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These derelict Rotterdam train tracks are being made over into a luscious green airpark!

Brin Andrews
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These derelict Rotterdam train tracks are being made over into a luscious green airpark!

The narrowest and longest roof park in the Netherlands, sitting six metres above street level, is being designed in Rotterdam.

According to urban research and design company De Urbanisten, the new expansion of Hofbogenpark “will soon invite you to walk at height in a colourful and fragrant landscape.”

De Urbanisten presented concept renderings of the park, made in collaboration with DS Landschaparchitecten and De Dakdokters. The concept has been given the green light with construction planned to begin in 2025.

One of several renderings from the design presentation, showing the future perspective of the park. Image: De Urbanisten, Lanschapsarchitecten, De Dakdokters/supplied

The division will unite

Constructed on the old Hofplein rail line, which forms a physical boundary from Rotterdam Noord, this long-standing division will bring people together.

The old train tracks will route visitors through the diverse landscapes of the park, connecting various neighbourhoods in the area.

A report from architechtenweb explains that the airpark will offer space for walking, relaxing, grabbing a cup of coffee or a bite to eat, and even community gardening. Hofbogenpark will have several entrances and be accessible via the old train stations. 

Convenient access via train platforms. Image: De Urbanisten, Lanschapsarchitecten, De Dakdokters/supplied

Sustainable design

The plans include a circular water system, which provides a climate-adaptive approach to storing and using water.

Water is purified and dispersed among the roof plants, water play areas, and existing urban agriculture with the help of vegetation and ground passages.

The park’s plant life helps absorb CO₂ and provides important cooling, in addition to animal shelter. The innovative design takes into consideration the native wildlife, providing habitat and safe routes for local birds, toads, and hedgehogs. 

Planning for cohesion with nature. Image: De Urbanisten, Lanschapsarchitecten, De Dakdokters/supplied

The skinny

The park can be compared to similar statuesque models such as the New York’s High Line Park and the Promenade Plantée in Paris, but with just one very narrow difference.

While these parks both measure around 15 metres wide, Hofbogenpark is set to be built on a railway viaduct just eight metres wide, only six of which can be used as park.

What Hofbogenpark lacks in width it makes up for in length. Image: De Urbanisten, Lanschapsarchitecten, De Dakdokters/supplied

Read more | The narrowest house in Amsterdam: everything you need to know

Design details and objectives will be made in consultation with area residents and business owners.

What do you think of the plans for Rotterdam’s Hofbogenpark? Tell us in the comments below!

Feature Image: De Urbanisten, Lanschapsarchitecten, De Dakdokters/supplied

Schiphol wants to ban night flights; here’s how it will affect you

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Schiphol wants to ban night flights; here’s how it will affect you

It looks like Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport could restrict night flights as soon as April 2025. While noise levels and carbon emissions will be reduced around the area, ticket prices are set to rise.

Schiphol is implementing its plan to ban night flights six months earlier than expected, De Telegraaf shared. But why?

10,000 fewer night flights each year

Last Friday, the airport informed cargo companies that it would be closed completely to flights arriving between 12 AM and 5 AM and departing between 12 AM and 6 AM. 

The cuts come as Schiphol continues efforts to meet its climate targets, so the neighbours will certainly be in for more peaceful nights.

READ MORE | How do the Dutch feel about climate change?

But what does it mean for those who look to travel on a budget?

Holidaymakers hit hard

The less popular night flight time slots are crucial for budget airlines like Transavia to keep their ticket prices low. 

The cutbacks are a harsh blow for the late-night travel providers, who told De Telegraaf that “travellers will have to leave at night from Dusseldorf or Brussels because other Dutch airports are also closed.”

READ MORE | How to get to and from Amsterdam’s airport: the easy guide

And it’s not just Transavia passengers who will suffer. Travellers flying with TUI will also see a significant impact on the flight schedule they can provide in these circumstances, reports Luchtvaart Nieuws.

It seems like Schiphol’s planned cuts won’t be without turbulence for many customers. 😫

How do you feel about Schiphol’s plan to cut night flights? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Geert Wilders has given up the NL prime minister position — but why?

Katrien Nivera 🇵🇭
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Geert Wilders has given up the NL prime minister position — but why?

In an interesting turn of events, the party leaders of the new Dutch government coalition have agreed to remain in parliament, rather than join the cabinet of ministers.

That means Geert Wilders, leader of the PVV and winner of the Dutch 2023 elections, will not become the prime minister of the new cabinet, reports the NOS.

The news might come as a shock to many, considering his explicit ambitions to lead the Netherlands. But there was a lack of support for him as PM, prompting Wilders to confirm the news himself:

Translation: “I can only become prime minister if all parties in the coalition support it. That was not the case. I want a right-wing cabinet. Less asylum and immigration. Dutch people number 1. The love for my country and my voters is great and more important than my own position. I love the Netherlands. ❤️”

Dilan Yesilgöz, leader of the VVD and outgoing Minister of Justice, is also prepared to remain in the House of Representatives, along with Pieter Omtzigt (leader of the NSC) and Caroline Van Der Plas (leader of the BBB).

