If the recent train disruptions have you swearing off the NS forever, don’t get ahead of yourself. The train service is announcing a new timetable aimed at improving our travel experience.
Faster and more frequent trains, new routes, and more stations: these are the promises the NS is making for the upcoming year. 👇
More trains for the hard workers and the party people
The new NS timetable will start on December 15. Aimed at making our train journeys faster and more flexible, it will run more trains than during the company’s peak year in 2019.
How exactly will they do that? By reintroducing some old routes for starters.
Every 15 minutes, trains will run on the Amsterdam Centraal-Almere, Amsterdam Centraal-Alkmaar and Utrecht-Woerden routes again.
Additionally, the sprinter that currently runs every 10 minutes between Rotterdam and Dordrecht will extend its route, stretching to Den Haag Centraal.
There will also be earlier trains in the mornings and later trains at night. To accommodate both the working and the partying population, this will be the case during both the week and weekends.
If you’ve desperately been trying to leave the country in search of some sun but find yourself stuck at Amsterdam Centraal instead, the NS is keeping you in mind as well.
While the capital’s main station is undergoing renovations, there will be a special sprinter that runs between Hoofddorp, Schiphol and Amsterdam Centraal every 7.5 minutes.
This especially speedy Schiphol connection will start running on December 16.
Faster trips to Brussels
If plane journeys aren’t for you, but going abroad is, travelling will become easier too.
You might not be able to get far, but you can get to Brussels — in 45 minutes less and on twice as many possible trains as before.
Not a completely smooth ride
However, despite the announced improvements, several challenges remain.
Firstly, as every traveller who has tried to get anywhere these past weeks knows, there are currently major train track renovations happening that bring major disruptions with them.
This won’t stop just yet, so the announced changes might still be a bit unreliable as of December 15.
Moreover, these changes will cost you. The price of NS products will increase by 6.2% on average. I guess their focus right now is that public transport actually transports, not that it’s actually accessible to all the public. 🤑
According to RTL, Dutch trains are already more expensive than in neighbouring countries, such as Belgium and Germany.
On the bright side, the NS initially wanted a price increase of 12% but made a deal with the government that enabled them to get that number down to 6.2%.
Even with the price increases, the new timetable sounds promising.
Come December 15, we hope you’re only ever late to work because you managed to get an extra few minutes of sleep… not because you got stuck in Haarlem at 7:55 AM.
An 8-year-old boy was the only survivor of his family after his 41-year-old mother, 45-year-old father, and 17-year-old sister were killed by this weekend’s explosions at the Tarwekamp in The Hague.
In addition to the three family members, three other victims lost their lives, reports NU.nl.
Supporting the victims
The boy is being cared for by family, who express utter devastation following the tragic event.
The young boy and other victims are currently being offered support by the organisation Namens de Familie, which helps people cope with great loss and trauma.
School takes immediate action
The school that both the boy and his sister attended “called parents in the immediate vicinity [of the explosion] on Saturday”, school director Ewald van Vliet tells AD.
The staff have expressed great shock at the news and are doing everything in their power to accommodate everyone affected by the event.
Two further lucky escapes
All the victims and survivors of the explosion have been identified. Two of the survivors were found to be sleeping in the basement of a cafe where the explosions took place, according to the NOS.
The owner of the pub tells the NOS that it was a barman and a regular customer who regularly sleep in the basement after work.
Both made it out almost completely unharmed. They were taken to the hospital due to inhaled smoke.
Cause still unknown
The reason for the enormous explosion is still unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
According to NU.nl, the police are still searching for the driver of a car seen after the explosion.
Know anything about the incident? As the investigation continues, the police have asked people to come forward with any valuable information by filling out the Tip Form or calling 0800-6070.
Starting today, the Dutch Royal Marechaussee have introduced extra control along 800 border crossings in the Netherlands, as ordered by the Dutch government.
