A stabbing incident occurred on Thursday afternoon near the Dam in Amsterdam, leaving five people injured.
As the NOS writes, the attack took place on Sint Nicolaasstraat, the street connecting Damrak to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, right next to Dam Square.
Emergency services were quick to respond, and a trauma helicopter landed in the area.
Here’s what we know
At around 3:30 PM this afternoon, several people were attacked with a knife on the Dam Square. As the Amsterdam police write on X, five people were wounded and have either been transferred to a nearby hospital or were treated on the spot.
In a stabbing incident at the Sint Nicolaasstraat nearby the Dam square five people have been injured. One suspect has been arrested.
— Politie Eenheid Amsterdam (@POL_Amsterdam) March 27, 2025
According to Het Parool, witnesses described the attack as happening in front of a fabric store at the corner of Sint Nicolaasstraat. One witness said they heard a knock before seeing a girl stabbed in the back, with the attacker fleeing the scene.
The police have arrested a suspect, but the motive for the attack is still unknown.
What also remains unclear is whether there was one or multiple crime scenes. While the stabbing is confirmed to have occurred on Sint Nicolaasstraat, witnesses also mentioned a stabbing on Gravenstraat, which could indicate that the attacker struck in more than one location.
Dam Square open to the public again
After initially diverting trams and asking people to avoid the Dam, the square has now been reopened to the public.
However, the shock persists, and many stores remain closed for now.
Authorities have asked anyone with footage of the attack to share it with the police as they investigate.
Thinking about taking a day trip from Amsterdam? Wat leuk! (How nice!) There is heaps to see in the Dutch capital, but you can discover even more outside of the city.
Picking what to do and see in a short time can be confusing and complicated — but we have some top travel recommendations, no matter what you want to explore!
Here are 19 of the best day trips you can take from Amsterdam, sorted by distance. 😉
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If you won’t be in the city for long, a 30-minute day trip from Amsterdam is perfect for getting out of the city for a day! Here are our top picks for nearby towns and cities.
1. Zaanse Schans: a picture-perfect town of windmills
A trip to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing windmills — and there’s no better way to see them than in the historical town of Zaanse Schans. 🍃
This quaint village gives visitors an accurate impression of Dutch living in the 17th and 18th centuries.
From cheese and dairy factories to traditional windmills and historical museums, you’ll live, breathe, and experience the old Zaan style of living. Classic!
🚗 Travel time by car: 21 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Zaanse Schans, 17 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Zaanse windmills, Honig Breethuis, Museumwinkel
2. Haarlem: the river city
An ideal day trip from Amsterdam, Haarlem is located between the Spaarne River and coastal dunes — did someone say beach? 🏖
Wouldn’t you just love to take a walk along the Spaarne river? ✨ Image: Depositphotos
This city has everything: bustling markets and shopping streets, plenty of family-friendly cultural activities like museums, comedy clubs, concerts, and cuisine choices to die for. 🍴
If you’re looking for a change of scenery but still want to have lots of activities to do, Haarlem is the place for you.
🚗 Travel time by car: 30 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Haarlem, 19 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: St. Bavo’s Kerk (church), Grote Markt, Bloemendaal aan Zee
3. Broek in Waterland: a village fit for sea captains
Broek in Waterland made a name for itself back in the 16th century — a popular vacation destination for sea captains! 🧑🏻✈
If you’re looking for a getaway from the big city, Broek in Waterland is the definition of an idyllic Dutch town.
With a population of fewer than 2,500 people, this village has quiet streets and picturesque nature. 🌿
A perfectly picturesque harbour. 🛶 Image: Depositphotos
Its standout feature is its traditional wooden houses, with more than 80 of them considered National Heritage Sites.
There are also lots of biking and walking routes nearby. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and exercise while on a day trip from Amsterdam, check out the biking tours around the town!
🚗 Travel time by car: 14 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Broek in Waterland, 18 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Traditional village townhouses
4. Marken: a former island in the Zuiderzee
Marken was separated from the Dutch mainland in the 13th century by a storm, turning it into an island in the Markermeer lake. ⛈️
Residents of the town built wooden houses on artificial hills to prevent more flooding damage. To this day, these picturesque homes remain a popular cultural attraction.
Only nine kilometres in area, you can easily walk across the whole town and island.
On your walk, you can visit the cosy town harbour or enjoy the scenic route of fields, forests, and the lakeshore. 🚣🏼
This lovely town has historical connections to Volendam, so you could make it a longer day trip from Amsterdam and visit two towns with one ferry. 😉
🚗 Travel time by car: 27 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Marken, 45 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Paard van Marken Lighthouse, The Marken Museum
5. Volendam: a traditional Dutch fishing town
Volendam is the best-known fishing village in the Netherlands. You can visit the old harbour full of traditional Dutch ships, many of which are still in use! 🎣
This day trip from Amsterdam would be incomplete without trying some of the fish delicacies — you can finally conquer your fear of raw haring (herring) and smoked eel, or stick to the delicious kibbeling (deep-fried codfish).
Volendam offers a beautiful seaside town, fresh ocean air, and delicious food. Image: Depositphotos
Volendam is also one of the few towns where you can experience the traditional Dutch clothing style.
If you have a little more time on your hands, these day trips from Amsterdam are worth checking out!
They’re just a tad further away from the Dutch capital, but you’ll find some beautiful monuments and sites if you make the trip.
6. Hoorn: the pearl of the IJsselmeer
Hoorn is located by the IJsselmeer, an artificial sea-turned-lake in Noord-Holland. This harbour town has a lively centre with plenty of shops, terraces, and restaurants to enjoy.
If you’re looking for an authentic Dutch maritime village, Hoorn is the go-to choice.
