The police have revealed that the explosions at Tarwekamp in The Hague targeted a bridal shop owned by the previous partner of one of the four suspects.
Although the shop owner was not present at the time of the incident, police suspect that the explosion was an act of revenge by one of the suspects.
What do we know?
Their relationship was confirmed after the suspect and the shop owner posted an identical advertisement for a white Range Rover online.
This car was later found burned down as a result of the explosion.
Sources told RTL that the suspect, Rotterdam local Moshtag B., acted out of revenge after the breakup with the shop owner. Sources from the police confirmed this in a conversation with the AD.
Everything seems to point to the fact that “the ex-partner allegedly wanted to harm the woman materially,” as the AD writes.
The three other suspects, two of whom are believed to be cousins, were allegedly called by Moshtag B. to “get the job done”.
Unclear of how the devastation was so big
The exact cause of the destruction is still unknown, but the explosions caused six deaths and irreversible damage to nearby buildings and businesses.
As this year draws to a close, millions of oliebollen will be baked and eaten in the Netherlands.
While many tourists and expats get hooked on the oily snack, the interesting questions remain: why do the Dutch eat oliebollen around Christmas and New Year’s Eve? And where did this doughy snack come from?
So while you’re here, grab a drink, a seat, and an oliebol, and let us discuss the delicious Dutch delicacy. 😋
First of all, what are oliebollen?
You can pick up freshly fried oliebollen from an oliebollenkraam like this one. Image: Depositphotos
Oliebollen are small balls of dough that have been fried in a pan with a layer of oil — hence, the (translated) name: oil balls.
This Dutch dessert is usually eaten on New Year’s Eve, with raisins/currants inside or powdered sugar on top. You can also add other ingredients to the batter, such as cinnamon or apple pieces.
They are called oliebollen or smoutballen in the Netherlands, smoutebollen in Flanders, croustillons in Wallonia, and schmalzkugeln in Eastern Belgium and Germany.
Origins of the oliebol
The history of the oliebol goes back a long time. Nobody knows who ate the first oliebol, or how they made their way into the low countries.
Die-hard oliebollen fans and experts point to a painting by Albert Cuyp from about 1652 depicting a cooking pot with oliebollen, to show that they have existed for a long time in the Netherlands.
There are some people who believe that the oliebol might have been brought to the Netherlands from Portugal and Spain by Sephardic Jews who were forced to flee from the Spanish Inquisition in the Middle Ages.
At that time, there was already a delicacy in Portugal that looked a lot like an oliebol.
But let’s be honest, none of these facts will convince any Dutchie that the oliebol is not Dutch all the way to its doughy, fatty core.
Batavians and Frisians
Another story goes back even further to a time when the Batavians and the Frisians would eat food made of a kind of fatty dough around the turn of the year in order to escape a Germanic goddess known as Perchta or Berchta.
It was believed that in the winter, she would go around with a sword, ripping open the stomachs of those whose bellies were not fat.
Only those with fat bellies filled with this fatty dough were spared. (So eat up, people! No diets this year 😱.)
So why are oliebollen eaten during the holidays?
There are several theories about why the Dutch eat oliebollen around Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. Some Dutch folks believe that the practice originated in the Middle Ages.
In some areas, it was common for people to fast between St. Martin (November 11) and Christmas. After this period of fasting was over, they feasted, drank and ate.
“Oil cakes” were an important part of this celebration because they were filling and fattening, and thus perfect for the winter period — especially after such a long fast.
Freshly cooked and steaming is the best way to enjoy the balls of delight. Image: Freepik
In the time between Christmas, New Year’s and Epiphany, it was also a late medieval custom for the poor and vagrants to go door-to-door to get something to eat in exchange for a New Year’s wish or a song.
Oliebollen could have been part of that tradition because they were cheap to make and satisfying.
These days, oliebollen can be bought at small mobile food trucks at train stations all over the country. It is customary to eat them with powdered sugar, and on New Year’s Eve, to wash them down with some champagne.
Some tasty oliebollen facts
The first recipe for oliebollen, “oil cakes”, can be found in a cookbook from 1667: “De verstandige kock” (the wise cook). Those “oil cakes” were flat, and filled with raisins, apples, and almonds, among other things.
When Holland became more prosperous in the 17th century and worldwide trade made it easy to obtain olive oil and flour, cakes became thicker and fried in more oil, and that was how the modern-day oliebol was created.
In 1868 the Dutch dictionary, Van Dale recorded the word “oliebol” and soon after that, the name “oil cake” kind of disappeared.
There is no word in any other language for “oliebol“. In the United States, they are called “Dutch doughnuts”.
Have you ever tried the oliebol, and what are they called in your country? Tell us your experiences in the comments below!
Just a couple of years ago, the Dutch manufacturing industry was the growth leader in the eurozone. Now? The Netherlands is officially struggling to keep up.
How bad is it? Well, Dutch production levels have officially been declining for 16 straight months. Recent figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) show that in October 2024 alone, production dropped by 2.5% compared to the same month last year.
This ongoing slump started in mid-2022 — and it continues to cause headaches for manufacturers across the country.
So, what’s the issue?
The big players in the industrial sector have many concerns, from finding an adequate inventory management guide to dealing with a lack of qualified staff. But the production issue is larger than that.
Dutch factories are producing less and less. Image: Depositphotos
The main culprit here is a sharp drop in incoming orders, which has hit multiple sectors hard.
Transportation equipment manufacturers and the chemical industry are particularly feeling the pain, according to the AD. Meanwhile, food manufacturers are standing out as the exception, managing to increase production even during these tough times.
Overall, production levels are nearing their lowest point since May 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on global supply chains.
Industrial economist Albert Jan Swart from ABN AMRO has been keeping a close eye on the situation. Speaking to NU.nl, he lists a few major factors behind the stagnation:
High interest rates: These have driven up borrowing costs for companies that depend on loans to keep their operations and investments running smoothly.
Germany’s economic struggles: As the Netherlands’ biggest trading partner, Germany’s problems are spilling over, and the German automotive sector has been hit hard by falling sales and tough competition from cheaper Chinese electric vehicles.
