The Dutch may seem civilized now, but anyone with some knowledge of European history knows that was not always the case.
Europe, including the Netherlands, was not an easy place to live in back in the day. The continent was ravaged by wars, conflicts, and assassinations — a complete geopolitical mess.
One story from the past that best exemplifies this is the tragic tale of Johan de Witt, an especially dark chapter in Dutch history.
Historical background
In 1672, the Netherlands (known as the Dutch Republic at the time) was involved in a war with England, France, and the two German cities of Cologne and Münster.
This year would enter the Dutch history books as the Rampjaar(Disaster Year), which marked the end of the Dutch Golden Age.
The Rampjaareven has its own slogan: “het volk was redeloos, de regering radeloos, en het land reddeloos.” Translated to English, it means, “the people were irrational, the government helpless, and the country beyond salvation.”
What a stressful time to be alive. Or, worse yet, what a stressful time to be leading a country.
Johan de Witt was the (unlucky) Prime Minister at the time. For almost 20 years, he was one of the only non-royal leaders in all of Europe.
This displeased many Dutch citizens who disliked him and would have rather seen the famous William III of the House of Orange-Nassau take office. The House of Orange was the closest thing the Republic had to a royal family at the time.
Johan de Witt in better days. Image: Adriaene Hanneman/Wikimedia Commons/Public domain
Johan de Witt, on the other hand, represented Republican interests alongside a strong and wealthy merchant class.
The De Witts have governed the city of Dordrecht since medieval times, and the powerful family holds high political positions throughout the Netherlands.
For example, Johan’s brother Cornelis de Witt was a highly-ranked marine officer and governor of Dordrecht.
The (violent) downfall of Johan de Witt
On June 21 of the Rampjaar, an assassin stabbed De Witt, hurting him gravely. De Witt then resigned from his 20-year-long leadership, but the people conspiring against him were not yet satisfied.
At the same time, his brother Cornelis was arrested for treason, taken to a prison in The Hague (now a museum — more on that later), and tortured.
As it was the custom at the time, torture was just a normal part of imprisonment, used as a means to force a confession out of those convicted.
Being a strong lad and not intending to conspire against his own brother, Cornelis refused to confess. He was sentenced, however, to exile.
Johan went to the prison his brother was staying at to help him prepare for the trip. As they both departed, they got captured by a militant mob, which shot both of them and then left them to the crowds.
The crowds did what crowds do best: lose all sense or sanity. According to some reports, the two brothers were stripped naked, mutilated, and had their livers removed and eaten.
It’s important to note that crowds always liked to pick a souvenir back in the days of public lynchings. Maybe pop some teeth off and put them in your pockets, or perhaps a finger or two.
Heck, why not be a legend and take the whole arm? Sure, eating the liver sounds a bit intense, but hey, war makes people do desperate things.
It’s unknown whether William III of Orange was involved in the assassination. Whatever the case, he wasn’t the one eaten by the crowd, so it must have been a win-win situation for him.
You have probably walked past this historic site in the Hague before! Image: Depositphotos
Nowadays, curious visitors can go to the prison where Cornelius was tortured. It’s called Gevangenpoort, and it’s now a museum in The Hague. Part of it is dedicated to its glorious prison days, and part of it acts as a refurbished art gallery.
It is situated right next to the square where both the brothers were killed, and you can even find a commemorative statue of Johan de Witt there, in a more dignified state than during his final moments.
Have you heard of this dark chapter in Dutch history before? Let us know in the comments!
Looking for something to do to celebrate the beginning of spring? Perfect timing! One of the Netherlands’ most exciting attractions, Keukenhof, is opening its doors today, March 20.
The park will be open between 8 AM and 7:30 PM until May 11.
Ready to take a stroll through the many flower gardens and be mesmerised by all the different bloemen (flowers)?
Things to see and do at Keukenhof 2025
With flower shows, boat trips, cycling and guided tours to help you explore the park, you will get every opportunity to see the tulips, crocuses, daffodils and other mooie flowers.
