For those of us living in the Netherlands, this summer has felt a bit like standing on an NS platform. You look up, and you’re told to wait just five more minutes, over, and over, and over.
However, it looks like the wait might finally be over.
According to Weeronline, we’re about to get a decent week of summer weather.
First, just a little bit more waiting
Today will give us a nice teaser for what’s to come with sunshine and temperatures lingering between 19 and 23 degrees Celcius.
However, the clouds will return in the evening, and they’ll stick around for a while. With cloud cover and rain showers predicted for both Thursday and Friday.
Temperatures will linger between 17 and 24 degrees, meaning you’ll be sweaty — just not sunkissed.
Saturday, however, is where things get… interesting.
According to Weeronline, the Netherlands will either enjoy a pleasantly dry Saturday or we’ll get absolutely drenched by a front of rain from France. (Which sounds more likely to you? 🫠)
But then? Glorious sunshine and summer weather!
We didn’t invite you into this article to dampen your spirits though (the next few days will already do that for you). This weather report is one of hope.
According to Weeronline, Sunday will mark the start of “perfect holiday weather”, with little chance of rain (🙌 😩), sunshine, and temperatures of around 23 degrees.
These temperatures will then continue to rise with no less than 25 degrees expected next week.
While they can’t give us the specifics yet, as the meteorologists put it, next week will be “a lot more pleasant than previous holiday weeks.” Thank. Gouda.
At 00:45 AM on Sunday morning, police received reports of a heavily injured man lying in The Hague’s Plein.The man was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries on that same afternoon.
According to a police press release, the man is believed to have been assaulted in the entertainment area of The Hague by a group of men between the ages of 18 and 35.
The victim was a 23-year-old.
The police are currently looking for these eight men, who are suspected of “possible involvement in public violence, resulting in death.”
A call for witnesses
The fight is believed to have started at the Lange Poten, before ending on the Plein.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything or who may have taken pictures to come forward.
According to the press release, the assault took place in front of a catering establishment.
If you have any information, you can contact the investigation’s tip line at 0900-6070 or 0800-7000 if you wish to remain anonymous.
Eurovision fans might be keen to hear another banger like Joost Klein’s Europapa, but it looks like the Netherlands could say “Nee” to participating in next year’s competition. 👇
Following Joost’s unceremonious disqualification from the Eurovision Song Contest (we’re still mad), the question of whether fans would see the Netherlands return to the competition was suddenly a hot conversation starter.
However, the Dutch radio and television broadcaster AVROTROS — which manages the Dutch entries for the famous song contest — is hinting that, without major changes, the Netherlands will skip the 2025 version.
In a post on their website, the broadcaster states that until they are “confident that structural adjustments will be made to the artists and [put] their musical message back in the centre, [they] will keep participation in the Song Contest under consideration”.
The Swedish Public Prosecution Service is still investigating the incident that earned Joost his disqualification, so AVROTROS will wait until September to announce their final decision.
Murkiness about the Netherlands’ future in the Eurovision Song Contest aside, popular Dutch singer Anouk has just announced her intention to represent her country in the 2025 competition.
The alt-rock singer, best known for her 1997 hit ‘Nobody’s Wife’, previously participated in 2013’s Eurovision, placing 9th.
According to RTL Boulevard, the singer has already prepared a song to submit.
However, with Dutch participation very much up in the air, Anouk has hit a snag. Talking to RTL, she states, “There is no committee anymore, so I don’t know who to send it to”.
What do you think of Anouk possibly representing the Netherlands in 2025’s Eurovision Song Contest? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
The Dutch king will still blow out 58 birthday candles in Doetinchem in 2025 — but the monarch has changed the date of his celebration.
Alright, it wasn’t the King changing the date of his birthday, but a loophole.
While King’s Day is traditionally celebrated on April 27 of each year (a la the King’s birthday), April 27 falls on a Sunday in 2025.
We all know that it would be irresponsible to let the Dutch go wild drinking beer on a Sunday (imagine the Monday hangovers! 😬), hence the Saturday date instead.