Political uncertainty: The potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency is causing unease among Dutch exporters. Trump’s previously announced import tariffs on European goods could make life even harder for businesses reliant on U.S. markets.
While the decline in production is already evident (and has been for a while), industry insiders warn that a deeper crisis may be looming.
Koos van Haasteren, the director of Chemelot — a major industrial cluster in Limburg — has raised alarms about a potential “industrial exodus.”
Talking to the AD, he describes the Netherlands as “sleepwalking” toward a disastrous future, where entire industries could collapse under the weight of rising costs, shrinking competitiveness, and policy hurdles.
What does the future of the Dutch industry look like? Image: Depositphotos
“We are not only more expensive than China or the United States, but even Germany and Belgium offer more competitive conditions,” Van Haasteren explains. One major issue is that the Netherlands is the only country in Europe to abolish its large-scale energy user discount.
Why should we care?
It’s easy to dismiss this as a problem for big businesses, but in reality, the stakes are high for the entire country. Van Haasteren warns that losing major industrial hubs would deal a severe blow to Dutch prosperity.
These sites aren’t just places where goods are made — they’re centers of innovation and high-paying jobs that sustain the local economy. “We risk losing our unique knowledge and production locations,” he warns.
So, the Dutch industrial sector is in a bit of a pickle. Immediate action is needed to restore competitiveness and reverse the downward trend. At the same time, long-term solutions are crucial to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.
According to the experts, without intervention, Dutch manufacturers risk being outpaced by cheaper and more efficient competitors in China, the U.S., and even neighboring European countries.
As Van Haasteren puts it, the Netherlands cannot afford to live in a fairy tale. The challenges are real, and the clock is ticking for decisions that can help secure the future of Dutch industry.
What’s your take on the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Sinterklaas has left the Netherlands on his steamboat and is probably recuperating by his pool in Spain.
But don’t worry, another bearded, red-clad old guy is already on display in every store window and movie on TV! You might not want anything to do with this poster boy of American capitalism but think again: because Santa Claus is actually a Dutchie. 🇳🇱
You might be thinking: Santa Claus, Dutch? What are you talking about; he’s from the North Pole! And you’re obviously right. But what many people don’t know is that Santa Claus actually originates from the Dutch version of the old man who brings presents, Sinterklaas.
The history of Santa
Sinterklaas comes from Sint Nicolaas, or Saint Nicholas, a Greek-Christian bishop back in the 4th century.
He lived in Myra, Lycia, in the area that is now Turkey. Sint Nicolaas is well-known for his generous and secret gifts to the poor and became known in history as a patron saint for sailors and children. 🎁
Historians believe that Dutch immigrants in the 17th century brought the Sinterklaas festivities with them when they went to the New World. There, he merged with other influences, foremost the English figure of Father Christmas.
Father Christmas is a merry old man just like Santa but does not bring gifts as Sinterklaas does; he only encourages adults to eat and drink (…like they need encouragement for that 👀).
Sinterklaas, together with Father Christmas, slowly merged into Santa Claus. The first mention of the Americanisation of Sinterklaas into Santa Claus was on December 23, 1773, when an issue of the New York newspaper Rivington’s Gazette stated:
“Last Monday, the anniversary of St. Nicholas, otherwise called Santa Claus, was celebrated at Protestant Hall, at Mr. Waldron’s, where a great number of sons of the ancient saint, the Sons of Saint Nicholas, celebrated the day with great joy and festivity.”
Santa gets Christmas trees… so he must win, right? Image: Pixabay
In this book, St. Nicholas lost his bishop attire and was described as a jolly pipe smoker. 🚬
“The good St. Nicholas would often make his appearance in his beloved city on a holiday afternoon, riding jollily among the treetops or over the roofs of the houses, now and then drawing forth magnificent presents from his breeches pockets and dropping them down the chimneys of his favourites.”
The Santa Claus image
There are a few noticeable moments in history where Santa Claus turned into the figure he is today. Before these moments, there were many differences in the way he was depicted.
First of all, there was the poem published in 1823, “A visit from St. Nicholas”, also known as “The Night Before Christmas.”
The poem is later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, who was said to be influenced by the historical character of St. Nicholas.
Later contributions to the appearance of the Santa Claus we know today are the 19th-century cartoonist Thomas Nast and the Coca-Cola advertisements starring Santa Claus from the 1930s.
The differences between Santa & Sinterklaas
Throughout the years, Sinterklaas and Santa grew apart, and there are now some distinct differences between the two. While Sinterklaas is a somewhat distinguished elderly gentleman, Santa Claus is a prime example of festivity.
Sinterklaas has a lean physique, while Santa is shaking his belly “like a bowl full of jelly” while laughing. Sinterklaas sits on a horse while Santa is leaning back in his sleigh.
There’s also the difference in hometowns. Santa lives at the North Pole (hence the warm outfit), while Sinterklaas resides in Spain (no explanation for his outfit whatsoever — we assume he loses the robe while chilling next to the pool and wears swimming trunks instead).
Then there is the difference in transportation, helpers, hats, etc. Another noticeable difference: Sinterklaas is the bachelor type that you would imagine reading a good book in front of the fire late at night, while Santa cuddles up next to his Mrs. Claus to watch Jimmy Fallon. 🎅🤶📺
If you had to choose, would it be Sinterklaas or Santa Claus you’d keep? Let us know in the comments below.
From signing up to using the N26 app, features, paying by card, and more — here’s our impression of using N26 as an international in the Netherlands. 👇
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First things first: what is N26?
N26 is a completely digital bank that operates across multiple European countries.
While it may not have physical branches like a traditional bank, it holds a European banking licence and has some of the best (and most aesthetic) online features we’ve seen.
N26 offers accounts in many countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, andmost importantly: the Netherlands!
It’s important to know that opening an account with N26 gives you a German IBAN, not a Dutch one.
However, there’s no need to worry — same-day transfers to and from Dutch banks mean you’ll never miss a payment deadline. N26 accounts are available for individuals, freelancers, and self-employed business owners.
If you are using the bank account for your personal finances, you can use N26’s free account option, N26 Standard.
