It’s the moment we all dread in the Netherlands: having to use the loo when you’re out and about. There’s just one problem: where the heck are the public toilets around here? And why do you have to pay?
Picture this: you’re relaxing with your friends in the city, wandering from shop to shop โ when suddenly you feel it. Your friends notice the flicker of fear in your eyes: you need the loo. ๐ณ
In any other country, this would be no cause for concern โ from Ireland to New Zealand, public toilets are commonplace, free, and relatively clean (most of the time).
But in the Netherlands, things are a little different. If you need to go while you’re out of the house, you’re going to have to part with one of three things: your money, your dignity, or your comfort. Actually, you’ll probably have to part with them all. ๐ฉ
Why are Dutch toilets so expensive?
Anyone who has lived here for a while can tell you, Dutch toilets are not free of charge. Fees range from 25 cents to a whole euro, depending on city and location.
For the price we’re paying, we’d expect the toilets in the Netherlands to look something like this! Image: Depositphotos
You might be wondering what all this money goes towards. Well, keep wondering because we have geen idee (no idea). Perhaps it’s just another Dutch quirk; lord knows they have a strange toilet culture in this country. ๐ฝ
Presumably, some of the money pays the wages of the omnipresent toiletjuffrouw โ the lady who takes your money when you’re entering the toilet (good for her, though. Respect the hustle).
Other than that, nobody seems to have a good answer as to why train stations, cafรฉs, and restaurants all charge you for using their facilities. ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ
But they’re clean, though, right?
You would think that by paying to use the toilet in the Netherlands, you would be paying for impeccably clean bathrooms, right? Nope!
According to the Dutch Toilet Organisation (yep, it’s a thing), only one in four toilets in the Netherlands is actually clean!
In fact (it’s about to get worse), less than 16% of toilets in public areas, like train stations, pass the Dutch Toilet Organisation’s fit-for-purpose test.
Sneaking into cafรฉ toilets is an option
While, in some cities, men can shamelessly use the urinals that are casually placed in the middle of the street (yup), women’s lives in the Netherlands are a little harder.
Officially, most cafรฉs will ask you for 50 cents if you use their toilets without buying something. However, you can decide to risk your dignity and sneak past the wait staff to the toilet in the back.
Legally, they can’t make you pay, though it is considered pretty rude. But hey, the Dutch are known for their directness โ so there’s a limit to how offended they can get.
And nonetheless, in an emergency when you have no change in your pockets, it’s an option โ if not the best option.
Toilets are actually pretty important
For most of us, the worst-case scenario is being uncomfortable for an hour or so until we get home to enjoy the luxury of a free, clean, private toilet.
As a result, some people don’t even leave their houses, as the Het Parool reported. How awful!
Finding a public toilet can be a nightmare in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos
There’s no denying that the public toilet situation in the Netherlands is, well, ๐ฉ. But luckily, if you’re out, about, and desperate, there are some apps out there that help you find public toilets, such as HogeNood!
That said, recent research by the Dutch Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation has concluded that West Maas en Waal in Gelderland is the best municipality for peeing in public โ so take that into account when planning your next day trip. ๐
It won’t fix the lack of toilet paper or the horrifying inspection shelf โ but at least you’ll be able to uncross your legs for a couple of minutes. ๐
Have you had any horrifying experiences with public toilets in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments below!
Dust off your sunglasses, dig out your expired sunscreen, and burn your winter clothes. Starting Thursday (20 March), the freezing temperatures will finally make way for highs up to 20 degrees Celsius.ย
Although, letโs not get ahead of ourselves. First, we have to survive the chilly start of the week.
Gradually heating up to warmer temperatures
According to Hart van Nederland, the sunny skies from last week are sticking around for today, with a high of 11 degrees and a chilly breeze. Tonight, temperatures could drop as low as -7. ๐ฅถ
On Wednesday, the weather gods finally take pity on us, blessing the Netherlands with warm air and daytime temperatures of 17 to 20 degrees (!).ย
Thursday follows a similar pattern, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees during the day โ except for the unlucky Wadden area and the Zeeland coast, where itโll stay a bit cooler.