There are also special events such as Easter at Keukenhof, Miffy visiting the flowers, and the Holland Heritage Days.
Great! How do I get there?
For those who don’t plan on cycling all the way to Keukenhof, buses are available from Schipol, Haarlem, Leiden Centraal, and Amsterdam RAI, just to name a few.
Move over, old-school beauty ideals — Dutch women are redefining what it means to look (and feel) beautiful.
From minimalist skincare routines to ethical beauty buys, a quiet but confident shift is happening in the Netherlands: one that celebrates natural beauty, sustainability, and unapologetic individuality.
Gone are the days of over-the-top glam. In its place? A fresher, more grounded aesthetic that reflects exactly what Dutch women do best: keeping it real.
In the Netherlands, less is more
If you’ve ever wandered through a Dutch city, you’ll notice something right away: most women aren’t caked in contour or dripping in highlighter. Instead, Dutch beauty is all about effortlessness.
Think fresh skin, a bit of mascara, and maybe a bold lip on a good day.
There’s an understated elegance to how Dutch women approach beauty — one that leans more toward “glowy skin from a bike ride” than “Instagram filter IRL.”
You’ll often find Dutch women rocking a bare face. Image: Depositphotos
It’s no surprise, then, that skincare often takes priority over makeup. Clean beauty, lightweight serums, and SPF are the holy grail items, and many women opt for routines that feel more like self-care than self-decoration.
The rise of smart, sustainable skincare
While other countries have only recently “discovered” eco-conscious beauty, Dutch women have quietly been leaning into sustainability for years. Cruelty-free? Check. Refillable packaging? Sure. Locally made soaps from that cute market in Utrecht? Obviously.
Ask any Dutch woman what matters in her beauty routine, and chances are you’ll hear words like duurzaam, natuurlijk or vegan. Sustainability is not a niche trend in the Netherlands; it’s actually what people care about.
In true Dutch fashion, practicality also plays a role. Minimal packaging, multipurpose products, and local sourcing are preferred by most.
Dutch women are always on the go — so less is more! Image: Depositphotos
But Dutch beauty doesn’t just stand out with its sustainability; there’s plenty of innovation happening behind the scenes.
Just like a fancy Dutch online casino would, the skincare industry is embracing all the emerging new technologies.
The result? Tech-forward skincare is becoming more accessible — think skin analysis tools, personalised product recommendations, and AI-powered routines.
Cultural confidence that goes beyond the mirror
Let’s be real: Dutch beauty isn’t about flawless skin or magazine-ready hair. It’s about looking like yourself (just maybe a little more uitgerust).
Confidence, independence, and individuality are deeply rooted in Dutch culture, and that translates into how women carry themselves. Beauty, here, isn’t about perfection — it’s about personality.
There’s also growing awareness around inclusive beauty, from embracing different hair textures and skin tones to challenging outdated beauty standards.
Dutch women are not only customers of beauty; they’re shaping the narrative themselves, whether through social media, sustainable startups, or simply leading by example.
So no, you probably won’t see a full face of glam on your way to Albert Heijn. But you will see confident, radiant women who prove that true beauty isn’t in the makeup but in the mindset. ☀️
What have you noticed about Dutch beauty standards? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Ah, train journeys in the Netherlands: not the worst, yet not the best.
We all have our fair share of annoying passengers that we just love to have a dig at. The sort of passengers that you might come into the office and complain about.
Here’s a lowdown on the type of passengers you have experienced at least once (or 100 times). 👇
1. The bag hoggers
These are the people who treat their bag like a human being. Some even go so far as to let you stand so their bag can rest well in that extra seat.
Maybe these people believe that bags need to sit down, too? 🤔
The truth is they simply don’t want you sitting next to them. Or anyone, for that matter.
Maybe life sitting next to a stranger is too big of a risk. You could be sick, smell bad or heaven forbid you may talk to them. That’s not up for discussion here.