An artificial island destination, this day trip from Amsterdam is plenty of fun. Image: Depositphotos
You can also check out historical monuments like the historic ship and 16th-century warehouses, the defence tower built in the 16th century, and the Oosterkerk (Eastern Church) for fishers and sailors!
If you want to get active, you can try out some water sports (although we can’t guarantee comfortable water temperatures 🥶) or take a walk on the beach and dunes around the area. 🚶🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Hoorn, 33 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Westfries Museum, The Red Square, De Hoornse Straatjes
7. Leiden: the city of arts and sciences
With canals and architecture to rival Amsterdam, Leiden might be one of the most underrated places for a day trip from Amsterdam.
We should know — it’s home to our headquarters and one of our favourite Dutch cities! 😉
Leiden is also home to cute, unique shops where you can buy handmade ceramics, old-fashioned mechanical wristwatches, and vintage records.
A university city since 1575, Leiden has been a prominent art and science centre of the world.
The inner city is full of museums and historical buildings like the Leiden Citadel and the old city gates. It was also home to more Dutch artists than you might expect — Rembrandt, Steen, and more! 👨🏼🎨
Plenty of trains pass through Leiden, making it a convenient day trip from Amsterdam. 😌
🚗 Travel time by car: 42 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Leiden Centraal, 43 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Hooglandse Kerk, Museum de Lakenhal
8. Utrecht: the very centre of the Dutch mainland
Utrecht is the Netherlands’ bright, beating heart, connecting the east to the west at the centre of the Netherlands.
Built around the Dom Tower, you can see this spectacular monument from all around the city — so you’ll never get lost!
The historic city is surrounded by an old moat called De Singel, built for defence in the 12th century.
One of the most special parts of Utrecht is its unique terraces: landings right next to the canals that thrive with bars and restaurants.
Combining two very Dutch things: canals and terraces! Image: Depositphotos
With lots of places to shop and eat, cultural spots like museums and concert halls, access to nature, and beautiful inner-city sites, you won’t run out of things to do in Utrecht.
This city is a super convenient day trip from Amsterdam because of the direct intercity train (the fast train that travels between cities) that runs four times an hour. The journey is less than 30 minutes! 🚅
🚗 Travel time by car: 44 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Utrecht Centraal, 26 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: The Dom Tower, Rietveld Schröder House, Hoog Catharijne
9. Rotterdam: a city with an unmatched skyline
A city of skyscrapers, bright buildings, and modern facades, Rotterdam is the metropolis of the Netherlands. 🏙
Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II, which is why you see far less iconic Dutch architecture from the 17th century, like in Amsterdam or Leiden.
The city has a thriving nightlife scene, sophisticated shopping streets and markets, hip cultural attractions, and a wealth of good food.
Rotterdam might be best known for its expansive port and the iconic skyline that graces the river Maas. ⛴
It’s also another convenient day trip from Amsterdam with direct intercity trains running every 15 minutes from the central stations!
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 1 minute 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Rotterdam Centraal, 41 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Markthal, The Euromast, The Cube Houses, Blijdorp Zoo
10. The Hague: city of international peace and justice
The Hague is the political capital of the Netherlands, making it a perfect pairing for a day trip from Amsterdam, the cultural capital.
This Dutch city, filled with historical monuments and museums, is the only major city with a beach and has an international scene second to none in the Netherlands.
The Hague is home to the Dutch parliament. Image: Depositphotos
You can enjoy a beautiful city centre with places to eat and shop to your heart’s desire, or perhaps go hiking in one of many scenic locations in the Hague like the Haagse Bos.
If you’re looking to dip your feet in the (albeit, freezing) sea, look no further than Scheveningen Pier.
It’s the perfect place to sit by the beach, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea, whether it’s doing water sports or just lounging. 🙂
🚗 Travel time by car: 58 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Haag Centraal, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Peace Palace, Buitenhof, Madurodam, Scheveningen Pier and Boardwalk
11. Delft: home to Vermeer and Delft Blaauw
Delft has an international reputation for being the hometown of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and the originator of Delft Blaauw (Delft Blue) pottery.
It is the definition of a full-sized city with a small-town feeling — gezellig! 🔵
Delft has a stunning main square — it makes for the perfect place to start your adventure in this lovely town! Image: Depositphotos
The city boasts beautiful architecture and historical sights like the Eastern Gate from the old city walls to the New Church of Delft.
If you’re curious about experiencing another student city, Delft’s busy nightlife will keep you up on your feet all night long. 💃🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 59 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Delft, 1 hour and 5 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Delft City Hall, Old Church of Delft
12. Gouda: the birthplace of iconic Dutch cheese
Which came first, the cheese or the city? For Gouda, the city is the namesake for this world-famous cheese. 🧀
It’s a surprisingly old city with plenty of old monuments and buildings from as early as the 13th century, like the city hall (formerly surrounded by a moat!) and St. John’s Church.
Gouda has beautiful scenery in this modern landscape. Image: Depositphotos
The city is quaint, but the centre bustles with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés.
Check out the weekly Markt (market) on Thursdays and Saturdays and the first Fairtrade Street in the Netherlands, where all street food is sustainably produced and sold!
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Station Gouda, 53 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Gouda cheese market, Old City Hall, The Waag (weigh house) Museum
13. Schiedam: home to the world’s tallest windmill
Yep, you heard that right! While there are windmills all around the Netherlands, Schiedam has the tallest traditional windmills of all, standing at 26.6 metres. 🍃
Take a look at how tall this windmill is! It’s almost unbelievable. 🤯 Image: Depositphotos
Schiedam is also known for being the Netherlands’ gin capital, with the city producing the most jenever (also known as Dutch gin) in the country.