Banking with your partner? N26 also offers seamless access to joint accounts and shared money-management features. Image: N26
Meanwhile, if you need more features, there are three paid options: the Smart, You, and Metal accounts (which cost €4.90, €9.90, and €16.90 per month, respectively).
Top features of N26 for internationals in the Netherlands
Branding itself as “a bank as mobile as you,” N26 makes life easier for internationals by offering easy-to-set-up accounts, multilingual customer service, and cheap transactions worldwide.
In addition to this accessibility, the neobank also provides expats in the Netherlands with some major banking pros:
Free Maestro card to transact with AND a Debit Mastercard
With each of the N26 accounts, you receive a free digital Mastercard. Technically, they call it a “Mastercard debit card” since it doesn’t allow you to borrow money, just to use your own.
The best benefit here is that you can add the digital Mastercard to your mobile wallet immediately after registering with N26, so there’s no need to wait for a card to arrive in the mail!
(Of course, if you like the sleek, plasticky feel of a brand new bank card, you can order one for a €10 delivery fee! 😉)
No need to wait for your brand, spanking new card to come in the mail — you can use your free digital card as soon as you’ve made an account! Image: N26
So far, so good, but since most internationals have been traumatised by seeing their foreign cards declined in the Netherlands, the all-important question remains: “Can I get a Maestro card?”
With N26, the answer is yes! You can order a free Maestro card via the banking app if you have a premium account or for a €10 fee for Standard account holders.
Delivery takes around 10 working days, so order it ASAP to avoid awkward check-outs at Albert Heijn. (Unless you want to opt for express delivery that’ll have your card whizzing to you in three business days.)
Transact in any country with no foreign exchange fees
Dying to hop across the globe for some delicious pastries? Well, one of the things we liked most about N26 is that they don’t charge additional fees for transactions in foreign countries.
In partnership with Wise, a UK-based foreign exchange technology company, N26 offers quick and easy foreign currency transfers. Oh, and the best part? There are NO hidden fees!
Live your best life… without stressing over the fussy bits, like foreign exchange fees. Image: N26
This means digital nomads, travel lovers, and those of us enjoying our hols won’t have to pay extra for those crisp pastries on our jaunt abroad.
Many traditional banks add a surcharge on payments abroad; if you’re a frequent traveller, these can quickly add up. With N26, you pay for what you’re buying, and that’s it. Pretty sweet, right?
Easy foreign currency transfers with great exchange rates
In addition, N26 provides some of the most favourable exchange rates out there. Powered by Wise, N26 lets you transfer money in 19 different currencies — directly from the banking app.
Within the Eurozone, you also benefit from a number of free ATM withdrawals when using the N26 Mastercard. Just make sure that the ATM is NFC enabled if using a digital card. (FYI, there’s a handy ATM locator in the N26 app!)
Outside of the Eurozone, however, you’ll pay a €2 fee when withdrawing from other currencies.
Let op!Make sure you are using the N26 Mastercard and not the Maestro Card to withdraw money from ATMs.
Using the N26 Maestro Card for cash withdrawals, you’ll be charged €2 per transaction in the Eurozone and €2 plus 1.7% outside if withdrawing other currencies.
No need for a BSN
You heard that right! As opposed to basically any other bank in the Netherlands, N26 doesn’t require you to have a BSN to open an account with them.
A BSN (Citizen Service Number) is a unique personal number allocated to every Netherlands resident.
Just landed in the Netherlands? Helaas, you’ll probably need to wait for an appointment at your local municipality before getting your BSN.
Moving to a new country already involves a lot of paperwork and bureaucracy. With N26’s ease of use, your banking journey doesn’t have to add to the stress! Image: Freepik
On the other hand, when opening an account with N26, you simply need to enter your nationality and residency details (i.e. passport and address in the Netherlands).
While you need a registered address in the Netherlands for them to send you your snazzy Maestro card, you can essentially open an account the moment you’ve signed a lease — rather than waiting until after you’ve received your BSN.
Spending habit insights
Wondering where all your money is going? (*cough* Bike repairs and bitterballen, maybe? *cough*) To help you stay on track with your financial goals, N26 has a number of nifty budgeting tools.
Keeping track of all your expenses will soon become a breeze! Image: N26
One is the Statistics feature in the N26 app, which categorises your payments in real-time to give you an overview of all in- and outgoing activity on your account.
With a quick glance, you can see exactly how much money you’re spending on borrelen, groceries, shopping, etc.
Sub-spaces to save for the important things
Another money-managing feature is N26 Spaces. These are sub-accounts that allow you to separate your savings from your daily spending.
You can create two spaces with a standard N26 account, but if you have a premium account, you can get up to 10.
Jam-packed with partner-offers
One of the unique things about N26 is that they offer “perks” when holding an account with them — yup, even the free standard account!
Scoring sweet deals is simply a breeze with N26’s (free!) Perks feature. Image: Freepik
Perks are essentially partner offers so that you can get discounts on everything from hotels and home decor to mental health and fitness offers. (And who doesn’t love a good deal? 😉)
Downsides of N26 for internationals in the Netherlands
Alright, let’s change gears a bit before getting too excited. While N26 offers many useful features for internationals living in the Netherlands, there are also things we’re less impressed with.
Slightly more expensive than other bank accounts (but with more features)
If you’re not opting for the free N26 Standard account, then you’ll be paying a higher monthly fee than you would with a traditional bank.
This is where lifestyle and personal preferences come into the mix, so you’ll need to weigh up how much you’ll use the additional premium features — and what you’re willing to pay for them.
No iDEAL (and therefore no Tikkie)
In the Netherlands, the name of the game when it comes to shopping online is iDEAL. From paying your rent to buying you and your cat matching pyjamas, iDEAL is one of the essential digital tools for life in the Netherlands.
So, let’s just say that the fact that N26 doesn’t have an iDEAL licence is… inconvenient.
Sending a Tikkie is pretty much a national sport in the Netherlands. Image: Canva/DutchReview
Not being able to use iDEAL won’t isolate you financially, but it’ll cost you a few more clicks when shopping online.
Without iDEAL, you’ll lose out on the Dutch social phenomenon of ‘Tikkie-ing.’ Tikkie is THE cost-splitting app of the Netherlands, so not being able to send or receive a Tikkie can be awkward.