Where the bag fits, it sits. 💺
2. The nose pickers
Maybe they left their PIN card at home and couldn’t eat anything throughout the day.
What else can you do if you’re left to waste away? That’s when a nice stringy bogey can come in handy and solve your hunger crisis. 👃
The best thing about Dutch trains is that there’s a special carriage to pick your nose on. pic.twitter.com/ZcbN0sRmSD
Frankly, they don’t mind if people notice. After all, they are always in an absolute trance when picking their nose.
3. The loud people in the silent carriage
These people want you to hear their conversation about what they’re having for dinner, whether they’ve dumped Martin yet, or the story of telling their boss where to shove it.
We should all be rooting for these people. “You go, girl, dump Martin and quit your job!” 👏
In reality, we aren’t drunk in a bar and don’t want to hear about a stranger’s life. We’ve just finished a stressful day at work and want to read a book in peace.
Other people are desperate to watch a video on YouTube, but oops, they’ve forgotten their earphones. Never mind, I’ll just play it out loud, they tell themselves.
These people bring steaming hot food onto the train, stinking up the carriage.
You will probably also start to eyeball them, either because you’re insanely jealous of Julia’s pasta box or because you don’t particularly want to see pasta sauce running all down their face. 🍝
There’s no place like an enclosed carriage to eat your patatjes met currysaus! 😋 Image: Depositphotos
And don’t even get me started on the apple eaters (I know it’s not hot food, guys). The sound of the apple cracking against the teeth is too much for our little ears to handle. 🍏
6. The starer
This person has no shame in staring at you for the entire journey.
If they’re in front of you, they have a full view and won’t miss a chance to stare when you look away. Not just admirers, but anyone with nosy tendencies.
If they’re beside you, say goodbye to privacy. Texting? Expect a side-eye snoop.
And if you’re having a conversation, they’ll hang on to your every word. Next time, stick your tongue out and see how they react — I dare you! 👀
7. The party passengers
These people are either on their way back from a party or, most likely, on their way there.
The pre-drinks are flowing, and a girl is screaming her head off because her shoe’s fallen off, and she can’t find her PIN card.
Little Alex has spilt beer all down himself and the train floor, and someone is rushing to find the toilet.
Once the group is gone (phew), all that remains is 10 crushed-up beer cans littering the floor.
You spot the girl’s ‘lost’ PIN card wedged in the seat — but after all that screaming, someone else can deal with it.
A few empty baggies (hopefully just cannabis) and a jumper. What madness have Dutch trains become, eh? 📢
8. People who are glued to their seat
These passengers ensure the best journey possible and would superglue themselves to their seats. This way, nobody, and I mean nobody, can take their spot away.
This means they must use the seat fully by keeping their legs far apart and their arms anywhere but their laps.
A dangerous batch of counterfeit oxycodone pills is circulating in the Netherlands, containing the possibly life-threatening substance isotonitazepyne instead of oxycodone.
Authorities have linked these killer counterfeits to at least one confirmed fatality.
Police discovered the body of a 30-year-old Amsterdammer on March 14 and several of the pills were also found at the scene, prompting an investigation.
Warning from authorities
The Trimbos Institute, a leading Dutch organisation researching drug use, issued a rare Red Alert on Tuesday to warn the public about the deadly pills. 👇
The deadly pills, which have already cost one Amsterdammer his life. Image: Trimbos Institute
The pills in question are primarily sold online without prescriptions and were initially believed to contain 80mg of oxycodone. However, new research indicates that they actually contain isotonitazepyne — a synthetic opioid far stronger than fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine.
Extreme potency and overdose risk
Due to the compound’s strength, the IGJ warns that the risk of overdosing is high and potentially life-threatening.
The Trimbos Institute also adds that even a relatively small amount, such as a few milligrams, can cause respiratory issues.
“This shows how dangerous it is to order prescription drugs online,” stresses Henk de Groot, chief inspector for the IGJ. “It may look real, but you have absolutely no idea what you are buying. That is extremely dangerous. For drugs, go to your doctor and pharmacy.”