Okay, okay, it’s probably not a hangover-related decision, but the Netherlands Government Information Service explains that this always happens if the reigning monarch’s birthday falls on a Sunday.
The good news? King’s Day 2025 is on a Saturday! Start the beer chilling now.
Fun fact: King Willem-Alexander was nicknamed “the Prince of Pils” in university for his spectacular beer-drinking efforts. 🍻
To Doetinchem, and beyond!
The 2025 festivities will take place in Doetinchem, northeast of Nijmegen and nestled in the green Achterhoek region.
The King celebrates his birthday with the royal family in a different city every year.
Locations of past King’s Day celebrations
2024: Emmen
2023: Rotterdam
2022: Maastricht
2021: Eindhoven
2020: Palace Huis ten Bosch
2019: Amersfoort
2018: Groningen
2017: Tilburg
2016: Zwolle
2015: Dordrecht
2014: De Rijp and Amstelveen
Will you be celebrating King’s Day next year? Tell us in the comments below!
A global computer outage has led to chaos across the world, and anyone trying to travel to, from or within the Netherlands is facing the consequences.
This morning, cybersecurity company CrowdStrike attempted to update their systems. However, something went wrong. Now, computers across the world are suffering outages.
Among the many issues that this causes are major delays for travellers across the Netherlands. Here’s how the outage may affect you.
Dutch airports and the computer outage
The computer outage has caused major issues for airports across the world, and Dutch airports are no exception.
KLM and Schiphol call on travellers not to come to the airport
If you’re currently sitting at home with your suitcase and a notification saying your flight is significantly delayed, then don’t bother leaving.
KLM is urging passengers whose flights have been delayed or cancelled to stay home, and Schiphol has made the same plea.
Schiphol is experiencing major crowds and queues at check-in and security, which are only expected to get worse as the outage continues and more flights are cancelled.
Travellers can expect significant delays and cancellations. Image: Depositphotos
According to NOS reporter Noortje Deutekom, the situation is “chaotic”.
“There are many people on their feet trying to update travellers and keep everything on track. But that is very difficult.”
However, a spokesperson for Schiphol remains optimistic, telling the NOS that “a few flights have been cancelled, but the good news is that most flights are still going, albeit with delays.”
In addition to delays, the airport also warns that check-in will take longer than usual.
Issues with checking in at Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Schiphol is not alone in dealing with these issues, as Rotterdam The Hague airport is also dealing with the repercussions of the outage.
According to the NOS, check-in desks at TUI and Transavia are facing issues and long queues are forming. TUI has said it will start manually checking in passengers.
Thankfully, Maastricht Aachen Airport and Groningen Airport Eelde have managed to avoid any major disruptions, with flights reported as departing on time.
Dutch buses and the computer outage
Some regional carriers are also cancelling services due to the computer outage. Here’s what we know so far:
Keolis bus services suspended in Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Almere
If you’re travelling within the regions of Utrecht, Amersfoort, or Almere, you may face significant delays.
The regional carrier, Keolis, has had to suspend all bus services for the time being as their drivers cannot contact the emergency centre due to the outage.
A spokesperson explains to the NOS, “We want to guarantee safety on the road, which is why we have decided not to let the buses drive now.”
Having a child is an exciting life change, and it can be an even bigger adventure if you’re raising them away from your home country.
Plenty of expats and internationals come to the Netherlands to work or study, and many are so charmed by this tiny country that they build not only careers but also families here.
But how do you raise a child in a country where you didn’t grow up yourself? What are the important things to know?
Great questions. Here’s how raising a child in the Netherlands is different from other places. 👇
1. The Netherlands has some of the best healthcare when it comes to children
The Netherlands has a lot of healthcare policies and medical practices that make pregnancy and birth easier for parents right from the beginning.
For example, having a midwife to guide you through pregnancy and birth is common, and it’s not unheard of to give birth at home if that makes mothers feel more comfortable.
It’s common for incoming parents to talk to birthing professionals like midwives. Image: Freepik
New parents can also get special maternity care (kraamzorg), in which a nurse or social worker monitors the child’s growth and health and the mother’s general recovery and well-being.