Wait what? No, the Netherlands didn’t leave the European Union. Instead, these checks intend to combat human trafficking and illegal migration across the Dutch border, reports the NOS.
How will this affect travellers?
From today onwards, cars, trucks and trains crossing into the Netherlands may be subjected to increased border control.
If you’re worried about passport checks interrupting an intense session of carpool karaoke, don’t fret. Realistically, the Marechaussee don’t have the resources to monitor every crossing, meaning most people will experience little to no disruption.
International trains may also be subjected to increased border control. From today onwards, the Marechaussee have the power to search an unlimited number of carriages. So, if you’re travelling by train, ensure you carry proper ID. 🚆
Did you know: As a safety measure, you should always carry a valid passport or identity card when travelling abroad (yes, also in the EU). A Dutch driver’s licence is not an official form of identification abroad. Go to the government website for more information.
Officials question border checks
Many Dutch mayors have expressed concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the measures, fearing they could cause unnecessary inconvenience for road users.
During Wednesday’s Lower House debate, questions were raised about the impact of these controls on commuter traffic, but the Asylum Minister was unable to provide detailed answers, according to NOS.
A spokesperson for the border municipality of Baarle-Nassau attempted to reassure the public, stating, “the checks will be targeted, so there will be no traffic jams.”
How often do you travel across the Dutch border? Let us know in the comments below.
On Saturday morning, multiple explosions caused an apartment building in The Hague to collapse, leaving at least four people injured and six dead. The search for victims is still ongoing.
The explosions, which happened around 6:15 AM on the Tarwekamp, in the Mariahoeve district, destroyed five apartments and several businesses underneath them, reports the NOS.
“Indications of a crime”
Footage from the area suggests that there were three explosions in total, a small one and two bigger ones, resulting in a massive fire that the fire brigades only managed to extinguish around 11 AM.
Although the cause of the explosions remains unknown, the police have said that “there are indications of a crime.”
Specifically, attention has been focused on a car that was seen speeding away from the Tarwekamp soon after the explosions.
Know anything about the incident? As the investigation continues, the police have asked people to come forward with any valuable information by filling out the Tip Form or calling 0800-6070.
Five victims have been identified
On X, The Hague police revealed that five victims have been identified: a man (31) from Voorburg, and a man (45) and two women (17 and 41) from The Hague.
No further information was given on the sixth victim, who was found this morning, or on the people who have been hospitalised.
Major Dutch politicians paid a visit
On Sunday, Prime Minister Schoof, The Hague Mayor Van Zanen and Minister of Justice and Security Van Weel visited the disaster site.
The neighbourhood is deeply shaken by the incident. Image: Beatrice Scali/DutchReview
Their comments to the press reflect the gravity of the incident. “It’s intense, like being in a war zone. I’ve been in war zones and that’s exactly what you see,” Van Weel told the NOS.
Today, the Mayor returned to the explosion scene, this time accompanied by the King and Queen.
€350,000 raised for victims
A local organisation called Lichtpuntjes van Mariahoeve started a donation campaign for victims, both those who lost their loved ones or homes and the ones from the about forty apartments that have been evacuated.
The support has been incredible: over the weekend, they kept reaching and raising their goal.
You read that right. It’s the mighty verjaardagskalendar: a calendar that holds birthday reminders and party possibilities, and Dutchies casually keep it in the bathroom.
There are three important things to remember before we embark on this exploratory journey together.
The Dutch don’t mess, miss, or disappoint when it comes to planning and birthdays.
What is it?
If you walk into a Dutch person’s bathroom, chances are you’re going to notice some sort of a calendar on the back of their bathroom door or hanging from the cold, shivering tiles.
This Dutch quirk can be found in the form of an old 2007 calendar being reused in modern times.
Alternatively, it can be a monthly formatting which allows for penny-savers to (theoretically 👀) hold on to their dear calendars and use them forever. Very Dutch.