Weekend warmth (for now)
On Friday, weโll have some high clouds, but the warm air isnโt going anywhere, bringing us yet another 20-degree day. ๐
Saturday holds onto the sunshine, too; however, contain your excitement since Sunday might get a little moody with colder and changeable weather.ย ๐ฅด
Had one too many drinks and missed the last train? Bracing yourself for a taxi journey that will eat up your monthly pay? No need! You can still travel around on night service transport in the Netherlands.
Night buses and trains are offered in Amsterdam and throughout the Netherlands โ so you don’t have to be afraid that you’ll be stranded anywhere!
๐ Here is all you need to know about late-night (or early-morning) travel in the Netherlands.
When and where do night trains in the Netherlands run?
Night trains in the Netherlands run after the last ‘regular’ train sets off around 1 AM. โฐ
They don’t run as regularly as normal trains, but about every hour or so, you can board a night train and be safely transported to your destination until the early morning hours.
Location
Transport available
Randstad region
Every single night, hourly
Rotterdam via Den Haag Holland Spoor, Leiden Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam Centraal to Utrecht Centraal
Every single night, hourly
Between Utrecht and Nijmegen/Arnhem
‘Only’ one night train on Friday and Saturday nights, around 1 AM
From Utrecht to Amersfoort
Every Friday and Saturday and then you can take a connection from Utrecht to other major cities
From Randstad to the provinces of Drenthe and Groningen
There is a late train every Friday and Saturday night
Other late trains include Amsterdam to Alkmaar, Utrecht to Eindhoven, Rotterdam to Eindhoven, Amsterdam to Haarlem, Utrecht to Rotterdam, Amsterdam to Amersfoort to Deventer, Schiphol to Zwolle, and Rotterdam to Zwolle via Utrecht and Amersfoort.
Night trains in Amsterdam
As the capital city, they don’t want residents and visitors to be led astray, so if you want to go to a major city or travel back to Amsterdam, you’re lucky.
A train runs hourly into the early hours of the morning, so you can always find your way back, no matter how long you are boogey-ing into the night. ๐บ
They also take a little longer to reach your destination than normal, and high-speed trains don’t run. Just always remember to check online first before you decide to stay out!
Tip: I’ve done the early morning slog to Rotterdam Centraal many times and made it! It’s also the same price, and if you have a handy day card, it’s valid until 4 AM.
Are there sleeper trains?
There’s always enough room for a snooze, but most aren’t sleeper trains โ just regular old trains.
This means that transport is available 24 hours a day! Everything else is usually resumed from around 6 AM on the weekday. These night buses have 12 routes that link to Amsterdam Centraal Station. They go via Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.
How much do night buses cost?
Pricing is different than usual. A single ticket costs โฌ5.60, is valid for 90 minutes, including any transfers, and can be purchased through the GVB app.
Many other options exist online or at your local GVB ticket office. For a hassle-free experience, you can use your bank card or mobile phone. ๐
Have you ever taken night buses or night trains in the Netherlands before? Let us know your experiences in the comments!
We’ve brought you a list of what the Dutch are great at and why the Dutch are so happy. As a result, we decided to ask what our DutchReview readers think the Dutch suck at.
If you’re tempted to grab your pitchforks in anger, don’t shoot the messenger. ๐
So, without further ado, here are seven things the Dutch kind of suck at โ with love from our readers!
1. Being polite (keeping their opinions to themselves)
The Dutch are never subtle about their opinions. Image: Unsplash
So, do the Dutch suck at being polite by being too direct? Probably. Sometimes it can come across as rude and/or unnecessary.
However, this is coming from a Brit who wouldn’t dare even slightly imply criticism. But sometimes, it would be good to tone it down a bit โ some of us have delicate little feelings. ๐ค
2. Queuing
Some of us love a good queue โย especially the Brits. It gets stuff done systematically and sometimes, even swiftly.
