light colours, lots of plants, bamboo, a relaxed sitting area, and a bar overlooking the terrace.
You’ll find many people toiling behind their laptops all day long at Piazza Café as a result — stress-free, natuurlijk. 🌿
🏢 Type: Café 💰 Price: Free, except for food and drink ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 6:30 PM Tuesday to Thursday + Saturday, 10 AM to 8:30 PM Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM Sunday, and 11 AM to 6:30 PM Monday 📍 Location: Piazza 1, 5611 AE Eindhoven
Whether you’re in beast mode studying or crossing things off your to-do lists, these 11 places to study or work in Eindhoven will get you where you need to go. ✅
What place is your favourite to work or study in Eindhoven? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across industries, and the Netherlands is no exception.
As the NOS writes, AI is reshaping the Dutch workplace from supermarkets to law enforcement — bringing efficiency, cost savings, and, in some cases, uncertainty.
But is AI replacing human workers, or is it creating new opportunities?
AI in action in the Netherlands
AI is also supporting many industries in the Netherlands, from logistics and finance to more serious use cases, like the Dutch police using AI to scan case files, process reports, and give officers quick access to vital information.
One of the most striking examples of AI integration in the Dutch job market is Albert Heijn. The major supermarket chain has been using self-learning algorithms for two years to predict product demand across its 1,200 stores.
Albert Heijn is ahead of the game. Image: Dreamstime
One way it does this is by factoring in the weather. Albert Heijn’s head of product and AI tells the NOS: “The models take the weather into account. Not only the general weather, but the weather of each local weather station.”
“If it’s BBQ weather in Groningen but not in Maastricht, the AI predicts that BBQ products should only be sent to [stores in] Groningen.” Pretty smart, right?
KLM is using AI in a similar way. The airline uses it to predict how many meals are needed on flights, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
KLM uses AI to predict how many meals they need. Image: Depositphotos
As KLM’s Mike Fieten explains to the NOS, “We know that 3 to 5% of our passengers don’t make their flight, but every day is different.” By analysing factors like weather conditions, AI helps KLM more accurately predict passenger numbers.
Thanks to this technology, KLM saves an average of 2.5 meals per flight. With around 300 flights per day, that adds up to a significant reduction in food waste.
Job losses or new opportunities?
While many experts argue that AI will reshape rather than eliminate jobs, some companies have already announced layoffs due to AI-driven efficiencies.
A World Economic Forum survey suggests that 11% of workers worldwide could lose their jobs to AI between 2025 and 2030.
Dutch CEOs are also increasingly acknowledging AI’s disruptive potential, with more business leaders expecting AI to replace jobs in the near future.
Professor Ton Wilthagen, a Dutch labour market expert, takes a historical perspective: technological advancements, from the fax machine to the internet, have always changed the nature of work but have not necessarily led to mass unemployment.
Instead, AI could lead to new job roles and increase demand for human expertise in emerging fields.
The future of AI in the Dutch job market
One thing is certain: As AI adoption accelerates across the country, the Dutch workforce will need to adapt.
Companies will increasingly look for employees who can work alongside AI, managing and interpreting AI-driven insights rather than performing repetitive tasks.
The Netherlands is approaching the Voorjaarsnota — the day the government checks in with the national budget and introduces upcoming plans. Once again, the 30% ruling for expats is on the chopping block.
As the NOS writes, Pieter Omtzigt of the NSCparty wants the Spring Memorandum to relax the scheme that offers tax benefits to highly-educated expat workers.
💡 In case you didn’t know: The 30% ruling in the Netherlands is a scheme granting certain highly-skilled migrants a tax cut on up to 30% (or 27%) of their earnings during their first five years of work in the Netherlands.
Making the economy fair again
“We are nearing 200,000 people from abroad who receive 27% of their income tax-free. If we want to make the economy more fair, we should not have groups of people who pay less tax”, Omtzigt said in an interview with De Telegraaf.
The 30% ruling is a major driving force in attracting international talent to the Netherlands, so many are surprised that the government would consider cutting it.
But according to Pieter Omtzigt, the millions of euros that are currently being poured into the tax relief could be used otherwise.
How exactly? Omtzigt’s examples include reducing the energy tax on gas by “a few cents per cubic cube” and improving the Dutch disability system.
Back then, it was decided that the tax credit should be slowly phased out, gradually reducing the amount of expats’ tax-free income over a period of 5 years.