An invention that was brought to you before e-calendars and phone reminders, this mechanism is basically how many Dutch people keep track of whose birthday is coming up while doing toilet-related activities.
Practical and accessible, you’ll see it and remember it every time you go to the loo! Image: Freepik
One important rule about the calendar: it can only be altered by its owner.
As a guest, you get viewing privileges, but never add your own birthday to the calendar. It’s a social faux pas — you must earn your place on there.
Why do they like it?
It’s certainly a useful reminder of birthdays, that’s for starters.
The location (within arm’s reach of a comfortable and very popular seat) is convenient as well — entertainment or reading material is often needed to kill time.
It’s also a good way to elevate, rank, and take relationships to the next level.
After all, you know you’re truly accepted by the Dutch once your b-day is noted (in pen, not pencil) within that shabby, questionable thing.
Why is it quirky?
It’s a toilet birthday calendar. The quirky part is in the setting, not the sentiment.
Would it be quirky if it was a kitchen birthday calendar? No — and that’s my whole point.
You’ll casually have a birthday calendar behind you while you use the toilet! Image: Freepik
Back to the sentiment, however, it really reflects a soft side of the Dutch that I didn’t think existed.
Think about it: they care about you well enough to ask for your birthday, carry it in their mind, go to the bathroom, and notate it by hand on a tiny piece of paper that will exist forever!
Should you join in?
It’s a truly high item on the integration list, but we can help you decide.
Ask yourself this: are you willing to make a commitment to maintain and uphold a toilet calendar as efficiently and responsibly as the Dutch do?
Follow-up question: Is your phone broken, and you’re tired of reading the back of shampoo bottles?
If your answer was yes to the last two questions, then we highly recommend getting a verjaardagskalendar.
What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!
Dutch police are investigating a 17-year-old’s report of a serious crime that occurred on the evening of Sunday, December 1.
The boy alleges that he was kidnapped, abused, and threatened.
The kidnapping
The crime took place on the Rijnstraat in the Rivierenbuurt neighbourhood in the south of Amsterdam.
At around 8:30 PM, a 17-year-old boy called for help in vain before being pulled into a black car and driven to the Amsterdamse Bos.
There, the abductors allegedly forced him to strip down and filmed him undress.
They then abused him and poured liquid on him, threatening to set him on fire if he didn’t give them money.
The Amsterdamse Bos was the place of a serious crime. Image: Dreamstime
The victim has now filed a report, and the police have already arrested three suspects — two 19-year-olds and an 18-year-old from Amsterdam.
As the NOS writes, it seems like the four young men knew each other, and the victim owed the suspects a couple hundred euros.
Can you help the police?
To aid in their investigation, the police would now like to get in touch with witnesses.
Did you see or hear anything suspicious near Rijnstraat or the Amsterdamse Bos between 8 PM and 10 PM on Sunday? Or do you perhaps have footage from doorbell cameras or dashcams?
In either of these cases, the police ask you to contact them. This can also be done anonymously.
Got a tip for the police? Here’s how you can help:
If you have any knowledge or footage that could help the police out, you can call them at 0900-8844. Alternatively, you can file an anonymous report online or submit a photo or video tip.
The Netherlands is ending this week with the first two winter storms of the year. Today, strong winds have prompted a code yellow and affected traffic across most of the country — and there is more coming tomorrow.
Today’s storm has already caused Schiphol to cancel over 100 flights, and caused several disruptions to rail and road traffic across the country, reports the NOS.
Code yellow and disruptions… almost everywhere
Last night, expecting wind forces of 8 or 9 across the country, the Royal Dutch Weather Institute (KNMI) issued a code yellow for all Dutch provinces except Brabant and Limburg.
The alert will be active until noon, when winds are projected to lose some strength. Until then, we’ll experience gusts of up to 90 km/h in the northwest of the country and up to 120 km/h on the Wadden Islands.
Chaos on land and in the air
On top of the many flight cancellations at Schiphol, road and rail traffic across the Netherlands are also experiencing disruptions.