Instead of Tikkie, N26 uses a similar system called MoneyBeam, which lets you do same-day transfers to other N26 account holders and send money to non-N26 accounts within two days.
No credit cards on offer
N26 doesn’t offer credit cards with any of their accounts. For a bank that caters to frequent travellers, this seems positively weird.
If you normally book plane tickets, hotels, rental cars, etc., with a credit card and usually earn rewards when doing so, then N26 might not suit you in this respect.
Love booking flights with your credit card? You may not enjoy N26 as much. Image: Freepik
With this aversion towards building debt, you’d almost think they are Dutch! Of course, you can still use your N26 Mastercard debit for all of this; you just don’t earn points and can only use the money available in your account.
Types of N26 accounts
As mentioned, N26 offers four different account types. Standard, Smart, You, and Metal. Here’s a breakdown of what each account includes.
A physical, engraved stainless steel debit card (available in three metallic colours).
Eight free cash withdrawals from Eurozone NFC-enabled ATMs.
Unlimited free cash withdrawals in any currency.
0% currency conversion fee.
N26 MoneyBeam.
10 sub-accounts for savings (with additional sharing features).
Extra discounts with Perks.
Ability to order an additional Mastercard for €10.
Increased coverage lifestyle, mobility, trip, and travel health insurance.
Mobile phone insurance.
Car rental insurance.
Priority customer service.
How much does N26 cost?
The N26 Standard account is gratis, baby! For N26 Plus, you pay €4.90 per month, while N26 You costs €9.90 per month and N26 Metal €16.90 per month.
Other costs to consider include:
The one-off €10 shipping fee for an additional card (or to receive any physical card with the standard account)
An 8% overdraft fee
A 1.70% fee for ATM withdrawals outside of what’s included in the account type
Let op! With an N26 Standard account, you can have up to €50,000 in your accounts. After that, a yearly 0.5% fee may apply.
The bottom line: is N26 good for internationals in the Netherlands?
Christine Stein Hededam
Functionality for expats in the Netherlands
Features
Online banking
Customer service
Summary
We’d call N26 one of the best banks for an international in the Netherlands if it weren’t for the lack of iDEAL, which can make it difficult to shop online. However, if you’re not a frequent Tikkie sender or receiver, then N26 is definitely a solid option.
Some of our favourite features are the no-extra-costs-foreign payments, easy-peasy currency transfers, and the nifty budgeting tools — and, of course, an all-important Maestro card.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences and needs, but if you’re looking for a fully digital, easy-to-set-up bank with a sleek interface, then N26 might be the bank for you!
Anyone above the age of 18 can open an N26 bank account if they are a resident of one of the 24 supported countries (such as the Netherlands), have a smartphone, and hold a relevant ID.
You cannot open a new N26 account if you already have one with them, as they don’t offer joint accounts. However, the ‘Shared Spaces’ feature of N26’s paid account options allows an almost similar experience to a joint account.
How long does it take to open a bank account with N26?
It only takes eight minutes to open a bank account with N26! And since you receive a digital card compatible with your mobile wallet, you can start spending immediately.
Is N26 safe?
N26 gives you a German IBAN and is protected under the European deposit guarantee scheme with up to €100,000. The app uses fingerprint identification and 3D secure technology to ensure your safety when shopping online.
Does an N26 bank account work everywhere?
You can only set up an N26 bank account using identification documents from one of the 24 supported countries. However, your card is accepted worldwide.
What do I need to open an N26 account in the Netherlands?
All you need to open an N26 account in the Netherlands is your passport or ID card and a compatible smartphone. (For iPhone, you need a 5S or newer with at least iOS 11; for Android, you need 6.0 or newer).
What’s the difference between N26 and bunq?
While they are both online banks, there are two major differences between N26 and bunq.
The first is that N26 doesn’t require you to have a BSN number, whereas bunq will ask you to provide one within 90 days after setting up your account.
The second is that N26 doesn’t hold an iDEAL license (and therefore isn’t compatible with Tikkie), whereas you can Tikkie away if you have an account with bunq.
Will you be signing up with N26? Tell us in the comments below!
Who said that paintings need to be stuck on walls, confined within the restrictive boundaries of a frame? Certainly not Fabrique des Lumières!
Our visit to this innovative Amsterdam art centre showed us a one-of-a-kind museum: one where art is immersive, engaging, and accessible — instead of just admired from a distance.
Curious to know more? Let us introduce you to the magical world of Fabrique des Lumières.
What is Fabrique des Lumières?
Fabrique des Lumières means “factory of lights” in French, and it’s a digital art centre that hosts immersive art exhibitions featuring moving images and music.
Using light, sound, and art, the exhibitions transport you into different worlds — be it by breathing life into the brushstrokes of artists like Van Gogh and Monet or by letting you get up close to the vastness of outer space.
Since 2022, the mesmerising art centre has been welcoming visitors from all over the world to a former gas factory in Amsterdam West, the historical Westergasfabriek.
While its wide walls are easily turned into a canvas where artwork can be projected, sound travels freely and evenly, allowing you to enjoy the carefully curated soundtrack accompanying each show.
What’s on right now?
A visit to Fabrique des Lumières usually features three exhibitions: a big one, lasting over half an hour, and two shorter ones, making the entire experience last about an hour.
As the shows may vary across days and timeslots, we recommend you check the centre’s program beforehand. (Or, you can just show up and let the exhibitions surprise you. 😉)
Too curious to wait? Here’s a sneak peek of what’s on right now.👇
Meet the Dutch Masters, from Vermeer to Van Gogh
It’s hard not to be moved when these amazing colours are paired with music. ❤️ Image: Fabrique des Lumières
The first of the big exhibitions currently on display is all about the Dutch classics.
Think big names like Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, but also many others — for a total of over 325 artworks by about 50 different painters.
The show is a true voyage through time, taking you on an exciting journey through Dutch history. In less than an hour, you will be transported to a charming Dutch village, to the middle of the sea in the eye of a raging storm, and to a bright, melancholy sunflower field. 🌻
While the main event unfolds in the big Hall, a small side room offers a slideshow featuring details about the paintings projected outside, giving you the chance for an informative break from the main show if any of the artworks spark your curiosity.