Since then (following a lot of criticism), the government changed its mind and decided that, instead, the 30% ruling would be reduced to 27% as of January 1, 2027.
Until then, the following rules apply. Image: DutchReview
Negotiations on the Voorjaarsnota will begin soon, and all the major financial issues that the four government parties disagree on will be discussed.
It’s unclear what will happen to the expat tax scheme, but Omtzigt stresses that he is open to negotiations: “In the end, I will make a compromise where I don’t get what I want one hundred percent.”
Do you think the 30% ruling should be cut? Leave your opinion on the comments.
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a sporty weekend out, there are plenty of things to do in Texel. The island is a unique experience in its own right, known for its beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife.
Texel is the first and largest of five islands off the coast of the Netherlands, known as the Wadden Islands.
Young families, grandparents, and everyone in between will find something to do on this much-beloved island.
The Netherlands’ islands are for everyone to enjoy! Image: Depositphotos
Whether you’re looking for a fun summer trip with your family, some waves to surf, or a calm nature excursion, here are our tips for the perfect adventure in Texel!
1. Enjoy an unbelievable view from the Eierland Lighthouse
Imagine the breathtaking views of a sunset from the top of the lighthouse. Image: Depositphotos
Perhaps one of the most iconic attractions, visiting the Eierland Vuurtoren (lighthouse) is one of the best things you can do in Texel.
This gorgeous, red lighthouse is located on the northernmost beach of Texel, built back in 1863. Nowadays, you can climb the lighthouse up to the 6th floor and get the most gorgeous views of the island and sea below.
In order to avoid a holiday injury, we recommend you wear closed shoes when climbing the staircase (bye-bye, flip-flops and slides) and leave your dog on the ground floor.
💰 Price: €6 ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every day 📍 Location: The northernmost tip of the Island — it doesn’t have an address, but it’s hard to miss!
2. Admire the seals at Ecomare Nature Museum
Who wouldn’t want to watch some seals swim around? 😍 Image: Depositphotos
If you love nature, want to look at cute animals, or just need to feel your heart melt in your chest, we highly suggest adding Ecomare Nature Museum to your list of things to do in Texel.
This one-of-a-kind museum and seal asylum is the perfect place to take your family (or just yourself). You can learn all about Texel’s wildlife and nature conservation and spot plenty of seals, birds, and fish!
We definitely recommend going around the seal feeding time, which takes place at 11 AM and 3:30 PM every day.
You can watch a little (Dutch) presentation given by the caretakers while they feed all the seals. They’re also happy to answer your questions in English!
💰 Price: €16 for adults, €11 for children ages 4-13, and free for children up to age 4 ⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day 📍 Location: Ruijslaan 92, 1796 AZ, De Koog
3. Marvel at the lost wonders of Shipwreck Museum Flora
An island in the middle of the sea is sure to have some interesting finds! In fact, Texel hosts its own shipwreck museum of all the fun bits and bobs that have washed up on the shores of the island.
If you’re curious about a bit of Texel’s history and want to see all the quirky oddments, we highly recommend Shipwreck Museum Flora as one of your stops in Texel.
From washed-up lighters and hard hats to beer crates and mannequins, it’s definitely a fun visit for kids and adults alike.
💰 Price: €8.25 for adults, €6.25 for children aged 4 to 11, and free for children up to age 4 ⏰ Opening hours: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Pontweg 141A, 1796 MA De Koog
4. Go “wadlopen” in the Wadden Sea
You can see some of Texel’s flora and fauna up close! Image: Depositphotos
Texel is one of the most biodiverse regions in the Netherlands. As a result, the island offers wadlopen tours (mudflat walking), the perfect unique experience for those of you who love nature and the outdoors.
How unique? Texel’s mudflats were once the bottom of the Wadden Sea! Populated by all kinds of plant and animal life, a walk across the mudflats makes a great nature excursion for the day.
Wadlopen can be super kid-friendly too, and your little ones can learn all about Texel’s ecosystems.
💰 Price: €12.50 for those over 12, €8 for children 11 and under ⏰ Opening hours: Depends on the tour guide’s availability 📍 Location: Kikkerstraat 26, 1795 AD De Cocksdorp
5. Take a lovely stroll down the Vuurtorenweg Beach
Perfect for a long walk down with your family or your dog. Image: Depositphotos
Named after the famous lighthouse on its dunes, you can stroll along this beautiful beach right after you take a walk up the Eierland Lighthouse.