READ MORE | The Dutch language guide to understanding Dutch politics

What happens next?

Since the coalition party leaders have agreed to stay in the Dutch parliament, the question of who will become ministers and state secretaries now arises.

The NOS reports that this coalition will likely have an “extra-parliamentary cabinet,” which is more loosely connected to the parliament than a regular cabinet and has no firm coalition agreement.

Ministers and state secretaries can be members of a political party or come from outside politics.

It remains to be seen just how long it will take for this coalition to form. And that’s if it comes together at all, especially considering the last extra-parliamentary cabinet dates back to the 1970s.

The parties will continue their negotiations with the government scout Kim Putters. Until then, it’s anyone’s game.

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A 14-year-old just took his ex-employer to court… and won

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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A 14-year-old just took his ex-employer to court… and won

A fourteen-year-old Dutch boy was fired after failing to show up for his part-time job in a Tilburg butcher’s shop. He took his employer to court, where the outcome was… meaty. 🍖

Though the boy only earned €5.50 an hour for his weekly shifts in the butcher’s, the employer must now pay €428 worth of ontslagvergoeding (dismissal compensation) and almost €900 in legal costs. 

Ontslagvergoeding refers to compensation paid to employees who have lost their jobs, aiming to facilitate the transition to a new job. In most cases, this is paid when the employer suddenly (or unfairly) terminates the employment.

Lazy worker or harsh employer?

As RTLNieuws writes, the problem began when the boy’s father sent a text message excusing his son from his usual Saturday shift just four days earlier. 

The message is familiar — an apology for the late notice, a vague reference to other commitments, and a promise to do better in the future.

But the butcher was not impressed; it was due to be a busy shift and he needed all the help he could get.

He expressed this to the boy’s father, but when Saturday rolled around, the 14-year-old’s apron was left hanging unworn. 

Following the no-show, the employer terminated his contract with immediate effect.

READ MORE | Losing your job in the Netherlands: what you should know

Taking his cut

Young workers in the Netherlands might not be paid the big bucks, but the compensation claims in this case would certainly be some bonus for the teenager. 💸

@dutchreview And we respect it 👏 #albertheijn #dutch #dutchculure #nederland #netherlands #workinginthenetherlands #expats #expatlife #expatsamsterdam #learningdutch #dutchreview #foryou ♬ original sound – DutchReview

In court, the boy’s father demanded almost €1,400 in compensation for his son’s dismissal — none of which the ex-employer believed he should have to pay.

But the ruling by the Zeeland-West-Brabant District Court last Friday favoured the boy. 

READ MORE | What are your rights as an international working in the Netherlands? We asked the experts

While the full severance claim was deemed excessive, the butcher had to cover salary and holiday pay for what should have been the boy’s eight-week notice period.

In the end, the former boss did not lose sleep over the issue and maintained that his ex-employee was “a very nice boy”, despite the elaborate courtroom drama.

Do you think a very young workforce can cause more harm than good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Record-breaking warm temperatures expected Thursday (yes, there will be sun!)

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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Record-breaking warm temperatures expected Thursday (yes, there will be sun!)

Good news, everybody: tomorrow will be warm and sunny! In fact, temperatures will be so high that they’ll break a 20-year-old record.

Yup, you read that right. According to NU.nl, Thursday’s weather will bring us sun and temperatures of up to 18 degrees Celsius.

This would make it the warmest March 14 ever measured, breaking the current record from 1991.

Warm air heading our way

But the reason for all this is not (just) down to climate change.

In fact, we’re currently experiencing a very average Dutch March, since temperatures of around 10 degrees (with some rain and lots of clouds) are very common for this time of year.

READ MORE | Why does it rain so much in the Netherlands?

So, why will Thursday be so warm? Because a high-pressure area over Central Europe is pushing a stream of warm air towards the Netherlands.

As Weerplaza meteorologist Floris Lafeber tells NU.nl, “It’ll be fine terrace weather in almost all parts of the country”. Oh, yeah. 😎

Back to our regular programme on Friday

Our tip? Enjoy tomorrow’s sunshine as much as you can. Sit on a terrace, lie back, and soak up the sun’s rays — because it’ll all be over before you know it. 😭

On Friday, we’ll return to lower temperatures and, of course, rain.

How will you enjoy tomorrow’s weather? Let us know in the comments!

Is this the end of the international student golden age in the Netherlands?

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Is this the end of the international student golden age in the Netherlands?

For years, Dutch lecture halls have been overcrowded, but now the international cohort is feeling isolated. Is there still a future for them here?