Anyone experiencing overdose symptoms after taking oxycodone should seek immediate medical help.
Call 112, the national emergency number, and mention that synthetic opioids may be involved. Request naloxone, a medication that can counteract opioid overdoses.
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If you’ve ever been to the Netherlands, you’ll know that Dutch culture is a fascinating mix of old traditions and modern innovations.
Known for its authentic cultural symbols, such as the national colour and the royal family, it’s obvious that the Netherlands reflects its deep historical roots.
At the same time, the Dutch are thought leaders in many areas, and the Netherlands continues to evolve while blending tradition with new ideas.
Let’s look at some ways the Dutch blend tradition and innovation.
1. The Dutch royal family: monarchs with a modern twist
The Dutch royal family is a huge part of the Netherlands’ identity, with King Willem-Alexander standing for both the country’s rich history and its ever-changing future.
King’s Day on April 27th is the perfect example of how tradition and modern fun come together in the Netherlands. The streets explode in orange as people party with music, street markets, and of course, lots of drinks. It’s a lively, modern take on celebrating a royal tradition that goes way back.
Not your average birthday celebration. Image: Depositphotos
But the royals aren’t just about the celebrations; they’ve got a pretty fresh take on how a monarchy should operate. too. Instead of staying behind palace walls, they’re engaging with the public in a transparent, approachable way.
Overall, the royal family is a reminder that the Netherlands knows how to respect tradition while staying open-minded about what’s next — and that’s why the Dutch love them so much (well, most of them).
2. Innovative tech: from farm to freetime
The Netherlands is famous for its agricultural heritage, especially in flowers and dairy farming, but it’s also fully embracing modern tech to stay ahead of the game.
The country is now combining its farming expertise with cutting-edge innovations like vertical farming, autonomous tractors, and precision agriculture.
This mix of tradition and modern tech allows the Netherlands to maintain its status as a leader in global agriculture, blending centuries-old practices with the latest breakthroughs.
And of course, the Dutch don’t just stop at farming. They’ve applied tech to every part of life — from cycling routes designed with the future in mind to how people spend their free time, whether that’s exploring an interactive museum, or even trying their luck at high-tech casino games.
3. Revamped holidays: ancient traditions, new celebrations
Many Dutch holidays are steeped in history, but they’re far from stuck in the past. Take Sinterklaas, for example — a tradition that has been around since the 1800s, but whose celebration has evolved.
Sure, the main story and Sinterklaas himself are the same, but the celebrations today come with modern parades, performances, and social media buzz to get younger crowds involved.
The ongoing debate around Black Pete (Zwarte Piet) is also a great example of how the Dutch are updating their customs to be more in line with today’s values. It shows that even long-held traditions need to evolve and stay relevant as times change.
But within this historical backdrop, modern architects are creating bold new designs that push the limits of both style and sustainability, whether by adding eco-friendly features or through innovative, out-of-the-box renovations.
The Dutch are sustainability pros. Image: Freepik
The Netherlands is also a leader when it comes to green city planning. Green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and bike-friendly infrastructure are all part of the Dutch approach to urban living. They’re preserving their history while shaping a future that’s both stylish and sustainable.
The Netherlands is a country where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. With its commitment to tradition, inclusivity, sustainability and creativity, the Netherlands continues to thrive by embracing both the old and the new.
Can you think of more way the Dutch blend tradition with innovation? Drop them in the comments!
With the Netherlands gracing us with incredibly sunny weather lately, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to wear sun protection. 🧴
According to a new study by the KWF Dutch Cancer Society, exposure to UV radiation at work annually causes thousands of cancer cases.
Gloomy statistics
The research showed that more than 7,000 Dutch people get cancer due to exposure at work every year.
The most common form of cancer is skin cancer — over 4,800 of the 7,000 cancer cases take this form — followed by lung cancer.