With sands that seem to stretch on forever, Vuurtorenweg Beach is the place to spend a chill afternoon.
You can eat at the nearby restaurants, fly kites, and get your feet wet on the shore (although it’s probably veel te koud (way too cold) for you to swim)!
Keep in mind the beach is on the North Sea side of the island. This means it’s usually quite windy and cold, even by summer standards, so don’t underestimate the power of an extra jacket.
💰 Price: Gratis! (Free!) ⏰ Opening hours: All day, all year 📍 Location: On the northernmost tip of the island where the Eierland Lighthouse is.
6. Pet some sheep at the Texel Sheep Farm
Look at how adorable the lambs are! Image: Depositphotos
Have you ever dreamed about snuggling clouds and petting baby farm animals? Kill two birds with one stone (not literally) and visit the Texel Sheep Farm!
You can enjoy a solo trip or spend a day with kids at this sheep farm to cuddle some adorable lambs. Schattig!
While sheep are the main attraction, the Texel Sheep Farm hosts a number of other farm animals, from chickens to dogs and pigs.
💰 Price: €7.50 for everyone over age 12, €6 for children aged 12 to 2, and free for children under age 2 ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 4 PM on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 📍 Location: Pontweg 77, 1791 LA Den Burg
7. Crack a cold one at the Texelse Brouwerij
Every Dutch region, city, and province has its own iconic beers to enjoy. Image: Depositphotos
Dutchies love their beer, and it’s no different up in Texel. In fact, Texel has its own brewery and brand of beer!
You can enjoy a cold beer on their terrasje (terrace), book a few hours in their tasting room, and even stock up on a couple of beers to take back home and impress your friends.
💰 Price: Depends on whether you go to a tasting room, buy the beers, or visit the café ⏰ Opening hours: 10:30 AM to 6 PM from Tuesdays to Fridays, 10:30 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays, closed on Sundays and Mondays 📍 Location: Schilderweg 214 b, 1792 CK Oudeschild
8. Enjoy a bike ride along Texel’s bike trails
Feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. 😌 Image: Depositphotos
If you’re feeling sporty, riding along Texel’s bike trails is one of the best ways to satisfy your endorphin cravings on the island.
If the thought of cycling in Amsterdam stresses you out, worry not! Bike rides in Texel are much more relaxing.
With no less than 140 kilometres of bicycle paths in Texel, there’s more than enough space for everyone — and the best part is you can enjoy a leisurely cycle through a variety of routes!
💰 Price: Depends on if you rent a bicycle or bring one yourself. You’ll also have to pay for any potential maintenance on your bike. ⏰ Opening hours: While there’s no strict “time” you can cycle, it’s safest in the daytime when there’s light! 📍 Location: Island-wide
9. Taste authentic Texelse cheese at the Wezenspyk Cheese Farm
While visiting @Wezenspyk Cheese Farm in Texel, I learned that the island has been producing cheese from sheep's milk for more than 500 years. And I can tell you from experience – the cheese lives up to the hype! What's your favorite type of cheese? 🧀 #Texel#VVVTexelpic.twitter.com/eCfH2KJ95q
Any adventure in the Netherlands is incomplete without visiting a local cheese shop!
And the cheese farm, shop, and café Wezenspyk is no exception! Texelse cheese is particularly special because of the grass that the cows (and sheep) graze on Texel, which gives a unique flavour to its cheese.
The Wezenspyk family has been making cheese since the late 19th century — so not only are you getting a slice of cheese but also a slice of Dutch history).
💰 Price: Depends on what you buy at the factory, cheese shop, or café! ⏰ Opening hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM from Monday to Saturday and 11 AM to 5 PM on Sunday 📍 Location: Hoornderweg 29, 1791 PM Den Burg
10. Visit the picturesque village of De Cocksdorp
There’s never a shortage of pretty towns in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
A trip to a quaint town is one of the more touristy things to do in Texel, but we promise it’s not nearly as crowded as Amsterdam.
De Cocksdorp is a village on the northernmost point of Texel, closest to the Eierland Lighthouse.
This lovely town is perfect if you want to lounge at a café in the sun, browse the shops, and take a walk down to the beaches.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: All day 📍 Location: De Cocksdorp, northern Texel
11. Hike through the dunes of Texel National Park
You’ll have endless paths to walk and enjoy! Image: Depositphotos
Like much of the Dutch coast, Texel boasts some really beautiful dunes!