There are also multiple bars museums where you can check out the production process. 🍸
Apart from windmills and gin, you can visit Gothic cathedrals, 14th-century churches, and history museums, creating an excellent combination of culture and recreation in one day trip from Amsterdam!
🚗 Travel time by car: 55 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Schiedam Centrum, 1 hour and 8 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: National Jenever Museum, Jenever ‘t Spul, Liduina Basilica, Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
Day trips over an hour from Amsterdam
If you’re looking to get out of the region and visit a far-off place (for Dutch standards), here are some longer day trips from Amsterdam!
14. Dordrecht: a historic trading port
Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland (we mean the old province of Holland and not the so-called “country”!).
There are plenty of cultural spots, including seven churches and several historical monuments-turned-museums.
You can spend a whole day just walking along the canals of Dordrecht. Image: Depositphotos
While most of the Netherlands is surrounded by canals and dikes, water and boats make a unique part of Dordrecht’s cityscape.
As an old trading port, there are plenty of historic boats scattered around the old harbours connected by canals. On your day trip from Amsterdam, check out the canal network and catch a boat tour! 🚤
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 5 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Dordrecht Centraal,1 hour and 34 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Dordrechtsmuseum, Munt van Holland (Mint of Holland), Grote Kerk
If you go on your day trip from Amsterdam in July, Tilburg runs a 10-day fair that draws more than a million visitors every year. 🎡
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 28 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Tilburg Centraal, 1 hour and 52 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Textielmuseum, Stadsmuseum Tilburg, Tilburg Kermis
16. Groningen: the hidden gem of the north
Despite being far away from most big cities, Groningen attracts many travel buffs, making it the perfect day trip from Amsterdam if you really want to get out of your surroundings.
Groningen has a compact city centre with restaurants and shops, beautiful sites like the Martini Tower and Grote Markt, and contemporary art museums. 🗼
As a student city, Groningen has exciting nightlife — plenty of clubs and bars included. 😉
Along with an energetic centre, quiet countryside surrounds Groningen city, which you can enjoy.
You can hike on one of the beautiful trails through the dunes and along the coast or take a cycle route around artificial hills, forests, and old forts.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Groningen Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Groninger Museum, Martinitoren, Groningen City Centre
17. Den Helder: city of the sun
Surrounded by water on three sides, Den Helder is a maritime city at heart.
On the northernmost point of the Dutch coast, the city has a lot of naval sights to see, including the largest naval base in the Netherlands.
Den Helder boasts a rich history with the largest Dutch naval base, a historic harbour, and fascinating marine attractions, including the North Sea Aquarium and three museum ships (museums housed in historic ships from the Dutch Navy!).
If you’re seeking nature and scenery, the city has a wide variety of landscapes — you can take a refreshing hike around the dunes and polders surrounding the Wadden Sea.
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 10 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Helder, Steiger TESO, 1 hour and 40 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Fort Kijkduin, The Marine Museum, Lange Jaap Lighthouse
18. Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands
A picture-perfect landscape, Giethoorn is an almost entirely car-free village, replaced with boats and, of course, bicycles.
Giethoorn is a Dutch town through and through — with winding canals, countless boats, and quaint matching houses, it doesn’t get more gezellig than this. 🧘🏻
🚗 Travel time by car: 1 hour and 26 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Blauwe Hand Bus Station, 2 hours ⭐ Don’t miss: Boat tour through Giethoorn, Gondola festival, Giethoorn walking route
19. Bourtange: the medieval fortress village
While the name suggests a beautiful rural town in France, Bourtange is actually in the Netherlands! Although, it might be the longest day trip from Amsterdam yet.
This small village is a perfectly restored fortress town from medieval times in the north, built in the shape of a star. ⭐️
Literally and figuratively a star of a town! 🤩 Image: Depositphotos
With a population of 430 people, there isn’t much room for proper shopping — but you can check out smaller quirky shops with Delfs Blaauw pottery, candles, other gifts, and trinkets.
We recommend exploring the medieval architecture which you’ll find all over the city. From fortified walls and traditional houses to windmills, visiting Bourtange is like visiting a village-sized museum!
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 35 minutes 🚃 Travel time by train: Amsterdam Centraal – Bourtange Bus Station, 3 hours and 16 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: City fortifications, Church of Bourtange
20. Texel: a Dutch island escape
For a breath of fresh air on your day trip from Amsterdam, hop on a ferry to Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands in the north of the Netherlands.
Just a short trip from the mainland, this island is a perfect escape from city life, offering stunning nature, charming villages, and plenty of activities for every type of traveler.
One of the best ways to explore Texel is by bike — with over 140 kilometres of cycling paths, you can easily ride through Duinen van Texel National Park, a breathtaking coastal reserve with dunes, forests, and heathlands.
Beach lovers can relax on De Koog, one of Texel’s most famous beach towns, or take a mudflat walking tour during low tide to experience the seabed up close. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or craving a beach day, Texel is for you.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 14 minutes 🚃 Travel time by public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – Den Helder – Texel, 3 hours and 9 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: National Park Duinen van Texel, Eierland Lighthouse, beaches
For a mix of history, seaside beauty, and authentic Dutch culture, Zierikzee is a hidden gem worth discovering on a day trip from Amsterdam.
Located in Zeeland, this medieval town boasts over 500 monuments, including the impressive Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, which you can climb for panoramic views of the coastline.
A stroll through the picturesque harbour brings you past centuries-old fishing boats, and a visit to the Maritime Museum will teach you all about the town’s seafaring past.
Foodies, you’re in luck: The region is famous for its seafood, so don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh Zeeland oysters, mussels, or lobster at a waterfront restaurant.
🚗 Travel time by car: 2 hours and 20 minutes 🚃 Travel time by public transport: Amsterdam Centraal – Zierikzee, Sas, 2 hours and 51 minutes ⭐ Don’t miss: Oosterschelde National Park, harbours
There are a couple of ways to get around for day trips in the Netherlands, depending on what you’re comfortable with: taking public transport, hiring a car, and cycling.