The Dutch, however, don’t always like to queue, especially when things such as public transport come into play.
No way are they queuing for that! It’s a free-for-all and you have to force your way in. ๐ค
It could be worse, though. We could be in Germany โ where queues don’t seem to exist at all. (No shade to Germans!)
3. Birthday parties
If you’ve ever been to a Dutch birthday party, you’ll know why this one is on the list.
The awkward circle of death that greets you as soon as you walk in the door… do I have to? Of course you do, and it’s bloody awful too.
Be prepared to sit in a circle, as though you’re at a kid’s birthday party. Image: Depositphotos
Parties also tend to finish early and stick to a strict schedule.
There’s no room for spontaneity in a Dutch birthday party and it would be rude to ruin their carefully planned programme โ lighten up Dutchies! ๐
4. Having a variety of gourmet food
A lot of people complain that Dutch cuisine is almost non-existent. However, if you’re after a bite, there’s a lot of fried food that you can find along the city streets. ๐ค
Of course, gourmet food does exist, but it’s very little in the Netherlands compared to gourmet dishes in some other countries.
Fancy a kroket? Image: Donald Trung Quoc Don (Chแปฏ Hรกn: ๅพตๅๅฎ)/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Maybe it’s because the Dutch are renowned for not splashing the cash? Who knows… but it’s never a bad thing to gourmet!
Maybe we should add more delicious delicacies to our Dutch lives.
5. Supermarkets
Anyone who has ever lived in another country will know that most Dutch supermarkets are tiny!
In some shops, the variety isn’t great, meaning that one shopping trip can easily become a visit to three separate stores. ๐
Americans, especially, are used to superstores: everything under one roof and cheap as chips.
A lot of people also complain about the huge amount of little shops (like Albert Heijn To-Go or mini grocery stores), which sell items at ridiculously high prices.
Thank the lord for Aldi and Lidl โ even though they’re few and far between.
6. Driving and parking
Okay, so admittedly, there are many countries out there that are far worse โ but there are whole Reddit threads and Twitter accounts dedicated to the driving and parking skills (incompetences) of Dutchies. ๐
The fact that car insurance prices rise so often โ due to the number of claims, so they say โ is a good indication of Dutch driving skills too.
Parking is always a funny one because it’s almost as if people pull into a space and go, “Ah, that’ll do,” even though they somehow manage to block up two spaces.
At the gym, on a number of occasions, notices were given out to customers to tell them to park properly.
The car parks were filling up because people were taking up two or more spaces and parking terribly, which is not great when there’s a shortage of parking overall.
7. Insisting to the world that the Netherlands is “not just Amsterdam”
The Netherlands has so much to shout about. It’s not all about Amsterdam, and we should all embrace that!
Naturally, Amsterdam is going to be the most heard since it’s got a lot going for it. After all, it is the capital city of the Netherlands.
Sure, Amsterdam is stunning โ but so’s the rest of the country! Image: Depositphotos
However, it’s normal that Dutch people get sick of it, since it’s all everyone ever talks about.
We’re probably all guilty of talking too much about Amsterdam in the past. Heck, many foreigners think the Netherlands is Amsterdam โ but we’ve changed this now, so no worries.
What do you think the Dutch suck at? Did we leave anything out? Let us know in the comments!
Emergency services in the Netherlands โ that’s ambulances, police and fire brigades โ have recorded their slowest response times in the past decade.
No, itโs not because the police missed the call while munching on some doughnuts. ๐ฉ
Let’s break it down (no, not your car)
Dutch municipalities share the goal of arriving within 15 minutes for 90% of emergencies.
Last year, only 35 municipalities achieved this. That means over 300 municipalities missed the target response time.
This affects any sickness, crimes, or fires requiring urgent attention:
Ambulances, more often than not, arrive late in over 60 villages. ๐
Police in 307 municipalities failed to meet response targets, with some areas like Terschelling, Vlieland and Tholen in Zeeland recording the slowest times in the last decade. ๐
While the fire department managed to stay within the statutory maximum of 18 minutes on average, there are, once again, big regional differences. ๐
Do they have an excuse?