The Netherlands offers comprehensive maternal healthcare and ensures that the whole family is comfortable and informed throughout the process — and we love to see it. 🙌
2. There are a variety of (affordable) childcare options for parents in the Netherlands
Childcare in the Netherlands could be a whole separate article — the options are comprehensive and diverse, and generally quite affordable as well.
Education in the Netherlands starts after the child turns four years old, but it only becomes mandatory once they turn five. You can enrol them in daycare (kinderdagverblijf) from infancy to four, or a kindergarten (peuterspeelzaal) from the age of two to four.
Good to know: Parents can claim childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) to help cover daycare and kindergarten costs. You can file a request to get the allowance with the Belastingdienst using your DigiD.
Finding childcare in a foreign country can often be very difficult, especially if you don’t have any family or close friends in the Netherlands who can occasionally watch your little one.
Babysitters are common in the Netherlands Image: Freepik
Luckily, it’s possible to look for babysitters in the Netherlands, especially if you want someone to look after your kids before you get home from work or if you want to plan a date night with your partner.
3. Parental leave policies help you balance work and childcare responsibilities
Both moeder (mother) and vader (father) are entitled to parental leave when you’re expecting an addition to the family.
Mothers are entitled to up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave (typically four to six weeks before and 10 to 12 weeks after birth), while fathers only get one week of paid paternity leave.
Parents can also get time off during the week to spend with their child. Image: Freepik
Parents can also take time off during the week to spend with their kids until they’re eight years old (often called a mama– or papadag or mother/father day).
Per child, a parent may take a maximum of 26 weeks off, out of which nine weeks will be paid if taken in the first year after childbirth, and 15 unpaid.
Overall, the Netherlands has plenty of arrangements that allow new parents to get used to their responsibilities and balance their work.
4. The Netherlands has a comprehensive and accommodating educational system
The Dutch education system can be particularly confusing if you’re not originally from the Netherlands, but regardless, it’s always prepared to take in a new student.
Primary education in the Netherlands is quite straightforward, starting at age five until around 12 years old.
Dutch primary school is pretty similar in length and age to other primary school systems around the world. Image: Depositphotos
Secondary education can last anywhere from four to six years, depending on the education stream your child goes into.
Finally, higher education can last between three and five years, depending on what study programme your child picks.
For expat children, Dutch schools have a special international transition class (internationale schakelklas), which helps international students prepare for going to a Dutch school.
Otherwise, there are plenty of great international schools for international families in the Netherlands.
These classes are designed to help international students get to know the Dutch school system — and learn Dutch. Image: Depositphotos
The Dutch education system is one of the best in the world, and you can rest easy knowing it will happily accommodate international families.
5. Your child may eventually speak a language that you don’t
Unless you’re already fluent in Dutch, your child will likely learn and speak a language you don’t understand.
You might reach a point where your child will know a language that you don’t. Image: Freepik
The upside? They can help you order your food at restaurants. The downside? They’ll know a secret language you don’t understand. 😎
Either way, if you’re planning to stay in the Netherlands long-term, it’s definitely worth learning Dutch so you can grow with your children as well.
6. Your child won’t shy away from taboo topics
In the Netherlands, children are encouraged to be curious about topics that are often considered ‘taboo’, like drugs and sex.
No subject is off-limits in the Netherlands, which can often go against certain cultural expectations for parenting.
Your child will be able to talk to you about anything — embrace it! Image: Freepik
Dutch parents intend to teach their kids to be open-minded and tolerant of differences, and this attitude is often present in education, sports, and socialising as well.
For example, Dutch people value sports as a form of exercise and socialisation and often enrol their kids in sports to teach them teamwork, confidence, sportsmanship, and socialisation with people their age.
Enrolling your child in a sport is highly encouraged from a young age. Image: Depositphotos
Other factors like infrastructure and public transport in the Netherlands also make it safe and easy for kids to travel around the city (and even the country!) on their own — whether that’s by tram, bus, train, or even bike!
The world is your child’s playground! Image: Freepik
These opportunities allow your kids to take charge, be independent, and apply some practical skills.