The National Park Dunes of Texel offer extensive areas of nature and wildlife that photographers and families alike can enjoy.
You can get your blood pumping with an early morning bike ride or take a leisurely afternoon stroll, and bird watch to your heart’s content.
From lush fields of purple heathers to endless hiking and cycling paths, you’re sure to fall in love with the flora and fauna of Texel’s dunes.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: During the daytime 📍 Location: Ruijslaan 92, 1796 AZ De Koog (Ecomare), Kikkertstraat 42, 1795 AE De Cocksdorp (Bird Information Texel)
12. Learn all about Dutch maritime history at Museum Kaap Skil
Find out all about Texel’s military and naval history at this local museum! Image: Museum Kaap Skil/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Museum Kaap Skil makes for a fun day out in Texel, especially if you’re a naval and military history nerd.
Located in the small fishing town of Oudeschild, adults and children alike will enjoy this open-air museum.
You can learn all about merchant ships, whalers, and warships from the 16th and 17th centuries and hang out in the reconstructed model of an Oudeschild street from the 20th century.
💰 Price: €12 for those over 18, €8.50 for those aged 4 to 18, and free for children under 4 ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 5 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday 📍 Location: Heemskerckstraat 9, 1792 AA Oudeschild
13. Take a leap of faith and skydive over Texel
There’s no view like a sky view. Image: Depositphotos
Skydiving is one of the coolest things Texel offers for all our thrill-seeking risk-takers!
Whether you’re a veteran parachutist or skydiving for the first time, Paracentrum Texel provides the perfect course for your skill level.
You’ll be floating in the wind (starting 3 kilometres above the ground), and you’ll have a beautiful view of the island as you make your descent.
💰 Price: €189 for a low altitude jump, €224.50 to €309.50 for a standard tandem jump, and €314.50 to €399.50 for an extreme tandem jump ⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM to 6 PM every day 📍 Location: Postweg 128, 1795 JS De Cocksdorp
14. Visit the historical Fort de Schans
Fort de Schans is like a huge time capsule for Texel’s history! Image: Agaath/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Here’s another one for the history nerds! Take a peek into the past and visit Fort de Schans to learn all about the French occupation and the general military history of the island.
You can join a guided tour or take a solo walk and soak up the nature and history of this beautiful fort.
The fort is freely accessible to walkers and runners, and you might just pass through the fort if you’re cycling through the dunes.
💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: 8 AM to 6 PM every day 📍 Location: Schansweg, Oudeschild
There’s nothing like a zoo to bring out your inner child! From a butterfly garden to reptile exhibits and an oasis-like garden, a trip to the Texel will make some lasting family memories.
You’ll find plenty of adorable animals at the Texel Zoo, including prairie dogs, meerkats, lory birds, and more.
💰 Price: €10.50 for those over 11, €8.50 for children aged 4 to 11, free for children under 4 ⏰ Opening hours: 10 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday (closed on Monday and Friday) 📍 Location: Schorrenweg 20, 1794 HG Oosterend
16. Find some thrifty deals at Den Burg’s market
You can find some delicious, fresh produce and all your other needs right in Den Burg’s market. Image: Freepik
Calling in all bargain champs! Head over to Den Burg for their weekly goods market on Mondays at the Groeneplaats (the green place).
What sort of goods? Here, you can do your usual grocery shopping, from fresh veggies to meats or buy some locally sourced goods as souvenirs like honey, jam, pottery, and care products.
💰 Price: Depends on what you buy ⏰ Opening hours: 8 AM to 1:30 PM every Monday 📍 Location: Den Burg, Texel
17. Try some water sports at Texel’s beaches
Surf’s up! Who’s down for a dip in the water? Image: Freepik
Last but not least, we wouldn’t miss out on trying out some of the many water sports offered on Texel. From surfing to sailing, kayaking and swimming, the sky’s the limit! (or is it the sea?🤔)
You can try out all kinds of water sports and activities, with or without kids, all over the island! Let op, however! The water probably isn’t as warm as you’d think.
💰 Price: Various prices ⏰ Opening hours: During the daytime 📍 Location: Various locations
With all kinds of adventurous, exciting, and relaxing things to do, you’re sure to enjoy a trip to this lovely place in the Netherlands.
Have you been to Texel before? What do you recommend for visitors? Tell us in the comments!