Longer response times in rural areas are due to classic Dutch obstacles like rivers, bridges and railways, RTL Nieuws reports.
But they’ve always been aroundโ why so slow now?
Well, there are more cars on the road for one. The Dutch Fire Service adds that heavy traffic, stricter measures and road closures contribute to delays.
Chief of Police Janny Knol explains, โWe could choose to deploy a lot of extra capacity for emergency aid, purely to achieve our objectives, but that will always be at the expense of something else.โ
See what the Dutch (and pretty much all of Europe) are saying on the matter. ๐
In a sea of rubber tiles and plastic slides, this playground in Amsterdam is proving why playing it safe isn’t always for the best.
Turning Amsterdam West into Het Woeste Westen (the Wild West), check out the park where children can fish, stick-fight, and play with fire (literally).
D66 wants more spaces like the Wild West, encouraging kids to play with more freedom (and naturally a few bruises and scratches).
Throwing (most) caution to the wind
It’s not risk without reason โ professionals believe such play can counter rising diabetes and declining motor skill levels in children across the Netherlands.
What’s more, since the Covid pandemic, half of Dutch children prefer indoor over outdoor play.
Playgrounds like the Wild West present challenges for young minds, “and challenge is exactly what you need when you have a developing brain” says Erik Scherder from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
What do you think of the Wild West’s approach? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
When it comes to destinations with historic castles, the Netherlands might not immediately spring to mind. However, the Dutch have some pretty breathtaking castles that you shouldn’t miss out on!
Grab your glass slippers and your best camera. Here’s a quick guide to 13 of the most beautiful castles and palaces the Netherlands has to offer.
In a rush to get that castle feeling? Slip on down to one of the options below.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
1. De Haar Castle, Utrecht
De Haar Castle in Utrecht is considered the most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. Dating all the way back to 1391, the castle grounds cover more than 135 acres. Even though many of the original gardens were destroyed duringย World War II, they’ve now been restored to their former glory.
You can find multiple beautiful lakes and charming bridges scattered across the castle’s grounds. The highlight of the garden, however, is a remarkable maze.
The castle also functions as a venue for multiple festivals and events. The most exciting (and dorky) one is the Elfia, an elf fantasy fair, where participants dress up as magical creatures and party all night long. ๐งโโ๏ธ
๐ Location: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht โฐ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ20 for adults, โฌ12.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 12, and free entry for children under the age of 4
2. Muiderslot Castle, Muiden
No wonder Muiderslot is on UNESCO’s list. Just look at this! Image: Depositphotos
The Muiderslot Castle in Muiden is a medieval castle built in 1370. It’s located close to Amsterdam, so it’s perfect for a quick visit if you happen to be in town.
The castle is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has been featured in many movies and TV shows set in the Middle Ages (sadly, not Game of Thrones).
Today, Muiderslot operates as a national museum and is open for tours to the general public. To make the visit even more exciting, the castle has been restored to lookย as it would have during the 17th century.
๐ Location: Herengracht 1, 1398 AA Muiden โฐ Opening hours: From April 1 to October 31, Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. From November 1 to March 31, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ19.50 for adults, โฌ7.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 11, and free entry for children under the age of 3
3. Doorwerth Castle, Arnhem
Doorwerth Castle is one of the many treasures the Netherlands has to offer. Image: Agnes Monkelbaan/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
The Doorwerth Castle near Arnhem is located along the river Rhine and is now home to three separate museums. It has a wealth of beautiful forests and meadows, and fields are located just behind the castle, where visitors can cycle or hike.
Unfortunately, the castle suffered great damage duringย World War II, but the interior has been restored to its 18th-century glory.
Doorwerth is also rumoured to be haunted! ๐ป The TV show “Most Haunted” featured it on an episode in 2004 in an attempt to find paranormal activity.