Using the Dutch public transport system for day trips
Public transport in the Netherlands is reliable and easy to use — most big cities have trains, trams, and buses, and some, like Rotterdam and Amsterdam, even have metros and ferries.
If you’re travelling between cities and towns, you can buy many types of (cheap) train tickets. The day ticket is the most common and accessible ticket to travel on any train during off-peak hours.
You can buy tickets on most trams and buses within cities. Metro and train stations have machines to buy tickets. The Netherlands also has an extensive night public transport system that you can use.
Several of the bigger cities, like Amsterdam, are also home to their own tram networks. Image: Freepik
An OV-chipkaart (public transport card) can be the easiest option if you plan to make a lot of day trips from Amsterdam using public transport.
You can place credit on the card so you can check in and out of the turnstiles with ease.
You can usually buy an anonymous OV-chipkaart in the major train stations. Just go to the NS service desk and ask to buy one!
Hiring a car to visit Dutch towns and cities
There are five major car rental companies where you can hire a car: Avis Budget, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
If you’re flying into Schiphol Airport, you can rent a car from one of these companies directly at the airport. You can pre-book a car or just go with the flow and see what’s there on the day!
If you’re arriving in Amsterdam another way, these car rental companies have rental locations in the city itself.
Biking on a day trip from Amsterdam
Biking around your desired day trip city is a great way to get a feel for Dutch cycling culture!
If you have a personal OV chipkaart (only available to residents of the Netherlands), you can go full circle and rent an OV-fiets.
Cycling is hands down the best way to get around a city in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
The NS has set up bicycle rental locations at most train stations, bus and metro stops, and P+R facilities which you can rent for a few hours at a time.
If you only have an anonymous OV-chipkaart or none at all, you can rent a bicycle from companies in Amsterdam.
Different types of bicycles are available for hourly/daily rates. We promise you don’t have to bike like a seasoned Dutchie — but do be careful on the bike paths.
What’s your favourite spot for a day trip from Amsterdam? Leave some suggestions in the comments!
Day trips from Amsterdam: frequently asked questions
What are the best day trips from Amsterdam?
Depending on how much time you have during your trip to Amsterdam, there are different trips you can take
Some beautiful locations are within 30 minutes by car or train, such as Haarlem or Volendam, while others can take two to three hours to reach, like Bourtange and Tilburg.
You can choose to visit smaller towns and villages or a big city like Rotterdam — depending on whether you want to visit another urban space or get a break in the quieter, more rural areas, there are plenty of locations to pick from.
Where can I see windmills near Amsterdam?
The closest windmill town to Amsterdam is Zaanse Schans, less than 30 minutes by either car or public transport. If you’re looking for other windmill locations, you can check out Kinderdijk and Schiedam, close to Rotterdam.
Where can I see tulips near Amsterdam?
Tulip season runs throughout spring, so the best time to see the Dutch tulips is from March to May. The most popular tulip attraction in the Netherlands is De Keukenhof in Lisse, a large flower garden that features tulips.
Lisse is about 1 hour and 22 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal Station by public transport and 44 minutes by car. You can only enter the park with a ticket, so make sure to book them in advance if you’re interested in visiting.
There are other tulip fields by independent farmers in Lisse while walking or cycling around — usually, you can visit these parks for free, but there’s no guarantee the farmers will let tourists near their tulips.
Can you do a day trip from Amsterdam to Bruges?
Yes! You can take a train from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Bruges.
Travel time and prices vary depending on the type of journey, which train you take, and whether you have transfers. The average travel time from Amsterdam to Bruges is between one to two hours.
Where is it easy to travel to from Amsterdam?
We recommend a location within 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car or train for extra easy travel. You can check out Haarlem if you want a change of scenery but want to stick to a city.
Smaller traditional towns like Marken and Volendam will give you a great impression of the scenic Dutch countryside.
If you want to see other big cities, Amsterdam has direct trains that run every 15 minutes to Rotterdam and Utrecht — you can get to the city in less than 30 minutes on these trains!
What’s close to Amsterdam by train?
Generally, the bigger the city/town, the easier it is to reach by train and public transport. So if you’re looking for a laidback day trip with public transport, going to a city like Den Haag, Leiden, and Gouda is the most convenient.
Intercity trains connect most of the Randstad cities, so these trains run consistently — every 15 minutes in both directions from 5 AM to 12 AM.
The tricky thing about the time in the Netherlands is that it’s always changing — or at least twice a year, when Daylight Saving Time starts and ends. ⏰
Daylight Saving Time can be tricky, especially in the Netherlands, where it isn’t always obvious when you’ve entered a new season (thanks, irregular weather). 🙄
So, if you want to stay up to date with Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands, read on! 👇
Does the Netherlands have Daylight Saving Time?
In a nutshell, yes, the Netherlands has Daylight Saving Time. That means twice a year, the clock is set an hour forward or back.
It also means that every time we switch to winter time, it’s super common to hear: “Wow! How is it so dark already?!” 😩
During winter, the sun sets earlier than usual since clocks go back one hour in October. Image: Pixabay
Time zones in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has one standard time zone: CET (Central European Time), and another one during Daylight Saving Time: CEST (Central European Summer Time).
The standard time zone of the Netherlands, CET (Central European Time), is one hour ahead of UTC (Universal Time Coordinated).
Daylight Saving Time (DST) marks the beginning of summer, and, more specifically, the switch from the standard Central European Time to the Central European Summer Time.