On the railways, the most affected area is Almere, where fewer trains are running. This is impacting railway traffic in Duivendrecht, Hilversum, Weesp and Lelystad, reports the AD.
On the roads, the province of Flevoland is experiencing the biggest nuisance, with some areas closed off or limited for traffic.
While today’s storm is expected to lose strength in the afternoon, the country should brace for its twin brother tomorrow. 👀
That’s storm Darragh, which has already been raging over Ireland and the UK.
Luckily, by the time Darragh reaches the Netherlands tomorrow, it will likely no longer qualify as a storm — though it will still bring stormy weather.
Sex in the Netherlands is no taboo subject, as anyone who has taken a stroll through the De Wallen district of Amsterdam finds out.
But what are Dutch attitudes towards sex? How are they educated in schools? And what’s up with the red-light districts? How low do the lowlanders drop it (and is it hot)?
Time to find out in our (un)official, but still kind of scientific, guide to sex in the Netherlands.
Sex education in Dutch schools
Sex is, unfortunately, a taboo in many cultures. In tune with their direct, no-nonsense nature, the Dutch have arguably adopted a better method than most to educate their citizens about sex.
The Dutch believe that sex is a natural element of life, therefore avoiding the issues that many other cultures struggle with. Open conversations on the matter are encouraged in the Netherlands.
Don’t text in class, kids; you might miss out on important info. Image: Depositphotos
Dutch children are taught about sex in an arguably holistic manner. They learn about the need for respect towards their partner while also learning about the more technical aspects of sex life.
A wide range of topics are covered in Dutch sex ed. From gender identity to boys being encouraged to embrace their feelings.
Girls also learn how to make their own choices about sexuality and not give in to societal expectations or peer pressure.
Few topics are left unearthed. Lessons include topics such as oral sex and masturbation, which for many other cultures, are topics which can barely be discussed in public.
Teen pregnancy is low in the Netherlands
The success of Dutch sex education is reflected in their low teen pregnancy rates. While the United States, for example, has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in the developed world, the Dutch rate of pregnancy is a staggering four times lower.
Another important aspect of their education is learning about consent. Dutch people learn that sex is something to be done in the context of a relationship based on trust and love.
And it works! Sexually transmitted diseases are much lower in the Netherlands than in the United Kingdom or the United States.
The Dutch model of sex education can, therefore, be considered a great example of how to deal with the topic. While it might not be applicable everywhere due to cultural barriers, it can still serve as an inspiring example for other nations.
Sex in the Netherlands: when do Dutch people have their first sexual experiences?
Given their open approach to sex education, a glimpse into the start of young Dutchies’ sex life should yield interesting results.
Eindhoven University of Technology reports that in the year 2012, the age range between 19-24, over 70% of Dutch men and 77% of Dutch women were sexually active.
Furthermore, the study notes that French kissing is the first type of sexual contact that people have, with 50% of young people around the age of 14 experiencing it.
By 16, half of teenagers have experienced manual stimulation of the genitals, and by 17, half of them have experienced oral sex.
Another study reveals that 64% of Dutch men and women feel confident in asserting their needs and desires and are open towards discussing sex. This is likely a result of the openness of their educational system with regard to sex.
A helpful graph for the visual learner. Image: DuchReview
Sex in the Netherlands: how do the Dutch score in bed? (according to themselves)
A Europe-wide survey on sex conducted by YouGov in 2013 looked at how different nationalities self-evaluate their love-making skills.
The Dutch appear to think highly of their bedroom etiquette, coming in second in Europe alongside Austrians. The first place was taken by the Swiss.