Travel to outer space with Destination Cosmos
Who said you need a spaceship to see the universe? 🌌 Image: Fabrique des Lumières
If you are more of a space explorer than a time traveller, you will love “Destination Cosmos”, this year’s Winter Special. It will be on display at Fabrique des Lumières from December 21 onwards.
Using real images from space agencies like NASA, the Hall’s over 100 video projectors take visitors on a cosmic trip through the vastness of the universe.
Throughout the show, spectators get to relive Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon, but also go further than any human has ever been, getting a glimpse of what it would be like to walk on Mars, explore Jupiter, and fly along Saturn’s rings. 🪐
Dive into the colourful world of Mondriaan
Mondriaan switches up the mood. 🔴🔵🟡 Image: Fabrique des Lumières
There is something for modern art lovers, too. The exhibition dedicated to Mondriaan is one of the shorter ones, but in just a few minutes, it immerses visitors in a completely different atmosphere.
Forget the nostalgia of the Dutch masters, and make way for the hustle and bustle of modern life: think New York, skyscrapers, and Mondriaan’s colourful shapes and lines, all paired with some warm, lively jazz. 🎨
👀 Pro tip: For an enhanced experience, we recommend enjoying this exhibition while sitting or lying down in one of the Hall’s two small rooms covered in mirrors — thank us later.
Revisit a classic with #mygirlwithapearl
Which one is your favourite take on this classic? Image: DutchReview
Another memorable exhibition is “#mygirlwithapearl – The Immersive Edition,” a contemporary homage to Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.
The exhibition is made in collaboration with the Mauritshuis in The Hague, the museum that houses this Dutch classic. In 2023, they launched a project inviting people from all over the globe to submit their interpretations of the iconic artwork.
Now, Fabrique des Lumières has rearranged the best of those submissions in an audiovisual show, letting visitors appreciate the one aspect of Dutch society that hasn’t changed since Vermeer’s times: its love for this masterpiece.
Ready to dive into art?
Did any of these shows capture your curiosity? All of the exhibitions above can be enjoyed at Fabrique des Lumières until March 3, 2025.
Tickets start at just €14 and can be bought at the entrance or online, where you can also find more detailed information about how to get there, working hours, and accessibility.
📍 Location:Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam 🎟️ Ticket price: Between €14 and €18 (free for children under 5) ⏰ Opening times: Every day from 10 AM to 5 PM (open longer on weekends and holidays)
Have you been to Fabrique des Lumières before? Tell us all about your art travels in the comments below.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — especially if you’re celebrating Christmas in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam, as one of the most festive European cities, has so much to offer during the Christmas period.Gezelligelights, ice rinks galore, and steaming cups of hot glühwein … what more could you want? ☕
The city of ruthless bike lanes and endless head shops also hosts some of the cosiest, Christmassy events. Here are eight ultra-gezellige things to do during Christmas in Amsterdam!
1. Take a walk and experience the Amsterdam Light Festival
The Amsterdam Light Festival is an annual light-art festival that transforms the city centre into a glowing masterpiece!
Running from November 28 until January 19, it’s an inspiring way to take in the sights of the city. We all know how scenic the canals of Amsterdam are, so why not see them in a different light this Christmas?
The light art installations are illuminated daily from 5 PM until 11 PM, so it makes for a perfect evening walk around Christmas with some warm cocoa in your belly. If you’re not much of a walker, you can also enjoy the festival by boat! 🚤
📍 Location:Oosterdokskade 341, 1011 BS Amsterdam ⏰ Opening times: November 28 to January 19, 5 PM to 11 PM daily 💰 Price: €26.50 for a boat cruise ticket, €7.99 for the map of the artwork
2. Catch a Christmas concert
What could be more festive than a wonderful Christmas concert? If you want to hear the Christmas classics from the comfortable seats of a concert hall, an evening spent in the plush seats of Amsterdam’s National Opera and Ballet, indulging in the wonder of ‘Silent Night’ played by the Netherlands’s most talented musicians is surely the way to go.
Most churches in Amsterdam will also be hosting their own choir and Christmas Carol performances. The Nieuw Kerk on Dam Square is hosting a wonderful night of Christmas carols by candlelight on Christmas Day. We can’t think of a more beautiful way to celebrate the season! 🕯
Most churches in Amsterdam will be hosting their own choir events, so be sure to check the church closest to where you’re staying. ⛪
3. Skate the day away at Amsterdam’s ice rinks
Sipping warme chocolade melk wrapped in your fuzziest sweater and enjoying the Christmas spirit; it doesn’t get more festive than that. But wait, what if you add ice skating into the mix?
Going ice skating is just one thing to do in Amsterdam during Christmas. Image: Depositphotos
In Amsterdam, you can spend your Christmas ice skating, building ice sculptures and even curling in the many ice rinks. Grab your warmest clothing and ice skates for a day filled with fun! Here’s just a few of them:
Or hit the canals if they’re frozen over (at your own risk!)
4. Grab a candy cane at the Christmas markets
What could be a better Christmas activity in Amsterdam than visiting some of the many wonderful Christmas markets? Amsterdam has a selection of cosy Christmas markets to choose from, including:
Grab some one-of-a-kind gifts at the market, or treat yourself to something sweet. Image: Depositphotos
RAI Amsterdam: At Amsterdam’s huge convention centre, you’ll find a winter paradise; with live music, a skating rink, and even a festive Ferris wheel, you’ll be able to spend a whole day there while you shop the stalls.
Ice*Village Amsterdam: Located on the famous Museumplein, the Ice*Village can be found right beside the rink, where you can shop the stalls and get some warm mulled wine to keep your hands warm.
5. Watch the professionals skate the ice
Not a huge fan of ice skating? Instead of putting your poor limbs through the cold, you can catch a showing of Holiday on Ice. ⛸
At this wonderful Christmas-time event at RAI Amsterdam, you can see the performance of their new show, ‘A New Day’.
With a blizzard and fireworks incorporated into this fairy-tale of a love story, as well as artists suspended in the air and on the ice below, you’re sure to be on the edge of your seat. 🎇
If you’re in Amsterdam during the winter season, there is one thing you absolutely must do: Eat some good Dutch food!