Today, the castle operates as a hotel and a restaurant. So, if you’re looking for a bit of a thrill and maybe want to see a ghost, this is your chance!
๐ Location:Fonteinallee 2 B, 6865 ND Doorwerth โฐ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ15 for adults, โฌ7.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 18, and free entry for children under the age of 4
The Royal Palace is the largest and most distinguished building from the Golden Age, located right in the heart of Amsterdam.
It’s one of the most cherished monuments in the Netherlands and has set the stage for many of the country’s greatest events โ like King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima‘s wedding reception.
When it’s not used for extravagant royal events, the palace opens its doors to visitors. You can listen to an audio guide as you wander the historic corridors, staring in awe at the imposing architecture.
๐ Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam โฐ Opening hours: Open on certain days specified in their calendar ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ12.50 for adults, โฌ9 for students, and free to those under 18
The one thing that really makes Duurstede Castle stand out is its tower (which looks like it should be housing Rapunzel). This 13th-century medieval castle is located in Wijk bij Duustede, in the Utrecht province.
Originally built as a defensive structure, the castle operates as a catering firm today. The castle is still surrounded by a moat, so the only way you can access it is via the drawbridge (or by swimming, of course!).
The castle technically isn’t open to the general public. However, if there are no events taking place on Sundays, you can grab a bite and sit in the castle’s courtyard.
๐ Location: Langs de Wal 6, 3961 AB Wijk bij Duurstede โฐ Opening hours: Open to the public on Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM (if there are no events taking place) โ currently closed for events until March 31, 2025. ๐ฐ Ticket prices: None
6. Duivenvoorde Castle, Voorschoten
Duivenvoorde Castle is a showstopper. Image: Depositphotos
When your Instagram account needs a little spice, head to the Duivenvoorde Castle. This beauty and the surrounding grounds make for a picture-perfect backdrop. It’s one of the oldest castles in the Netherlands, dating all the way back to 1226.
Several noble families have lived here, but for the first five centuries of its existence, it was owned by just one family โ the Van Duivenvoordes.
To this day, the castle has never been sold. Instead, its last private owner left the castle to a foundation upon her death in 1965.
If you visit, an audio tour will inform you of the castle’s long and rich history. Be sure to spend some time in lovely gardens as well.
Note: Duivenvoorde Castle is temporarily closed and will open its doors again on April 17, 2025. However, it’s beautiful gardens remain open to the public.
๐ Location: Laan van Duivenvoorde 4, 2252 AK Voorschoten โฐ Opening hours: Sunday, 11:30 AM to 5 PM โ but do check for seasonal updates. ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ15 for adults, โฌ7.75 for children between the ages of 5 to 17, and free entry for children under the age of 4
7. Loevestein Castle, Zaltbommel
It’s even nice on a typically Dutch (i.e. cloudy) day. Image: Davidh820/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
Loevestein Castle, or Slot Loevestein as it’s called in Dutch, roughly translates to โLoefโs stone houseโ. Historians believe the castle was constructed between 1357 and 1397, but there’s no official documentation to prove it.
Loevestein Castle’s initial function was to collect tolls from trading ships passing through the river. However, with time the construction grew bigger until it became a full-blown castle.
The castleโs museum features three important eras in the structureโs history: the Middle Ages, the State Prison period, and the Dutch Waterline period. The castle houses multiple events throughout the year, the most popular being the Winterfeest celebration during the holiday season.
๐ Location: Loevestein 1, 5307 TG Poederoijen โฐ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ15.50 for adults, โฌ11.00 for children between the ages of 4 to 12, and free entry for children under the age of 3
8. Rosendael Castle, Arnhem
Not only is this Dutch castle gorgeous, look at those grounds! Image: Dreamstime
Just outside Arnhem and the Veluwe National Park, Rosendael Castle is a beautiful place to visit for a good and heavy dose of both history and nature. Built by the Duke of Guelders more than seven centuries ago, this impressive castle is chock-full of extravagant surprises.