Getting frisky in the Netherlands also means keeping warm. Image: Depositphotos
Interestingly, the same survey has shown that the Dutch are the least likely to:
Be unfaithful (15%)
Photograph or film themselves during sex (7%)
Have a one-night stand (23%)
Send text messages with sexual content (15%)
They are similarly conservative when it comes to:
Taking Viagra (5%) — joint third-lowest ranking in Europe
Dressing up in a costume during sex (4%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe
Going to a strip club (7%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe (it also costs money 😉)
Watching pornography (43%) — second-lowest ranking in Europe
Prostitution and red-lights in the Netherlands
The Dutch attitude towards prostitution is famous internationally, and there are no better places to gain an insight into the phenomenon than the red-light districts in the Netherlands.
The legal structure of prostitution in the Netherlands is well-developed, with sex workers benefiting from legal protection and workers’ rights akin to other employees.
In the late 1990s, before the official legalisation of prostitution happened, a survey showed that 73% of those asked agreed with legalisation, and 78% believed that it was a job like any other.
The red light district is synonymous with sex in the Netherlands, right? Image: Depositphotos
Many people are surprised to find that most large cities in the Netherlands, such as Utrecht and the Hague, have their own “red light districts” for sex work.
In these places, there is strong police presence, dedicated and private car spots to do the deed and sexual health clinics provided for the workers. It’s all part of making sure sex work is not just legal but safe.
Sex work in the Netherlands: legal yet still problematic
That being said, abuse cases do still exist. Also, prostitution isn’t completely decriminalised. Unregistered sex workers are illegal, and human trafficking is also of grave concern, as well as links with criminal organisations.
Women from foreign countries are enticed to come to the Netherlands on the promise of working in restaurants or other service jobs.
Many find themselves forced into sex work, usually threatened with violence. It is estimated that there are around 5,000 victims of human trafficking.
The legal age for prostitution in the Netherlands is 21. Image: Depositphotos
This has led to a loss of support from the public in regard to prostitution. There are stronger pushes on the Dutch government to tighten controls, create licensing for brothels, as well as reduce the size of red-light districts.
Louise and Martine Fokkens, two famous twins in their 70s who worked as window girls, claim that the legalisation in 2000 has made life worse for sex workers. They claim that the heavy taxation only ends up benefiting the brothel owners, as well as increasing criminality.
The Dutch are quite active beyond just the red-light districts, and their education makes them both well-informed about sex, as well as private about it.
What are your experiences with sex in the Netherlands? Are the Dutch as good as they claim to be? Let us know in the comments below!
Rich in history, Vesting Bourtange dates back to 1580, when Willem van Oranje ordered the construction of an entrenchment near the Dutch-German border. Now, this cute little village attracts visitors from across the Netherlands.
Built on a sandy ridge or tange in Dutch, Vesting Bourtange was completed in 1593. Since then, it has grown into an agricultural village teeming with history.
Perfect for a day trip
Bourtange is located southeast of Groningen, making it a fun day trip if you’re in the area. Its cobbled roads, historic cannons, and wooden drawbridges allow your imagination to wander.
A few weeks ago, while the kids had a day off from school, we decided to take a trip North and spent the day soaking up some history.
This gorgeous town is like stepping into history. Image: Depositphotos
I automatically assumed the kids would be complaining of boredom from the minute we got there until the minute we left, but surprisingly, they loved it!
We walked around the high ridges that line the town, the water canal on one side and the town in the centre. The stunning views and fields, as far as the eye could see, made us feel as if we were protected from the rest of the world.
Things to do in Vesting Bourtange
Along with museums, Bourtange also has an Inn where you can stay overnight to enjoy the fortress for a little bit longer. We enjoyed watching the residents having their breakfast in their gardens.
For those into handicrafts, make sure to visit the candle maker. We eventually made our way to the centre, where there were several restaurants. I suggest finding a table early, as by the time we had finished eating, the square was filled to the brim.
The perfect village for a day out! /Image: Dreamstime
The food was typical Dutch fare (not amazing, in my opinion), but it filled the tummies and gave us enough energy to start another round of exploring.