More specifically, the standard time zone changes to CEST (Central European Summer Time) when the clock moves one hour forward in March, which kicks off the season of Daylight Saving. ☀️
Time
Time zone
Universal time
Standard Time
CET (Central European Time)
UTC +1
Daylight Saving Time
CEST (Central European Summer Time)
UTC +2
Upcoming clock changes in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Daylight Saving Time begins on the last Sunday of March and ends on the last Sunday of October.
In March 2025, the clock change will mark the beginning of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands, which is also the beginning of Central European Summer Time. ⏰
On Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 02:00:00, clocks are turned forward 1 hour to Sunday, March 30, 2025, 03:00:00 Daylight Saving Time instead.
The next clock change will happen in October and will mark the end of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands.
On Sunday,October 26, 2025 at 03:00:00, clocks are turned backwards 1 hour to Sunday, 26, October 2025, 02:00:00 local standard time.
Why does the Netherlands use Daylight Saving Time?
The Netherlands uses DST for the same reason every other country does: to make better use of their daylight! 🌆
When the winter season rolls in, daylight hours get shorter and shorter, which makes it quite hard for those who work outside and need sunlight to carry on with their tasks.
Take it from the farmers, researchers, and archaeologists, who all need that precious sunlight to see their crops, plant samples, or find 100 million-year-old dinosaur bones.
Farmers need loads of daylight to work. Thanks, Daylight Saving Time! Image: Pexels
Moving the clock one hour back gives workers who depend on sunlight more working hours in the morning, so they can profit from those powerful light beams! ☀️
The first country to implement Daylight Saving Time was Canada in 1908, so they could extend their daylight hours for longer and use them more efficiently.
A short history of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
The history of Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands finds its origins in its neighbour, Germany.
On April 30, 1916, Germany became the first entire country to implement DST — but the Canadian region of Port Arthur in Ontario was the first area to implement it.
The next day, on June 1, 1916, the Netherlands followed the Germans’ lead and started using Daylight Saving Time.
Unfortunately, history doesn’t stop there. Between 1940 and 1942, German forces, which invaded the Netherlands during WWII, advanced the country’s local time by 1 hour and 40 minutes to match the occupiers’ clock schedules.
This changed the Netherlands’ time zone from the standard Dutch Time to the Central European Summer Time.
Until 1945, the Netherlands followed the German clocks along with its Daylight Savings switches. After WWII, the Netherlands abolished Daylight Saving Time but kept Central European Time as its standard time zone.
The Netherlands stopped using DST for three decades and reintroduced it in 1977, which remains the same to the present day.
Debate over Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands
Not everyone is on the same page when it comes to having Daylight Savings in the Netherlands.
After the European Union standardised DST for all countries within the European Economic Area (EEA) (except for Iceland), it sparked a lot of debate.
On March 26, 2019, the EU decided to remove DST from their plans.
Though, none of the member states decided whether they wanted to keep the winter or summer time, so that decision is yet to be made. 🤷🏻♀️
Will the Netherlands ever get rid of Daylight Saving Time?
While many European countries prefer scrapping DST, the Netherlands seems to favour it — after all, it allows us to make better use of daylight hours when the seasons change.
Many people find changing their clocks twice a year quite a fuss. It can also have negative effects on people’s mental and physical health, such as sleep deprivation and a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
You can also get SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) from Daylight Saving Time. Yes, that’s a thing. Image: Depositphotos
So, until now, the Netherlands will keep practising DST, and, each year, people will keep getting surprised at how it gets dark so early in the day.
Are you for or against Daylight Saving Time in the Netherlands? Tell us why in the comments below! 👇
Daylight Saving in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Netherlands does Daylight Saving Time. The clock moves forward on the last Sunday of March and backwards on the last Sunday of October.
What time zone does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands uses Central European Time as the standard time zone and switches to Central European Summer Time when Daylight Saving Time is activated.
How does Daylight Saving work in the Netherlands?
Each year, the clock moves one hour forward on the last Sunday of March, marking the start of Daylight Saving Time and moves back one hour to the standard Central European Time on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go back in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks go back one hour on the last Sunday of October.
When do clocks go forward in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, clocks move one hour forward on the last Sunday of March.
Does the Netherlands have two time zones?
As a country, the Netherlands only has one standard time zone. But, the country’s dependencies (ex: Aruba, Sint Maarten) follow the AST (Atlantic Standard Time).
In a crime so bold it sounds like a Netflix special, a group of thieves broke into a North Brabant cheese shop last Friday and made off with over a ton of cheese.
The shop JUST won gold at the National Cheese Inspection, so owner Wilco de Crom is devastated, he tells Omroep Brabant.
Now he’s suspicious that their recent prize makes this robbery more “Ocean’s Eleven” than random hit. 👀
Wheelbarrowing the wheels away
The thieves used a van, a neighbor’s pasture, AND the cheesemaker’s wheelbarrow to meticulously empty three of four cheese trucks, each containing 350 kilos.
By the time Wilco’s colleague arrived on Saturday morning to pick up a truck, he was met with the grim scene: the door had been forced open, and the cheese was gone.
After being convicted of ‘indecent assault’ for masturbating in public, the former Groningen mayor Koen Schuiling wants to appeal.
He claims he had his belt undone because of a different kind of relief — massaging his stomach due to severe abdominal pain, AD reports.
It’s not about the money
Schuiling received a fine of €250 for masturbating in public last March, but refused to pay it. He saw it as an admission of something he claims he didn’t do.
Since he resisted the fine, he had to go to court, where he was found guilty of ‘indecent assault’ and asked to pay the €250 again. 😬
More time in court
Unsurprisingly, the former mayor is unhappy with the ruling and has filed an appeal. He still claims that what the driver had seen was a lower stomach massage.
But it’s not just about the principle — Schuiling wants to continue working, and a criminal conviction could stand in the way.