Oh, go on then, I’ll have just one. And one more. And one more. And… Image: Pixabay
Come on, one of the best things to do in Amsterdam during Christmas is stuffing your face full of delicious and warm oliebollen.
A doughy delicacy sure to leave you full and your fingers covered in a healthy amount of grease and often powdered sugar, you can grab a serving of oliebollen from street stalls.
Is this Dutch dish not enough for you? Then, treat yourself to some pepernoten before the season is up, or serve up a gourmetten dinner while you enjoy your stay in Amsterdam!
You will be able to find oliebollen from street stalls and restaurants in Amsterdam, while you can buy a bag of pepernoten from most grocery stores. As for gourmetten… perhaps you’ll need to make some Dutch friends ASAP.
7. Shop Amsterdam’s iconic streets
Hold on, did you think we weren’t going to mention shopping in Amsterdam?
You can’t miss the lights of Amsterdam’s shopping streets at Christmas time. Image: Depositphotos
During Christmas, the streets are covered in gezellige lights, and the atmosphere is just jumping with excited tourists and Dutchies roaming the streets.
With Christmas-themed decorations filling shop fronts and a weekly koopavond every Thursday, where shops open that extra bit later until 9 PM, shopping the streets will fill you with festive glee. 🎄
Make your way through Kalverstraat, PC Hooftstraat, and even migrate through to Rokin. Along the way, you’ll see many of your favourite major stores and a few special to Amsterdam. Need a snack? Visit Van Wonderen, where you can get some freshly made stroopwafels.
📍 Location: Start at Nieuwendijk and work your way down! 💰 Price: Gratis, but shopping will cost you ⏰ Opening hours: Depends on the store, but most shops are open from Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM
Any international or visitor to the land of cheese and clogs will be blown away by the fireworks that take place on the holiday.
Normally everyone is allowed to set off fireworks, but it’s incredibly chaotic, so Amsterdam is putting a stop to it this year with a municipal ban on the lighting of fireworks by regular citizens. Instead, head on over to Museumplein for the ‘Amsterdam counts down to 2023’ fireworks and light show! 🎇
📍 Location:Museumplein, 1079 RA Amsterdam 💰 Price: Gratis ⏰ Open from: Fireworks will start on December 31, though some events might start the firework onslaught a little earlier
Spending the festive season here in the Netherlands means there are so many things to do during Christmas in Amsterdam. 🎄
After you’ve tired yourself out shopping the streets and burning off the oliebollen by ice skating, make sure to try a glass of Dutch beer in a cosy pub, and then, like a true Dutch person, give out about the state of the NS on your way home.
Will you be visiting Amsterdam this Christmas? Tell us your plans in a comment below! 👇
What facts do you know about the Dutch language? It’s kind of close to English and people sound like they’re choking when they’re speaking, right?
But there are a ton of other awesome and interesting things about the Dutch language, like 👇🏼
the obsession with consonants,
untranslatable words, and
even using Hebrew slang.
Are you ready to impress your international and Dutch friends with some mind-blowing fun facts? 🧐
Daar gaan we! (Here we go!)
1. Dutch is also spoken outside of the Netherlands 🇸🇷🇦🇼🇸🇽
Because of *ahem* colonialism, the Dutch language has made its way to countries on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, such as Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.
The last three are actually still part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and even name Dutch as one of their official languages.
Dutch is also spoken in Flanders, in northern Belgium, however, with a different dialect called Flemish or Vlaams.
You’ll probably hear Dutch people either making fun of this accent or finding it super cute (because of their soft g’s and slight French accent) — there’s no in-between!
You’ll also find some Dutch speakers in Germany, near the shared border with the Netherlands.
2. But the Netherlands is the only country where Dutch is the only official spoken language
That’s right, the Netherlands has only one official spoken language — and it’s Dutch (even though we could totally buy the country making English a second official language 😉).
Other countries also have Dutch as an official language, but these countries also have other languages in the mix as well. But in the Netherlands, it’s only Dutch!
You may be thinking “What about West Frisian?” which is a language you might hear in the northern parts of the lowlands.
In this case, it’s only recognised as an official language in the province of Friesland — but not in the rest of the country.
As for non-spoken languages, Nederlandse Gebarentaal (Dutch Sign Language) was only recognised as an official language on July 1, 2021. 🙌🏼
3. Dutch and English aren’t THAT similar but are still pretty close
A lot of people believe that Dutch and English are very similar, with plenty of shared vocabulary, for example, appel (apple), peer (pear), or glas (glass).
Linguistically, the two languages are close to each other. But Dutch is, in fact, not the closest language to English! Wat?!
Heard English is close to Dutch? Just try and understand fluent Dutch with no practice. Image: Freepik
Believe it or not, West Frisian is actually closer to English than Nederlands.
So if you’re ever in Friesland, listen carefully to what the locals are saying. You might find that you understand a whole lot more than in the rest of the lowlands. 👀
4. The Dutch are the best non-native speakers of English IN THE WORLD
Thanks to their education system and lack of Dutch dubbing in TV shows and movies, Dutchies have a super high non-native proficiency in English and rank the best out of 112 countries! 🌍
5. Dunglish (Dutch + English) is the funniest thing ever 🇬🇧🇳🇱
While most Dutchies are basically fluent in English, you might sometimes catch the rare fish that is Dunglish.
Known in Dutch as steenkolenengels, or“coal-English”, Dunglish is a combination of Dutch and English. The result of this combination is some of the funniest sentences you’ll ever hear.
“I can speak only a little English, hoor.”(What, are you calling me a whore??)
“Just go up the trap.” (Stairs)
“That is the car from Marieke.” (instead of Marieke’s car)
But let’s be clear: the Dutch speak amazing English — so it’s nice to know they’re human and make small errors sometimes. 😉
6. A lot of Dutch slang comes from Hebrew
Yeah, we were shocked by this one too, but it’s true! A lot of Dutch slang comes from Hebrew words from the Jewish population living in the Netherlands.
Much of it can be found especially in the Amsterdam dialect of Dutch. This makes sense because the majority of Dutch Jews lived in Amsterdam in 1940.