The biggest risk factor for skin cancer is exposure to UV radiation, so the next time you pack your bag for work, make sure sunscreen is included!
Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in general, exposure at work isn’t negligible.
“Nobody should get cancer because of their work,” says KWF director Dorine Mason, “This underlines the importance of good sun protection in the workplace.”
Higher risk for men
Men are at higher risk, probably because they are more likely to work in professions that involve exposure to UV radiation and harmful substances.
5.4% of new cancer diagnoses in Dutch men are work-related, compared to 0.5% for women.
But any percentage for anyone is too high, highlighting the importance of safe working environments and taking steps to protect ourselves from the sun.
Do you think you’re careful enough with sun protection? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Browsing for a Netflix show or film to watch on a gloomy day in the Netherlands? Maybe you’re about to visit your Dutch partner’s parents or simply want to brush up on your Dutch skills. Well, we’ve got a treat for you!
Watching films and series in Nederlands is a great way to develop comprehension skills. This is the strategy the Dutch use to speak near-perfect English (by not dubbing English movies or series) — so they must be onto something! 🎬✨
Grab some popcorn, and let’s take a look at some Dutch films and series available on Netflix now! 🍿👀
1. Anne+: De Film
Anne+ is a two-season series about the life of a 24-year-old lesbian living in Amsterdam. After breaking up with her girlfriend, she reflects on her love life over the years and reminisces about how it led to her becoming the person she is.
Sadly, this series is currently not available on Netflix — but geen paniek! We have a close enough alternative for you.
Due to its success, Anne+ was also made into a movie. The main character, much like in the series, grapples with the challenges of finding love while still growing and changing.
The movie is a lovely but realistic exploration of sexuality, relationships, and love! 🏳️🌈❤️ It’s also great if you’re looking to add a dash of Dutch to your day.
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Beginner ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: If you want something easy for beginners, then this is the movie for you! The storyline is easy to follow and to the point. Sometimes, the dialogue does go fast, but the conversations are normally very short and rich in everyday vocabulary.
2. Bankier van het Verzet (The Resistance Banker)
The Resistance Banker takes place during World War II in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.
The film tells the story of a Dutch banker who risked it all to build a secret underground bank to fund the Dutch resistance against the Nazis. How heroic!
Bankier van het Verzet is suspenseful, thrilling, and absolutely heart-wrenching. It hits even harder when you find out it’s based on true events. 😔
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: The actors speak quickly but clearly in this film. The phrases aren’t too difficult, but the plot is fast-paced. Some parts are also in German with Dutch subtitles. It’s definitely a film for someone who’s been studying Dutch for a while.
3. Keizersvrouwen (Women of the Night)
In the mood for a thrilling Dutch crime series with a female protagonist? Look no further! Keizersvrouwen is available to stream on Netflix.
The show follows Xandra, a woman with a stable, happy life with her husband and daughter. However, she longs for something more.
When she gets an opportunity to organise an event for her friend’s escort agency, she is drawn back into the dark underbelly of a world she thought she escaped forever.
📺 Type: Series 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: This series has a medium pace, with sentences that aren’t too long or complicated. The storyline can sometimes be difficult to keep up with, but the actors generally speak clearly.
4. Liefde zonder grenzen (Love without borders)
As you might have gathered, this is a movie about love — but it is no usual rom-com!
Rather, “Love without borders” explores love in more than just its romantic form.
It portrays the story of a recently widowed Dutchman and his children as they all navigate their love lives differently while also learning how to love each other — without renouncing a touch of humour!
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: As an outsider, the language native speakers use in more intimate settings, such as their family and dating life, can be quite hard to access. This film is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of that while also serving as advice for your own love life. 😉
5. Undercover
Okay, so maybe you’ve already binged tons of drug-related crime series like Breaking Bad or Narcos. Good news! There’s a Flemish/Dutch drama that is worth just as much hype — AND it’s based on a true story. 🤯
Undercover follows secret agents Bob Lemmens (Belgian) and Kim de Rooij (Dutch), who are investigating a drug kingpin, Ferry Bouman.