According to Schuiling’s lawyer, they are still not certain whether they will go through with the appeal. They just filed it within the allotted time to allow for revisions.
Chaos on the highway
The incident that landed Schuiling in court took place last March when a truck driver saw him masturbating on the A7.
A colleague advised the driver to report the former mayor, according to NU.nl.
As it turns out, this wasn’t the first time the police received reports about Schuiling — he had been seen without any pants on in a gas station parking lot a few months earlier.
Everyone loves a good party, but King’s Day in Amsterdam is the biggest of them all! So, what’s happening in the Dutch capital on April 26? 🧡
Amsterdam is going to have its own festivities, so here’s what you should know if you’re planning on celebrating in the Dutch capital. 👑
What is King’s Day?
King’s Day celebrates the current ruling monarch’s birthday. In this case, the entire Netherlands throws a huge birthday party for King Willem-Alexander, whose birthday is on April 27.
2025 is a special year since April 27 falls on a Sunday, and King’s Day never takes place on a Sunday.
The festivities will therefore be moved to a day earlier this time around — April 26 for King’s Day and April 25 for King’s Night. 👑
Given the chance to let loose, the Netherlands celebrates like crazy. Even if they aren’t the biggest fans of the monarchy. 🤷🏻
King’s Day in Amsterdam
There will be plenty of music and festivities through the night and into King’s Day. Amsterdam is well known for its open stages throughout all its neighbourhoods. 🎶
There are parties and live music all around Amstelveld, Leidseplein, Nieuwmarkt, Rembrandtplein, and the Jordaan. 🎤
Spui, Regulierdswartsstraat, and Marie Heinekenplein are accessible to partygoers from 12 PM to 8 PM and are completely free! 😍
There are also some festivals on the outskirts of Amsterdam:
Nachtbloesem at Multipla and IJland, Amsterdam, from 8 PM to 5 AM
Loveland at Meerpark, Amsterdam, from 11 AM to 8 PM
Cartel Kingsday at Westerunie, Amsterdam, from 12 PM to 5 AM
Travelling during King’s Day in Amsterdam
The municipality closes most of Amsterdam’s city centre to traffic on April 26, but you can walk or bike around the city as usual — the only thing that’ll slow you down are the crowds.
You can still access the city by car through a few open roads, and parking is free, but the municipality strongly recommends arriving by train. 🚄
The NS runs on a special King’s Day timetable with some extra trains. Amsterdam Science Park is closed all day because of festivals and parties in the area.
On King’s Night (April 25), both Amsterdam Science Park and Amsterdam RAI are closed all day.
Walking in and around Amsterdam will be unlike anything you’ve done before! Image: Depositphotos
Buses, metros, and trams will also be running throughout King’s Day in Amsterdam, some on different routes and timetables, which you can check on GVB.
Trams won’t run at night, but there will be night buses, and the ferry running between Amsterdam Central Station and NDSM will sail as usual.
Flea markets on King’s Day in Amsterdam
The municipality will allow flea markets across the city. Anyone can settle down anywhere in the city and sell all their unwanted goods from 6 AM to 8 PM, except in Dam Square.
You can sell anything except for live animals and alcohol, and you’re only allowed to sell food if you have a permit.
Good to know: You won’t be allowed to purchase more than one serving of alcohol at a time between 6 AM and 12 AM during King’s Day. A six-pack or crate of beer counts as several pieces, so you won’t be able to buy these on April 26.
There are dozens of markets to check out across the city’s many parks and squares. There are even special markets where only children are allowed to sell their old things.
Let’s just hope the weather holds up and comes through for the country’s biggest party.
How are you planning on spending King’s Day this year? Tell us in the comments!
The Dutch — practical yet, playful, direct but never dull, and always effortlessly gezelling.
They have a way of doing things that’s both fascinating and, let’s be honest, slightly enviable. 😏
But what exactly makes Dutch culture so uniquely charming? Is it their ability to cycle through torrential rain without flinching? Or is there some secret ingredient in all that cheese?
Time to find out! Grab a coffee (you’ll blend right in) and dive into 13 things we absolutely love about Dutch people!
1. You always know what a Dutch person is thinking
Wondering what’s on a Dutch person’s mind? No need. They’ll make it crystal clear.
Picture this: you’ve spent hours cooking, serve it with a flourish, and they casually mention that they “don’t like pasta.” Ouch? Maybe. Refreshing? Absolutely.
But here’s the thing: with the Dutch, you’ll always know where to stand. There are no mind games, just the truth. And honestly (pun intended), isn’t that kind of beautiful?✨
2.Dutch people aren’t afraid to be sarcastic
So yes, now you know the Dutch are blunt, but did you know they’re sarcastic, too? If they roast you, they mean it (met liefde, of course).
Their humour is sharp, dry, and, again, unapologetically honest. Nothing is safe, whether politics, weather, or your wobbly cycling skills.
But that’s the magic of it! It’s raw, real, and — best of all — they don’t take themselves too seriously, which makes it all the more brilliant!
3. Most Dutch people speak multiple languages
Ah, the Dutch — fluent in more languages than you have unread Duolingo notifications. 🐦
One minute, they’re chatting in flawless English; the next, they’re negotiating in German, and just when you think you’ve caught up, boom, effortless Italian.
And you? You’re still trying to pronounce Scheveningen without sounding like a confused tourist. Come on, leave some glory for the rest of us!
4. They’re passport pros who can’t stay put
Have you ever chatted with someone from the Netherlands and felt they’ve ticked off every destination possible? Fact: Dutchies genuinely seem to have been everywhere.✈️
One day, they’re backpacking through Argentina, the next sipping flat whites in Melbourne, or casually discovering a random coastal village near Rome known only to nonnas (true story!).