Here are just a few examples of Dutch slang with Yiddish origins:
Dutch
Yiddish root
Modern Hebrew
English
blauw
blau
belo
drunk
gabber
chawwer
chaver
friend, comrade
jofel
jofe
yafe
good, nice
mokum
mokum
makom
place
7. Dutch has some rare and weird sounds
There are some pretty funky sounds in the Dutch language and they are actually quite rare among the world’s languages.
The most interesting and unique sounds that the Dutch make are their soft “g” which is written as ch, and the hard “g” which is written as g.
You can hear the soft chand hard g in these words:
Acht (Eight)
Zacht (Soft)
Goedemiddag! (Good morning!)
Groen (Green)
Trying to make those weird Dutch sounds will have your tongue in knots. Image: Freepik
8. Despite the Dutch presence in Indonesia, Nederlands has no official status there (but does have a lot of loan words!)
Remember when the Dutch were in Indonesia for almost 350 years? You’d think that with that kind of presence, the Dutch language would still have some kind of influence, right?
Well, not really.
Dutch has no official status in Indonesia and is only spoken fluently by a small minority of people, such as educated members of the oldest generation, students who go to Dutch language schools, and legal professionals (who need it because some law codes are still in Dutch 😲).
But the Indonesian language does have a lot of loan words from Dutch. One example is the Indonesian afspraak (verbal promise), which is the same as the Dutch afspraak (appointment).
Well, we can blame the British for that. You see, they thought that anyone who spoke “a Germanic language” must have been German. So to the Brits, the Netherlands and Germany were basically the same thing.
They called the Netherlanders the “Deutsch” and the name just kinda stuck. 🙃
But in the Dutch language? The Dutch people are Nederlanders, and the language they speak is Nederlands. Makes sense, right?
10. Dutch and Afrikaans are sisters, not twins
Dutch and Afrikaans (spoken in South Africa) are very similar languages, but they are not the same thing. Afrikaans is a vernacular of the Dutch language that was spoken and brought to South Africa in the 17th century.
Although Afrikaans is derived from Dutch, it’s had language contact with other languages in South Africa and has developed into its own fully-fledged language.
So Dutch and Afrikaans speakers understand each other — kinda. There is a lot of shared vocabulary, but both languages have diverged and changed significantly over centuries.
11. There are lots of Dutch words that are untranslatable
Lekker? Gezellig? Hoor? You hear these words all the time in the Netherlands, but what the heck do they mean? Well, unfortunately, these words are untranslatable. But you can get a good idea based on the context. 💡
You might not know the true meaning, but that won’t stop you from trying to use these addictive words, albeit possibly in the slightly wrong context. But hey, that’s Dutch for you!
12. Dutch words are long AF because of compounds
Dutch words can be loooooong. Why? It’s because of this little thing that Dutchies love to do with their words called compounding.
Compounding is when two or more individual words are combined to create a new word with its own meaning. ✨
For example, the longest Dutch word is aansprakelijkheidswaardevaststellingsveranderingen (liability valuation changes), with a whopping 50 letters!
Notice how, in English, we space out each word?
Yep, unfortunately, those Dutchies are not joking when they say that ridiculously long word. Image: Depositphotos
Well, Dutch doesn’t appear to see the need for spaces and just bunches up the four words (aansprakelijkheid(s) + waarde + vaststelling(s) + veranderingen) together, creating a long AF compound word. 😪
13. Dutch words have a LOT of consonants
If you think super-long Dutch words are already hard enough — it gets worse.
Dutch words can also be pretty consonant-heavy. Some of them love to line up consonants in a row without a vowel in between to get your tongue twisting in all sorts of crazy ways.
If you’ve ever accidentally walked onto a bike path, you might have gotten a little kanker (cancer) thrown your way by an irate biking Dutchie:
Other popular illness hits include:
Krijg de tyfus/klere/pest! (Get tuberculosis/cholera/plague)
Optyfen (Typhus off)
Klerelijer (Cholera-sufferer)
15. Dutch has two ways of saying “the” (de and het), and a lot of people confuse the two
In English, we only have one word for “the”, but the Dutch have two: de and het. A lot of native Dutch speakers aren’t sure why this distinction exists — they just know it by heart.
De is mainly used for plural nouns, people, professions, letters and numbers, etc. On the other hand, het is used for diminutive nouns (-je/-tje ending), nouns for languages, nouns from infinitive verbs, etc.
If you wanna go deeper, de and het are used based on the grammatical gender (not necessarily the same as traditional gender) of the nouns they’re attached to. 👫
Basically, de words are used for masculine/feminine nouns, and het words are used for neuter nouns, but there are a lot of exceptions to this rule. So keep it simple and just memorise the definite articles as you go! 🙌🏼
16. Dutch uses diminutives -je and -tje to make things cuter
In Dutch, it’s common to hear people adding -je or -tje to the end of words to make things cuter, smaller, or friendlier. For example, it’s common to say “Mag ik een biertje?” (May I have a beer?)instead of “Mag ik een bier”.
You’ll also hear people calling their partner vriendje, which shows that the relationship is intimate. Cute, right?! 🥰
It’s the equivalent to saying “Can I have a beerie?” or “This is my friendie” in English. It might sound a bit odd for us to use it as an adult and all the time — but that’s totally normal and even expected in Dutch!
17. Even the Dutch struggle with Dutch (seriously)
Native speakers aren’t perfect either! It’s very common to make mistakes even in your own language, and the Dutch are no exception.
Even if their English/German/French skills may knock you out of the water, some of them have similar struggles to us, internationals, and might make these mistakes:
Mixing up die (this)and dat (that), dat (that) and wat (what), als (if/when)and dan (than)
Not sure whether to use t or d for the end of a past tense verb
Confusing the references to de and het (the)
So don’t feel bad if you mess up now and again, the Dutchies do it too. 😉
We hope this list helped you build on your Dutch knowledge and that you now have a bunch of fun language facts to share with people at parties (hopefully they’re as obsessed with languages as we are 😆).
Looking for an authentic Dutch village to visit for a day trip outside of Amsterdam? There are plenty of beautiful little spots worth exploring!
Dutch cities are beautiful, we all know that. But what about the villages? They deserve some love too. Besides, cities can be busy and overcrowded.