A home-cooked dinner for €15, a coffee for €3, or a pack of potato chips for €0.70 — the Dutch will send a Tikkie for even the crummiest of cash and for absolutely any occasion.
Living in the Netherlands means you’ll eventually come across windmills, canals, tulips, and the notorious Tikkie request from a Dutchie. It’s inevitable, so just accept your fate!
What is it?
If you’re new to the world of eccentric quirks that the Dutch proudly possess, then you’re probably left very confused. What exactly is a Tikkie? And why is it such a big deal? 🤔
Basically, it’s an online system that allows you to send people payment requests.
How it works is simple. If someone owes you money, you just enter the owed amount into the Tikkie app, write a note explaining what it’s for, and then share the generated payment link to your desired WhatsApp contacts.
But there’s a catch. The infamous Tikkie app has exactly null limits on how low you can go when asking for shillings, which totally caters to the penny-pinching ways of the Dutch. 💸
Why do they do it?
The Tikkie app grew enormously amongst the Dutch crowd in the past years, and it’s not the least bit surprising.
It clicks perfectly with an all-important part of their culture and behaviour: splitting the bill!
Not only that, but it’s also a surefire way that they can keep every smidgeon of cash in their bank account and ensure that not a single person is indebted to them — which is just how the Dutch like it.
Listen, we get it. It’s a natural human instinct to want to give back what you owe to others, and rightfully so — but we can argue that etiquette is just as important of a factor to consider.
With that being said, you might want to hold off on sending a Tikkie for things like hand soap or toilet paper rolls — unless, of course, you’re:
a high-schooler on a tight allowance,
a university or college student with little to no disposable income,
living in an apartment with three or more roommates.
Why is it quirky?
Imagine being invited as a guest to a Dutch person’s home. You share a couple of drinks, they cook you a lekker meal for dinner (if you’re lucky), and you go home feeling satisfied with the evening.
The next day, you unexpectedly receive a text message that reads, “Please could you pay me €15 for half of the dinner ingredients and drinks.” We hate to tell you, but you just fell for the classic Tikkie bait. 😬
And unfortunately, that’s just one of the many scenarios where you’ll find yourself being Tikkie-ed.
In the Netherlands we don’t say “thanks for the fun night” we say “Niet vergeten Tikkie te sturen he!!!!” and I think that’s beautiful
Borrelen with your colleagues? Tikkie for the round of beers. Asked out on a date? Tikkie for the entire three-course meal. Offered a bite of cake? Tikkie for that one, individual bite.
As an international living in the Netherlands, you’ll inevitably start to familiarise yourself with Dutch traditions and habits. You might even join in on some of them so you can truly know what it’s like to live like the Dutch.
However, while getting back your money is always great, we’d suggest holding off on the habit of sending Tikkies for anything less than €4 or €5, at the cost of looking kinda scrimpy. 😐
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Residents in Rotterdam’s Provinierswijk were in for a big disappointment when the renovations of the iconic Ungerpleinflat were complete.
Instead of 49 new affordable apartments, the building is now offering 6-month contracts to expats — and for a hefty price.
Finding loopholes
The Ungerpleinflat was renovated by the developer Leyten, who has transformed the once tallest residential building in the Netherlands into a sort of hotel.
The building is now complete with 49 fully furnished apartments meant for expats, costing anywhere between €1400 and €2800 per month. Utilities cost another €350 on top of that.
As Alderman Chantal Zeegers explains to OPEN Rotterdam, temporary contracts can be offered to ’emergency seekers’, meaning people who desperately need to find some sort of housing. The same goes for students.
‘Making money, making money, making money’
Considering the prices of the apartments and the fact that the rental company, Verra Makelaars, specialises in expat housing, it doesn’t appear like the new tenants are people in desperate situations.
A Provinierswijk resident, Marjan, says she understands that everyone needs to stay somewhere but that expats aren’t involved in the community, negatively impacting the neighbourhood’s social cohesion.
Another resident sees the motives of the developer clearly: ”Making money, making money, making money.”
Leyten claims that making the Ungerpleinflat into expensive short-stay apartments is an attempt to make the expensive renovation of a building with monument status feasible.
Provinierswijk resident Arie understands that, but sees this as the perfect example of when the government should step in and regulate housing better.
“Not just anyone with a bit of money and some guts can go and start building,” thinks Arie — and his fellow residents agree.
What do you think about more buildings becoming luxury short-stays for expats? Share your thoughts in the comments.