They track him down to Limburg, the ecstasy capital of the world, and pose as friendly neighbours at a campground where Ferry spends his weekends. 👮
The series was very well-received, with IMDB giving the show a 7.8/10! Who says there aren’t any good Dutch shows out there?!
📺 Type: Series 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: If you’re looking for a slow burn to expand your Dutch accent skills and learn a little Flemish, we recommend taking on this challenge once you are at a more intermediate level. The actors speak clearly and at a moderate pace, but the plot can be complicated, so be prepared to pay attention!
6. Ares
In the mood for something scary? This Dutch horror series will definitely give you goosebumps! 👻
Ares follows the story of a first-year medical student in Amsterdam, Rosa Steenwijk. She joins a secretive Dutch student society and uncovers dark secrets and nightmarish experiences that will leave you gasping — and perhaps a little wary of your local student groups. 👀
The series also has subtitles in TONS of languages, such as English, Arabic, Korean, etc.
Trigger warning: Sexual assault, suicide, hazing, gore. Definitely don’t watch this before bed, or if you don’t like blood or gore!
📺 Type: Series 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: If you’re an intermediate learner and you’re looking for a Dutch series that’s suspenseful, intense and gory, then look no further than Ares. Also, if you’re a student, this is also a good place to pick up Dutch student slang, as well as the Amsterdam dialect.
7. Pietje Bell (Peter Bell)
If your childhood was shaped by classics like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, then this is the Dutch film for you!
Based on a book series, the story follows Pietje Bell, the son of a shoemaker in Rotterdam. Pietjeis known to get into all kinds of antics and trouble at school and in the town, much to the dismay of the townsfolk.
However, his pranks and adventures become so famous that they end up in the newspaper.
But when he tries to stop a criminal, nobody believes him! So it’s up to Pietjeto find a way to save the day! ✊
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended:Beginner-Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: This film is great for adults and kids starting out with the Dutch language. As a children’s film, the language isn’t overly difficult, and the actors speak clearly and in an exaggerated manner. A good pick for the family! 👩👩👧
8. Mijn beste vriendin Anne Frank (My best friend Anne Frank)
Another movie set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, My best friend Anne Frank is the first Dutch cinema film to tell the story of the most famous Holocaust victim in the Netherlands.
It’s told from the perspective of Anne’s best friend, Hanneli Goslar, and explores themes of friendship, persecution, and resistance.
If you’re a history buff who isn’t afraid of shedding a few tears, this film is the perfect choice for you!
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended:Beginner-Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: Although the movie deals with a heavy subject matter, the actors speak clearly and slowly. But let op! Parts of the movie are in German, so turn on subtitles — or start another language-learning journey. 😉
9. Crypto boy
This Dutch drama deals with numerous issues that are unfortunately oh-so-relevant.
It follows the story of Amir, who can’t see eye to eye with his father about the future of their failing restaurant in a rapidly gentrifying neighbourhood.
At the brink of financial collapse, Amir sees hope for financial freedom in a cryptocurrency startup but discovers that the crypto world comes with more challenges than solutions.
The drama explores family relations and class issues while also teaching you some Dutch slang. 💪
📺 Type: Film 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: Although the plot is easy to follow, the language used in Crypto Boy is often colloquial, and some actors have accents. It’s recommended you’re somewhat familiar with the Dutch language already, but if you’re looking to speak like an Amsterdam local, this is the movie for you.
10. Toon
Do you ever feel tired of social media? So does the protagonist of this Dutch sitcom, introverted jingle writer Toon, who accidentally becomes a social media sensation after performing a song at his sister’s party.
The show hilariously portrays the absurd world of social media fame while also exploring the personal issues Toon faces due to his unwanted fame.
It’s awkward, it’s silly, and it’s a great pick if you’re looking for a show to help you unwind.