So, instead of pushing your way through the bustling streets of Amsterdam yet again, why not take a trip to some of the quiet, tranquil, and quaint places in the Netherlands? 🚌
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1. Beesel: the Dutch village of the dragon
Beesel is a village in Limburg, a province in the south of the Netherlands. The village was founded in 1275, so it’s been around for quite a while.
Nieuwenbroeck Castle is one of the oldest preserved buildings in Beesel. Image: Peter van der Wielen/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Beesel started as a ship bench and remained so for over 500 years, belonging to Spanish Opper-Gelre until 1713.
The village has plenty of lovely Neolithic architecture and, like all good villages, it has a wonderful, cosy atmosphere.
It also has a metre-high dragon adorning its roundabout, which refers to the village’s yearly tradition of staging a spectacle based on the legend of George and the Dragon. 🐉
De Rijp is in the Alkmaar municipality in North Holland. If you’re excited about the Netherlands’ favourite food (herring), then this is the place to visit!
Picturesque canals of De Rijp. Image: arch/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
Historically, De Rijp was surrounded by lakes, so herring fishing was an abundant source of revenue for the area. 🐟
As the potential birthplace of Holland, De Rijp also has some of the oldest wooden houses in the Netherlands.
This village is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you know it’s going to be good. Kinderdijk is home to the largest collection of old windmills in the Netherlands — 19 in total!
Could it get more idyllic than this? Image: Depositphotos
If you’ve been craving some of thosemandatory Dutch windmill pictures for your Instagram, this village is simply something you cannot miss.
You can buy tickets for a tour of two windmills that have been turned into museums if you fancy getting deep into the history of this beautiful place, or you can just admire these awesome structures from afar.
This Dutch village is perfect for visiting in the summer months, as it’s most famous for the lakes that surround it — theLoosdrechtse Plassen.
Loosdrecht is actually really two separate villages, Old Loosdrecht and New Loosdrecht.
Fancy a house by the water? We’ll take two! Image: Depositphotos
Old Loosdrecht is mainly made up of beautiful lakeside villas — the area is a favourite haunt of the wealthy. New Loosdrecht, on the other hand, is quite densely populated and a bit less exclusive.
As a tourist, both sides of the village are worth exploring. You can enjoy the lakes by boat or from the shore while you’re there. 🚣🏼♀️
If you’re visiting Utrecht, you might as well pop by Vinkeveen, which isanother fabulous village that’s as beautiful from above as it is from its pretty streets.
Could it really be? Is that a floating Dutch city? Image: Ewout Pahud/Supplied
Vinkeveen is famous for its lakes, which you can see in the picture above.
They’re used for swimming, diving, and yachting on approximately three days of the year when Dutch weather is good. 😂
8. Broek in Waterland: Insta-worthy and hyper-Dutch
In our opinion, Broek in Waterland is probably the most spectacular of Dutch villages.
Plus, it’s super close to Amsterdam and has just about the most Dutch name for a village we’ve ever heard!
Broek in Waterland is one of the Netherlands’ most charming places. Image: Ben Bender/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Its proximity to the capital does mean it gets a bit overrun with tourists, who all want to experience rural Dutchness without travelling too far outside the capital. 🌳
Broek in Waterland has actually been a tourist hot spot for generations, already acting as a vacation town in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Thanks to its monument status, the village is very well preserved.
If you’re looking for something that’ll please your wanderlust and Instagram feed, some of the houses here are pastel-coloured or white, making the whole village very aesthetically pleasing. 📸
Now, Bronkhorst is quite a trek from Amsterdam, but luckily, the public transport system in the Netherlands is really good. And besides, this town (or city)is well worth it.
Explore quaint streets and old Dutch houses. Image: Depositphotos
Although Bronkhorst has only 157 inhabitants, it was granted city rights in 1482. That means it technically has a (somewhat limited) form of self-governance. 🙌🏼
It is an absolutely gorgeous village to walk around: quiet streets, authentic Dutch architecture, and plenty of greenery.
Thorn is in Limburg and has a really cool combination of great architecture and fascinating history.
It’s known as the white village for obvious reasons: all of its typical Dutch brick houses have been whitewashed, which gives it a lovely, clean, summery vibe.
Thorn is known for its white houses and pretty streets. Image: Depositphotos
Thorn began as a swamp near the Roman road between Maastricht and Nijmegen. In the 10th century, it was drained, and a monastery was established.
In the 13th century, this monastery became a convent. The nuns made wine which is still made and served in the village, though the convent itself closed in the 18th century. 🍷
Bourtange is a unique village located in the province of Groningen, all the way up north. It was built between 1580 and 1593, during the Eighty Years’ War.
What is now a popular tourist attraction used to be a part of the glorious fortification on the border between the northern Dutch provinces and Germany.
Have you ever seen a village shaped like this? ⭐️ Image: Depositphotos
Over time, people started leaving Bourtange, until the village was completely emptied around 1960.
After some restorations, the fortress now exists as a quaint little village and outdoor museum. Visitors can see the historic Market Square, a candle maker, and various charming shops and restaurants.
Joost Klein, the mulleted Dutch pop icon, has racked up 52 million views on YouTube, making his outrageously fabulous music video the most-watched video in the Netherlands this year.
Forget Rembrandt, we’ve got a new national treasure. 👇
From Klein to groot (big)
The whimsical song that stole all the views on YouTube was Klein’s 2024 Eurovision entry, which had already been growing popularity before his controversial disqualification for “inappropriate behaviour” boosted its views even more.
But, in all honesty — who needs a trophy when you’ve got the entire nation humming your song?
Not so close runner-ups
In second place, with 12 million views, was “Dada Die Dada Daa” by Kinderen voor Kinderen for the King’s Games.
Third place went to “Brommers Kieken” by Boer Harm, with 6.6 million views.
Honourable mentions include “Sugardaddy” by Roxy Dekker, “Pretty Girls by Frenna, and “Entourage” by Bankzitters.
Still, Klein’s passion for Europe(papa) has touched the hearts of countless fans, beating toddlers and tractors by a long shot.
What do you think about Klein’s music video? Have you heard of him before? Let us know in the comments below.
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