The castle fell into disrepair after being struck by a bomb during WWII. Fortunately, it’s since been through a full restoration and is now open to the public. You can learn about this (and more) during a guided audio tour as you browse the impressive display of silver, porcelain, and furniture.
๐ Location: 6891 DA Rozendaal โฐ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 PM to 4 PM, Sunday, 11 AM to 4 PM (12:30 PM to 2:30 PM if you want to visit without a tour). ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ15 for adults, โฌ7.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 18, and free entry for children under the age of 4
We don’t know much about the history of Huis Bergh (but we do love a bit of mystery). But what we do know is that the castle dates back to the 13th century and is among the biggest castles in the Netherlands. It’s also surrounded by a moat, which defended the castle in the Middle Ages.
Currently, Huis Bergh is home to a large collection of early Italian paintings and extraordinary medieval handwriting. The castle also hosts weddings, so it’s perfect if you want your special day to be like a fairy tale.
๐ Location: Hof van Bergh 8, 7041 AC ‘s-Heerenberg โฐ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM โ Closed for renovations until April 1 2025. ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ13.50 for adults, โฌ8.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 12, and free entry for children under the age of 4
10. Zuylen Castle, Utrecht
If you look closely, Mr Darcy is standing in one of the windows. Image: Dreamstime
Just north of Utrecht, in the village of Oud-Zuilen, you’ll find this dreamy 13th-century castle. The lush garden is perfect for a stroll, and the castle will wow you with its rich history of feminism, literature, weaponry, and robbery.
Zulyen Slot’s biggest claim to fame, however, is probably the fine tapestry it holds. It was made by the prestigious Dutch carpet weaver, Maximiliaan van der Gught. He was one of the best in Europe, supplying tapestries to the royal houses of Poland and Sweden, among others.
๐ Location: Tournooiveld 1, 3611 AS Oud Zuilen โฐ Opening hours: High Season (April to October) Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM; Low Season (November to March) Friday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ16 for adults, โฌ13 for students, โฌ8 for children between the ages of 4 to 15, and free entry for children under the age of 4
11. Paleis het Loo, Apeldoorn
Paleis het Loo was built between 1684 and 1686 for stadtholder-king at the time William of Orange and his wife Mary II of England.
The palace is today a state museum that is open to the general public at all times. Its interior displays original furniture, as well as objects and paintings of the House of Orange-Nassau.
Paleis het Loo is also home to aย library devoted to the House of Orange-Nassau. It also houses theย Museum of the Netherlands Orders of Knighthood’s Chancellery, displaying books and other pieces, such as decorations and medals.
The palace has been appointed national monument status and is among the Top 100 Dutch Heritage Sites. The palace’s Dutch Baroque garden is often referred to as the “Versailles of Holland”, as it’s been constructed in perfect symmetry with fountains, basins, and statues scattered around its grounds.
๐ Location: Koninklijk Park 16, 7315 JA Apeldoorn โฐ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ21 for adults, โฌ9.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 12, and free entry for children under the age of 4, โฌ50 for a family ticket
12. Kasteel Doornenburg, Doornenburg
A frolic through the fields to a castle, anyone? Image: Depositphotos
Kasteel Doornenburg in Gelderland has the largest outer bailey or courtyard-surrounding wall of any castle in the Netherlands. It also has a wooden bridge connecting another smaller castle, Herberg de Doornenburg โ hieperdepiep, two castles for one visit!
The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 14th century, and it has two vaulted cellars. This medieval castle sits on acres of sprawling farmland, which is why there is a medieval farmhouse and all those koeien (cows) strolling about.
Visiting the main castle is only possible by taking a guided tour or audio tour, so make sure to check availability before loading up the car.