📺 Type: Series 💪 Minimum Dutch level recommended: Intermediate ✅ Why it’s great to learn Dutch: If you already have a grip on the basics of Dutch, Toon is a great way to learn some new informal phrases and language usually spoken among friends. Some actors speak fast or mumble, but the plot is easy to follow — so this is a great listening comprehension test!
Ready to leer Nederlands while sitting on the couch? With this list, you’re well on your way — succes! ✨
Which Dutch series or films would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
The Netherlands is known as the country of cheese and bicycles, and for being the flat European country below sea level. As it turns out, the city of Gouda is especially in trouble.
With a city centre that floods regularly and houses that slowly sag, Gouda’s inner city drops between three and 10 millimetres per year, says National Geographic.
While that doesn’t sound like a lot, the cheesy namesake has been sinking for a THOUSAND years. So, what’s being done to save the so-called Groene Hart (Green Heart) of the Netherlands?
A bit of engineering history
Dutchies strategically built canals, dunes, and walls to live around (and on top of) reclaimed land from the North Sea.
Like most of the Netherlands, Gouda was built on the same reclaimed land, which has especially soft soil. Within 100 years, the city sinks anywhere from 30 centimetres to one metre.
The fact that the city has been sinking wasn’t a problem for a very long time — but sentiments are slowly changing, especially given the impact of climate change.
Six metres under
The tactics of the Gouda residents were pretty simple: make sure the home was built on a raised floor. The more the house sank, the higher they would raise the floors.
If (and when) they noticed their heads were getting close to the ceiling or the house sagged too much, they demolished the entire house and used the debris to build a new one.
But as time went on, the debris piled up (or piled below?), and now there’s at least six metres of debris beneath the city.
And to make matters worse, the city’s foundation is STILL sinking — and it’s getting dangerously close to groundwater, which increases the nuisance for residents even more.
Raising the city and fighting floods
Now, the city has a plan to keep water off the streets by using some of those top-notch Dutch engineering and water management skills.
By regulating the water levels in and around the city, the municipality has created a polder (an artificial body of water for water regulation) around Gouda. While the sinking is irreversible, this slows it down with minimal intervention.
But Gouda isn’t the only city in trouble. As Gilles Erkens of Deltares tells National Geographic: “There are nine million people living and working [on weak grounds]. As sea levels rise, every inch of height loss is a deterioration of our future prospects.”
Did you know that Gouda was slowly sinking? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Finally, some good news: While inflation still hangs around the Netherlands like an unwanted guest, some prices actually dropped in February.
Yes, you read that right. We’ve rounded up the silver linings before someone decides to tax them. 💸
Tech, toast, and a budget-friendly binge-watch?
While your Dutch groceries are still 3.8% pricier than last year (fun 🙃), RTL Nieuws writes that those who needed a new (car) radio last month saved a cool 11.8%.
Coffee prices may have shot up by 16.5%, but coffee machines saw an 11.6% price drop — so at least you can brew your caffeine addiction at home in style (and denial).
Andit doesn’t stop there — bedding, scarves, gloves, toasters, mixers? All down in price! Even refrigerators, freezers, computers, camping gear, books, and TVs got cheaper.
Looks like the universe is nudging you to stay in, sip homemade coffee, and binge-watch a show on your newly discounted TV. Not bad, huh? 😏
What else got cheaper?
If grocery shopping has been an emotional rollercoaster, here’s some relief: fresh veggies, fish, olive oil, eggs, and (*drumroll*) wine have all become more affordable. Yes, WINE! A true miracle in these dark economic times.🥂
Worried about your heating bills? Breathe easy! Not only are temperatures slowly on the rise, but energy prices (gas, electricity, and district heating) have cooled off too.
Still feel like escaping this economy? You’re in luck, because flights and travel insurance have taken a price dip. This means you can manage a sunny getaway without selling a kidney. 👀
So, what’s your survival strategy? Are you hoarding discounted toasters or booking cheap flights to escape? Share your best budget hacks in the comments! 💬💰