Dutchies love to travel—just take one look at Schiphol, and you’ll see it’s always buzzing with activity! Image: Freepik.
A side-effect of their adventurous spirit? There’s nowhere safe. Even on your most obscure, remote holiday spot, the Dutch will find you.🧐
5. Gouda? Sure. But also guacamole
Sure, the Netherlands blessed the world with cheese and hagelslag, but they’ve also fully embraced sushi, tacos, and overpriced kombucha from Albert Heijn.
With a mix of international foodies and adventurous Dutch taste buds, the country has turned into a global snack haven.🌍
For internationals, that means almost no more desperate ingredient hunts — just a casual trip to the supermarket that feels like a world tour, no passport necessary.
6. The Dutch work to live, not live to work
Dutch people have cracked the code to the perfect work-life balance and will do it without sweat.
Lunch breaks are for eating (not emails), and once the clock strikes five? It’s borrel time, baby! 🍻 Free time is sacred, guarded with the same intensity as ‘’The Night Watch’’.
No one gets in the way of a Dutchies free time. Image: Depositphotos
Sure, some jobs and Dutchies break this rule, but OECD data proves that, generally, the Dutch work to live and not the other way around.
7. The Dutch keep it practical
Why overcomplicate life when you can just…not? The Dutch sure don’t. They’re efficiency wizards, and it’s very impressive. 🧙♂️
Raining? Throw on a raincoat and cycle through it. Moving day? Forget the movers. Call some friends, rig a pulley, and squeeze that couch through the window. And when hunger strikes, just toss a verspakket into the pan — one pot, zero stress.
While the rest of the world overcomplicates things, the Dutch keep it lekkersimpel! Practicality is their superpower, and we’re taking notes.
8. Their commitment to gezellige moments
Nothing, and we mean nothing, stands between the Dutch and their gezelligemoments.
They don’t just endure winter; they romance it with wine, wool socks, and enough candles to make the fire department sweat.
Gezelligheid is a way of life. Image: Freepik
Call it survival, call it genius, but one thing’s clear: if cosiness were an Olympic sport, the Netherlands would take home gold (and celebrate with an obscene amount of bitterballen). 🥇
9. How Dutch people can’t live without coffee
The Dutch people and coffee form an inseparable duo. There’s always a cup in hand in the morning, noon, or night. They like it extra sterk, black, and bottomless. ☕
With coffee shops popping up like tulips in spring (yes, Amsterdam’s got your back), you’re never more than five steps away from your next fix.
Dutch people enjoy drinking their coffee outside, especially sitting on a terrace. Image: Dreamstime
But the real magic? Koffie and kletsen (chatting) are the glue of Dutch social life — whether it’s a casual date or a deep chat, no plans are required. Simple, informal, and perfect.
10. Dutch people make startups as easy as cycling
The Dutch turn ideas into business faster than a bier disappears at a borrel. Armed with boundless creativity, they spot business opportunities everywhere.
With a knack for innovation, easy startup rules, and investors circling like seagulls over fries, launching a company here feels as natural as dodging tourists on a bike. 🚴♂️
One minute, it’s a wild idea. The next, it’s a thriving company!
11. The way the Dutch turn green thinking into a sport
For the Dutch, living sustainably is just a part of the daily routine, like moaning about the weather (which, let’s face it, is a full-time hobby).
They bike everywhere, turn rooftops into mini jungles, and treat second-hand shopping like a treasure hunt.
A prime example of how insanely sustainable the Dutch are—and we love to see it! Image: Depositphotos
Even supermarkets join in, tempting us with deposit-return bottles and shelves of vegetarian and vegan alternatives.♻️
12. Rain or shine, there’s no staying inside
Dutch people don’t just go outside, they go all in.
A little storm? Ideal boat weather! Grab a beer, throw on a striped tee, and pretend you own that canal. 🚤
Hiking is less about the nonexistent hills (fine, there’s one) and more about showing up in matching ANWB-branded gear like they’re about to conquer the Alps.
The Dutch love balance, and while some scales still need a push if true equality is the goal, we still love the effort. Lekker bezig, Nederland! ⚖️
So, there you have it — 13 reasons we can’t help but love the Dutch! From brutal honesty to biking with an entire IKEA haul, they’re truly one of a kind.
Whether you love it, fear it, or are still recovering from your first dose of Dutch sarcasm, one thing’s certain: they’re never boring. Dankjewel, Dutchies!😘
But now, over to you! What do you love about Dutch people? Did we miss something? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇💬
If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands and are in the process of getting a Dutch phone number, you likely know how difficult it can get.
You want to find a SIM plan that fits your new Dutch life, while having enough data to keep in touch with friends and family at home. Of course, you also don’t want to overpay.
If those are your priorities, you might want to consider Lyca’s prepaid SIMs. 👇
1. You’ll get network speeds faster than you can bike
Let’s face it — no one wants a slow network. From minor inconveniences, like being unable to scroll TikTok on your lunch break, to major issues, such as being unable to access your mobile banking app, it’s a real headache.
Thankfully, Lyca operates on KPN’s network, giving you discounted access to one of the fastest and most reliable networks in the Netherlands.
Slow internet? Nee, we don’t know her. 😉 Image: Dreamstime
With median speeds of 133.92 Mbps and 5G compatibility, you’re guaranteed a rock-solid connection whether you’re streaming, mobile gaming, or more.
And, if you’re looking for a handy way to stay on top of your SIM subscription, Lyca’s mobile app is convenient and user-friendly. You can check your credit balance and data availability and switch between plans — the app even sends you reminders to renew your plan or top up your balance.
(That’s one less thing for you to worry about, leaving your agenda free for more important things, such as planning coffee dates three weeks in advance like a true Dutchie! ☕)
Plus, for those uncertain how long you’ll be staying in the Netherlands, you won’t be stuck paying for a SIM plan you’re not using.