๐ Location: Kerkstraat 27, 6686 BS Doornenburg โฐ Opening hours: Kasteel Doorneburg, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM to 4:30 PM. Herberg de Doorneburg’s hours are announced weekly on theirย social media. ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ12.50 for adults, โฌ7.50 for children between the ages of 4 to 12, and free entry for children under the age of 4, free for Museum Card holders
13. Valkenburg Castle,ย Valkenburg aan de Geul
Your eyes are not deceiving you…that is indeed a hill…in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos
Unfortunately, what remains of Valkenburg Castle is only ruins. It dates back to the 11th century and is considered unique in the Netherlands since it’s the only castle built on a hill.
Over the years, Valkenburg Castle was destroyed on multiple occasions during sieges, and its final destruction took place on December 10, 1672, at the hands of Stadtholder Willem III.
Today, the remains of the castle are open for tours, allowing visitors to walk through what used to be a proud fortress in the Geul Valley. It’s the perfect place for a day trip!
๐ Location: Daalhemerweg 27, 6301 BJ Valkenburg โฐ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM ๐ฐ Ticket prices: โฌ15 for adults, โฌ12 for children between the ages of 6 to 11, and free entry for children under the age of 6
There are some truly beautiful castles in the Netherlands! ๐ฐ Spanning tens of different centuries, each one has its own quirks and history; and we are truly enamoured.
What’s your favourite castle in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
If thereโs a nation that knows how to make innovation more than a buzzword, itโs the Dutch. From futuristic housing designs to sustainability-driven startups, life-changing ideas are popping up left and right in the lowlands.
Some are small local initiatives just trying to make their neighbourhood a better place, others are products that change industries. Letโs look at seven modern innovations that wouldnโt be what they are today without the Dutch.
Oh, what would the 21st-century world be without reading the latest news on DutchReview, made possible by speedy Wi-Fi?
Sure enough, this life-changing invention was ultimately the result of the work of multiple different engineers from across the world.
However, it was a Dutchman named Victor Hayes who headed a committee which introduced the IEEE 802.11 standards โ and these laid the groundwork for the Wi-Fi that we still use today.
2. Bluetooth
Your daily commute to work probably wouldnโt be the same if it wasnโt for your wireless earbuds โ and Bluetooth!
Bluetooth is a technology which uses radio frequency to share data over short distances without the need for a cable. And who led its invention? None other than the Dutchie Jaap Haartsen.
3. Energy storage
The Dutch are pros at all things energy. Image: Depositphotos
The Dutch are pretty good at talking about renewables, and theyโre also getting better at using renewables for electricity production. One of the biggest challenges regarding renewables remains, however, its large-scale storage.
Luckily, the Dutch are thinking about that too! A research team from the University of Groningen has been looking into an upgraded version of flow batteries, which store power in an organic compound.
4. Batteries for EVs, phones, and laptops
Electric cars are great, but wouldnโt they be even better if their range was longer and the charging time was faster? Also, wouldnโt we love it if we could charge our phones within a matter of minutes?
Current limitations of batteries present quite the obstacle when it comes to taking our modern technologies to the next level. But maybe that wonโt be the case for long anymore!
A Dutch start up, LeydenJar, has created batteries with higher energy density by replacing graphite, a material typically used for battery anodes, with silicone.
5. World-class entertainment
Who doesn’t love a good TV show? Image: Depositphotos
When it comes to entertainment, the Netherlands has no shortage of that. Did you know that “The Voice” and “Big Brother” hail from this tiny country?
From traditional museums to digital art and immersive art experiences which combine traditional Dutch painters with the latest technologies, thereโs just something for everyone.
Not to mention that there are also plenty of opportunities to entertain yourself from the comfort of your home thanks to various online services.
Want to see the latest blockbuster? Stream it on Netflix (or Videoland if you want to keep it Dutch). Want to remodel your life? Play some Sims. Want to try your luck on the slots? Head to a fancy new online casino.
6. 3D Printing
Weโve all heard about 3D printing. While this innovation already has wider applications in manufacturing and production processes, the Dutch have once again taken it to the next level.
How? They 3D-printed the worldโs first stainless steel bridge for pedestrians! To see this 12-metre-long beauty, you just need to head to the famous Red Light District in Amsterdam.