Our little tour continued with visiting historical sites such as the church and the windmill. We even managed to have some relaxation time watching the swans go by. By the afternoon, the crowds grew in number, and we were happy we had gotten to Bourtange early.
The video makes the village look larger than it felt, but it was quite a bit smaller than expected in all reality.
Regardless, it was a beautiful place to visit and an interactive way for the children to learn about history. No theme parks, no rides, just exploring and wandering the streets of this centuries-old fortress. I highly recommend Bourtange for your next family outing.
Have you heard of this beautiful village before? Let us know what you think of Bourtange in the comments below!
The Dutch government agrees that population growth in the Netherlands needs to be slowed down. How they’re going to do that, though, is still a mystery. 👀
In particular, the cabinet wants “moderate population growth” in the Netherlands — and debated how to achieve this on Wednesday, reports the NOS.
Public enemy number one: labour migration
What exactly counts as moderate? Well, as a start, it would include halving the number of immigrants coming into the country — which currently stands at 140,000 newcomers each year.
The majority of the House of Representatives sees current demographic trends in the Netherlands as a threat to prosperity. As such, their focus is on limiting labour migration.
If you’re an international student, you may not want to relax too soon — this is the new Dutch government we’re talking about after all. 😬
Whilst not the focus of the discussion, international student numbers were also a cause for concern. Image: Freepik
Though not their highest priority, the cabinet would also like to see decreases in the number of foreign students and asylum seekers.
You can let out a small sigh of relief if you don’t work in a slaughterhouse or distribution centre, though. 👇
These are the sectors that are deemed most problematic, because both fields attract a lot of migrant workers that are vulnerable to exploitation.
More left-leaning parties want a harsher stance on employment in these fields, with GL-PVDA (Green Left-Labour) leader Frans Timmermans posing the question of whether these industries are even vital to the Netherlands.
Als we de problemen rond arbeidsmigratie aanpakken en misstanden door malafide werkgevers bestrijden, vermindert de druk op onze samenleving. Dat schept letterlijk meer ruimte, maar ook ruimte in ons hoofd en hart voor de opvang van mensen die vluchten voor oorlog en vervolging. pic.twitter.com/xQfChizgvH
Translation: If we tackle the problems surrounding labor migration and combat abuses by rogue employers, the pressure on our society will decrease. This literally creates more space, but also makes space in our heads and hearts to care for the people fleeing war and persecution.
The right side of the political spectrum still wants to limit migration in these sectors, but is not as critical of the industries as a whole.
“We say: don’t put a line through all kinds of sectors tomorrow,” states VVD (People’s Party of Freedom and Democracy) MP Bente Becker.
Instead, she encourages including employers in the talks on how to limit immigration. (Convincing bosses to give up cheap labour apparently sounds more doable than limiting frikandel consumption. 🙄)
The government debates setting immigration targets
An idea that unites several left and right parties is the introduction of bandwidths that would serve as “guiding target numbers” for each migrant category.
Following the House of Representatives’ well-established pattern, however, the details of this proposal have yet to be fleshed out.
The key issues? Well, immigration is unpredictable and depends on factors outside the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the Netherlands is bound by international asylum agreements, which means the Dutch government can’t be too creative when coming up with how high (or low!) the guiding numbers would be.
The Minister of Social Affairs, Eddy van Hijum, also states that setting target numbers “only makes sense if you can link it to a policy with which you can then steer on those numbers.”
However, migration also has its merits
Issues related to migration weren’t the only points brought up in the debate, though.
Denk MP Doğukan Ergin emphasises how the Netherlands actually needs more workers and how immigrants can combat an ageing population.
PVV (Freedom Party) MP Maikel Boon vehemently disagrees: he claims that using immigration to combat ageing only postpones the issues an older population brings with it, not solves it.
Various Christian parties also stepped in, to remind the cabinet that (Dutch) people aren’t having enough children.
Dutch women, on average, have 1.43 children — a figure well below “the replacement value of 2.1”.