As an international parent, having a child in a new country can be really different from what you’re used to, and you may come from a country that has different expectations when it comes to parenting.
But rest assured, having a child as an international parent in the Netherlands doesn’t need to be difficult.
In fact, certain aspects can actually make raising children here even easier — so enjoy the ride!
Have you had a child in the Netherlands? What was your experience like? Tell us in the comments below!
What should have been a scenic hot air balloon ride over the Dutch countryside of Beuningen took a nail-biting turn when its passengers had to take cover from gunfire.
On Wednesday evening, a pilot and five passengers were allegedly shot at while their hot air balloon flew over a residential area in the east of the Netherlands.
Monique Hoogeslag, the hot air balloon’s owner, spoke to regional broadcaster RTV Oost about the incident: “There were three adults in the garden, two men and a woman. They shouted ‘homos!'”
“A man then grabbed an air rifle [and] he shot directly at the people on board.”
The gunman allegedly fired several shots
Reports vary on the number of shots the man is believed to have fired, with one of the passengers claiming to have heard three and another five.
Thankfully, no one was hurt in the incident. However, the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing after the shooting, in a bid to avoid the potential chaos of the balloon crash landing in a residential area.
“The balloon doesn’t come down immediately if there is a hole in it,” Hoogeslag explained, “but we could have hit people.”
A police investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
The Dutch town of Diemen wants to ensure that there are no barriers to getting, well, protective barriers. From 2025, the town will provide residents with free condoms.
“Wrap it before you tap it” has been preached far and wide.
However, condoms aren’t always accessible to everyone — and this has led to a worrying trend.
Not enough young people are wrapping it
In 2023, the RIVM found that more and more young people in the Netherlands were contracting STDs.
The town council of Diemen discussed these findings and decided prevention was key, RTL Nieuws reports.
As a result, the motion “Do it right, do it safe!” was born. The town would provide free condoms where free menstrual products are already found (with the exception of primary schools).
All but two council members voted in favour of the motion.
Make condoms available in more areas
The council will also investigate installing dispenser machines in hospitality establishments, retirement homes (👀), and associations.
As part of the initiative, the condoms must also come with information about STDs and safe sex in the form of a flyer or QR code. Sounds like a good deal to us!
Stay safe out there guys, and maybe move to Diemen.
What do you think of this initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Will the real Dutch music haters please stand up? Eminem is proving you all wrong with his new hitthat samples a song by Dutch duo Mouth & MacNeal.
That’s right, the world-famous rapper’s new album includes a track called Lucifer, which uses amelody from the B-side of Dutch classic How Do You Do from 1971.
How Do You Do was a global hit and reached number eight on the American Billboard Hot 100. But what made Eminem dig up its lesser-known B-side?
Emmen-em: the Dutchification of a rap superstar
The B-side in question is the legendary Dutch producer Hans Van Hemert’s Land of Milk and Honey, performed by Mouth & MacNeal:
But Van Hemert himself admits to NOS, “I didn’t think it was that great of a song”.
For him, The Land of Milk and Honey was a chance to experiment with some exotic instruments — ever heard of a bouzouki?
Well, now you can hear the catchy melody of the obscure Greek instrument in Lucifer, which has already been streamed over 11 million times on Spotify. 👇
Eminem inspired by M & M
As far as we know, this isn’t a grand reveal of THE Slim Shady’s love for quirky 70s Dutch music.
In reality, it comes down to business moves made by Van Hemert’s music publisher, responsible for bringing lasting attention to his songs in the industry today.
But this isn’t exactly a lucrative endeavour (are we surprised?).
Van Hemert estimates this sample will earn him about €10,000, which he also has to split between eight people. Still, he sees it as “the icing on the cake” of his successful career.
Do you recognise the Dutch sample in Eminem’s song? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Usually, a technical error associated with the NS means a world of inconvenience for travellers, but in this case, it was actually quite a happy accident.
Those who received the very early birthday present were offered three gifts:
They could upgrade to first class (for a small fee of €2.50), buy one return ticket (for a meagre €8.95), and enjoy a whole month of free e-book reading.