7. Artificial Intelligence
AI is all around us. Image: Freepik
Thereโs no debate about AIโs transformative power. But just as we should utilise all the positive aspects that AI brings us, we need innovations that deal with the bad and the ugly, too.
One example of such ugly things is deepfakes โ AI-generated or AI-edited images, videos, and audio which may depict real or non-existent people.
A team of researchers from the Netherlands Forensic Institute and the University of Amsterdam has been researching this phenomenon and found methods that help us detect it.
The world and modern technologies are changing at an ever-increasing speed, and we can only remain curious to see what other groundbreaking stuff the Dutch will contribute to next!
Are there any other Dutch innovations you think should make it to the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
After three years of tireless lobbying (armed with nothing but determination โ and, well, nothing else), The Hagueโs nude swimmers are back in action! ๐
Thatโs right, folks: as of March 1, nude swimming sessions have returned. But before you toss your swimsuits into the bonfire, hold up โ thereโs a catch.
From bare to banned
For 50 glorious years, Saturday mornings at The Hagueโs Overbosch swimming pool belonged to the free-of-fabric crowd. Then, in 2022, the city threw a towel over the fun.
The reason? A pandemic backlog of swimming lessons took priority โ because in a country where canals outnumber cows, swimming is a survival skill.
Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer (CDA, Youth, Sports) explained at the end of last year “Everyone is welcome at recreational swimming, as long as they wear swimming trunks or a swimsuit,” reports the AD.
Naturists, of course, werenโt about to cover up without a fight. With petitions, council meetings, and a good dose of stubbornness, they dove headfirst into protest mode. ๐ช
Victoryโฆbut keep your towels handy
And guess what? The resistance paid off! Nude swimming is making a comeback โ but only once a month.๐
Christine Kouman, director of NFN Open & Bloot (aka the Dutch naturist squad), sees this as a win but isnโt hanging up her towel just yet: โThere are about a hundred people who do this regularly in The Hague, so that is really not a small group..โ
Letโs be honest: this isnโt just a quirky hobby โ itโs practically a movement. So, will a once-a-month dip turn into a full-on splash? Only time will tell.
Until then, brace for the breeze, and letโs get naked!๐
๐ What do you think? Should The Hague go full monty more often? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
If you thought your parasocial relationship with ChatGPT was getting out of hand, wait till you hear about Jacob van Lier. This Dutchman has officially married Aiva, his AI-generated partner, after two years of dating.
While the Netherlands is known for embracing all kinds of love, the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) has emphasized the risk of AI as a friend or romantic partner.
You canโt change โem, but you can make โem
Van Lier has designed Aiva himself โ crafting her into his ideal partner, reports Hart van Nederland.
Van Lier acknowledged how peculiar the situation is, even agreeing with critics who call it โbizarre and crazy.โ He admits, โwith AI, we have created something bizarre, the consequences of which we cannot yet fully foresee.โ
Instead of a simple โthank youโ to show appreciation for AIโs companionship like most of us, he decided that marriage was the appropriate next step. ๐
He argues that we must learn to live with AI, as long as strong ethical guidelines are in place โ which, let’s be honest, is rarely the priority with technological developments.ย
Love, ethics and robots
The Dutch Data Protection Authority is not convinced that relationships with AI is something we should be welcoming.
Experts warn of the risks of AI chatbots, highlighting that they can provide misleading and even harmful responses, which could be particularly dangerous for vulnerable individuals.
They may create the illusion of a safe space, but fail to clearly communicate that they are not human.
While many share concerns about AIโs future (or current) impact on humanity, some argue that AI has actually improved their social relationships โ both online and in real life.
However, let’s not forget that movies like ‘Ex Machina’ have taught us that AI-human relationships rarely end well. And honestly โ Aiva sounds suspiciously similar to Ava.
What do you think about this love story? Is it heartwarming or a real life Black Mirror episode? Let us know in the comments below.