It’s not just the renowned student housing crisis causing concern — international students say the environment has become unwelcoming.

According to a recent Volkskrant survey, these students have been the target of rising negative attitudes in the Netherlands.

Despite the Netherlands’ popularity as a study destination, many of the 358 survey participants admit to worrying about staying here.

“I’ve experienced a few times that Dutch people said things like, ‘Everything is more expensive because of you,’” shared one student. 

READ MORE | We asked readers about their experience with infamous Dutch directness

Dutch government makes intentions clear

The rise of the international student population in the Netherlands has always been a hot topic, especially concerning housing, language and social dynamics.

With study applications going through the roof and nowhere near enough housing, the Dutch attitude has shifted to actively discouraging international students.

This makes a change from the narrative politicians and universities have been putting out there for years, pitching the Dutch life to internationals to expand innovation and education in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Here’s how Dutch universities are limiting international students

They have taken action to control the overpopulation of international students: certain courses will now only be taught in Dutch, or provide an additional Dutch-only option. 

School’s out (for some)…

These changes intend to prioritise Dutch students’ access to their preferred courses without battling the international influx.

But this is where the unfriendly atmosphere is growing. Less than half of the surveyed students still feel welcome in the Netherlands, and they worry about the way they are perceived by Dutch society.

@letsdoubledutch I do not care 🌻 #internationalstudent #internationalstudentlife #studyabroad #studyabroadnetherlands #erasmusstudent #erasmuslife #uva #universityofamsterdam #crossculturalcommunication #crossculturalunderstanding #dutchies🇳🇱 #dutchtiktok #dutchiesbelike #americans #americansbelike #americansbelikechallenge #expatlife #expatsamsterdam #expatsinthenetherlands #letsdoubledutch ♬ original sound – Double Dutch

One Bulgarian student enrolled at the University of Maastricht suggests that the Dutch “do not recognise the added value that foreigners bring to this society.” 

He’s not alone in believing that international students are “unfairly” blamed for draining resources and disappearing cultures.

…But don’t expect a mass exodus

Though the number of international students has already decreased slightly, Master’s applications are still on the rise. It will take a lot to get rid of the international students entirely.

This is because the appeal of the Netherlands — and affairs of the heart, as many students find love during their time here — still outweigh the negatives. 

The silver lining? Overall, most of the international students said they were happy with their decision to study here, despite the issues with housing, homesickness, and hostility.

Are you surprised by the results of the survey? Have your say in the comments below.

Dutch millionaires find neighbour’s luxe villa ‘too ugly’ — so they dump a car wreck in front of it

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Dutch millionaires find neighbour’s luxe villa ‘too ugly’ — so they dump a car wreck in front of it

Don’t you hate it when your VERY wealthy neighbour builds a VERY ugly €1.5 million house right next door?

Sorry, not relatable? That’s because this crazy behaviour belongs in the world of the Dutch elite.

In the gezellig village of Lage Vuursche in Utrecht, there once stood an idyllic country mansion that was radically modernised into a flashy villa a little over a decade ago. 

The minimalist design wasn’t the only shock at the time — soon after it was unveiled, a mysterious car wreck appeared at its gates.

google-maps-screenshot-of-wrecked-car-left-outside-luxe-villa
Image: Screenshot/Google Maps

Driving the neighbours crazy

The abandoned Citroën BX is far from forgotten — it is the centre of a conflict between crazy-rich Dutchies. 

The rumour? The family next door found the new villa so ugly that the decaying car was left as a sign of their disgust. Talk about Dutch directness!

READ MORE | We asked readers about their experiences with famous Dutch directness

And the family in question? They are believed to belong on the so-called Quote 500, AKA the list of the richest people in the Netherlands. 😫

The villa owner apparently no longer cares about the wreckage, PureLuxe reports. It seems it has become part of the decor. 👀

You might know the perpetrator…

The plot thickens! The strip of land between the villa’s fence and the public road is owned by none other than the De Rooij family, who are the famous founders of the Remia sauce brand. 

This high-profile involvement and private land ownership complicate the municipality’s right to remove the car.

For now, this means the sad-looking Citroën stays where it sits. However, recent developments have revealed that the dumped wreck is actually a very rare classic car. With only 60 of its kind left in the Netherlands, it is reportedly worth a lot of money. 

Does this make it the most generous act of revenge out there?

What do you think of the petty perpetrator — hilarious or ridiculous? Let us know in the comments!

Hey Netherlands, what’s the hold up with accepting credit cards?

Samantha Dixon 🇦🇺
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Hey Netherlands, what’s the hold up with accepting credit cards?

We’re still waiting for the Netherlands to get its act together and start accepting credit cards and Visa- or Mastercard-branded debit cards.

Cast your minds back to January 2023, when Mastercard announced they would stop issuing Dutchies’ beloved Maestro debit cards.