3. You can easily keep in touch with all your new friends
So you’ve lived here for a few weeks, and you’re finally starting to make some friends — congratulations! 🥳
If you’re dying to tell them about the cute cats that live down your street, you’ll be thrilled to know that all of Lyca’s prepaid SIMs come with unlimited minutes and texts.
No need to worry about the length of your call. Image: Dreamstime
To make the process of getting a Dutch phone number faster and stress-free, Lyca also offers prepaid eSIMs and doesn’t require credit checks for any of its prepaid plans.
In other words, you can start basically chatting ASAP!
4. You’ll access affordable plans that won’t break the bank
Another thing you’ve probably noticed about the Netherlands is that it can get pretty expensive here. 😬
Saving money is an absolute must, so it’s a good thing that Lyca’s prepaid SIMs make that super easy for you with plans starting at only €10 per month.
Looking for affordability and massive data packages? You can even get monthly unlimited data packages, which is a feature rarely found in prepaid SIMs.
(In fact, most major Dutch providers don’t actually offer monthly unlimited data plans for their prepaid SIMs — so, with Lyca, you’re getting a better deal for less money.💸)
If you can commit to the lowlands, you can opt for a one-year prepaid plan that allows you to save an additional 20%.
5. You can even stay connected while you travel
If you’re keen on taking a jaunt down to the Belgian coast, Lyca’s roaming plans make sure you won’t break the bank while Google Mapping your way around.
Go anywhere in the EU, stress-free. Image: Dreamstime
Even better: with a Dutch SIM card, the EU’s roam like at home policy ensures you don’t have to pay any additional fees while travelling through Europe.
Although your provider can still set a data limit usage outside of the Netherlands as a part of the EU’s “fair use” policy, Lyca is very generous with its roaming cap. Their unlimited bundle, for example, offers a generous 51GB of data within the EU for only €40 per month.
If your needs don’t necessarily require unlimited data, you can get an even more affordable deal. All Lyca prepaid SIMs include at least 10GB of roaming within the EU — so go ahead and listen to all of your Spotify playlists when you travel. 🎶
Providing a fast network, all the flexibility your heart desires, and super affordable prices, Lyca’s prepaid SIMs are the best tools for staying connected as an international in the Netherlands.
Good news, globetrotters: the Dutch passport now ranks fourth most powerful globally in 2025!
According to the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports yearly based on visa-free access, Dutchies can strut into 188 countries without visa drama.
Sure, it dipped a spot (a minor wobble 😉), but no worries — your Dutch passport is still your golden ticket to most of the globe.
Asia is stealing the show
While Europe is in the top five, Asia has officially snatched the crown. 👑
First, Singapore leads the way with visa-free access to 193 countries. Ja, that’s practically everywhere except maybe outer space.
Japan and South Korea are close behind in joint second place, each unlocking 190 destinations. Asia’s got its passport game on point, and everyone else is playing catch-up.
Top-tier passport squad
Here’s how the most powerful passports are ranked right now:
🏆 Rank
Countries 🌍
Visa-free acess ✈️
1
Singapore
193
2
Japan and South Korea
190
3
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain
189
4
Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden
188
5
Greece, New Zealand, and Switzerland
187
6
Australia and the United Kingdom
186
7
Canada, Czechia, Hungary, Malta, and Poland
185
8
Estonia and the United Arab Emirates
184
9
Croatia, Latvia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the United States
183
10
Iceland and Lithuania
182
Meanwhile, in the bottom five…
While Dutchies plot their dream summer holiday, some passports offer far less freedom:
Rank 🏆
Countries 🌍
Visa-free access ✈️
98
Somalia
33
99
Pakistan and Yemen
32
100
Iraq
30
101
Syria
27
102
Afghanistan
25
So yes, the Dutch dipped one spot — but they still own one of the most powerful passports in the world. 💁♀️
Time to plan your next adventure, and enjoy being part of the global travel elite.
How does your passport rank? Drop your passport’s position in the comments.
Since Trump’s return to the Oval Office, the Netherlands has revised its travel advice for LGBTQ+ people travelling to the US.
Although travel advice previously stated that American laws and customs surrounding the LGBTQ+ community are comparable to the Netherlands, they are now labelled as different.
What changed?
According to the NOS, the US now has local laws that could hinder LGBTQ+ individuals’ access to healthcare or cause trouble upon entry to the country.
The latter especially affects transgender and nonbinary people, since American authorities now require short-term travel authorisation and visa applicants to indicate their gender at birth, accepting M or F only.
People who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth could therefore face issues when entering the US, or be subject to awkward questioning.
Trump hates gender
This change in travel advice is a consequence of the Trump administration’s repeated targeting of the queer community — transgender and non-binary people in particular.
Trump has been busy issuing presidential decrees that remove protections against LGBTQ+ people since his inauguration and has chosen the word ‘gender’ as public enemy number one.
In light of this, government documents can no longer use words such as ‘gender identity,’ or ‘non-binary’, and government agencies can no longer display the rainbow flag.
@pinknews The U.S. State Department has removed “TQI+” from its section on travel advice for LGBTQI+ travellers, now reading just ‘LGB’. This is one of many instances of the Trump administration removing references to LGBTQ+ from federal websites. This follows a memo issued on Wednesday the 29th of January by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management ordering federal agencies to take down “all outward facing media (websites, social media accounts, etc.) that inculcate or promote gender ideology"… #presidenttrump#transgender#lgbtqia#whitehouse#usa♬ Minimal for news / news suspense(1169746) – Hiraoka Kotaro
But it’s not just about symbols — the administration also blocked care for trans youth and removed the option of not declaring your gender on US passports, causing a bureaucratic nightmare for many Americans.