Instead, “the new debit cards,” branded with Visa or Mastercard and can also be utilised as credit cards, would take their place.

Over 14 months later, we’re still wondering when it’s really going to happen.

That leads us to a sticky bit of truth: banks are making the switch — but are the stores?

When progress isn’t progress

Approximately 98% of all payment machines are able to accept the new debit cards, reports NU.nl.

The remaining 2% are mostly in unmanned payment machines, like gas stations, parking garages, vending machines, or public toilets.

Yet local Albert Heijn’s still have a big “NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED” sticker over all payment terminals, which applies to any bank card with a credit card logo on it — even if it’s still a debit card.

Maybe it’s a simple issue: the machines can accept the new cards, but stores are choosing not to?

Small banks leading the way

Those who bank at Van Lanschot, Triodos, and bunq already have new debit cards in their wallets.

Revolut, N26, and Openbank are also up to date.

However, major Dutch banks like ING and ABN AMRO promise to start issuing the new cards only this year.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2024

This lag is causing problems, with Dutchies who own the new cards reporting that they simply can’t pay in some places.

The plague of Maestro

Many internationals in the Netherlands have felt the pain, confusion, and embarrassment of attempting to pay with their home bank card upon arrival in the Netherlands, only to receive a resounding and disappointing “BEEP” from the payment terminal.

READ MORE | Transaction declined: why don’t my bank cards work in the Netherlands?

Yes, we’ve all been there. Unfortunately, because Dutch people are downright frightened of debt, they have long been a debit-only society.

Is it a debit card that has a Mastercard or Visa logo on it? Nee dank je wel.

Yet, Mastercard are forcing them to move with the times. That’s a win in our books.

Have you experienced being able to use a credit card in the Netherlands recently? Where was it, and when? Share your experience in the comments below!

This cinematographer just became the 10th Dutch person EVER to win an Oscar

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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This cinematographer just became the 10th Dutch person EVER to win an Oscar

Hoyte van Hoytema is officially the first Dutch cameraman to win an Oscar. During Sunday night’s star-studded ceremony, he claimed the top prize for his cinematography for Oppenheimer.

The epic spectacle about the so-called father of the atomic bomb was the big winner of the night, picking up seven awards. 👏

Remember his name (it’s pretty catchy)

Hoyte van Hoytema has already won a BAFTA and the American Society of Cinematographers prize for his work in Oppenheimer — but who is the decorated Dutchie?

Born in Switzerland to Dutch parents, van Hoytema mastered his craft at the Łódź National Film School in Poland after being rejected by the Dutch Film Academy in Amsterdam (👀).

READ MORE | Eye Filmmuseum: An unmissable experience for every movie lover

This is not the only time the Oscars recognised his incredible cinematography. He earned his first nomination for Dunkirk in 2017, also directed by Christopher Nolan.

The frequent collaborators are adventurous cameramen, choosing to shoot on heavy but SUPER high-resolution IMAX cameras. These were placed on top of the actors’ faces for the ultimate cinematic intimacy. 🔍

Was it worth it? Well, the Oppenheimer trophy cabinet is certainly gleaming.

In addition to being crowned Best Picture, the Oppenheimer team also won awards for Directing (Christopher Nolan), Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr. — surprisingly his first ever!), Original Score (Ludwig Goransson) and Editing (Jennifer Lame). 

Reaching new Hoyte-s 

If van Hoytema is one of the few Dutchies to take home an iconic statue, what else can be said for the Netherlands’ silver-screen success?

In total, 11 Dutch nationals have won an Oscar. The most recent was Erik-Jan de Boer for his work on visual effects for Life of Pi in 2013. 

The first Oscar ever won by a Dutchie went to King of Jazz art director Herman Rosse all the way back in 1930 — and did you know Rosse also designed the interior of the Peace Palace?! 🤯

Cinema styles of old were coincidentally on van Hoytema’s agenda last night — he took his acceptance speech as a chance to encourage more celluloid filmmaking in this digital age. 

Congratulations to Hoyte, and here’s to more Dutch cinema silverware in the future! 🤞🎬

Did you watch Oppenheimer or other van Hoytema projects? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Protestors arrested in Amsterdam following Israeli president’s visit to the National Holocaust Museum

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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Protestors arrested in Amsterdam following Israeli president’s visit to the National Holocaust Museum

Multiple arrests were made following demonstrations in Amsterdam against the Israeli President’s visit to the opening of the National Holocaust Museum.

President Isaac Herzog, who has controversially claimed that “the entire nation” of Gaza is responsible for Hamas’ October 7 terror attack, attended the opening ceremony of Amsterdam’s National Holocaust Museum yesterday.

As you can imagine, it wasn’t a quiet affair.

Hundreds of demonstrators

Nearly 1,000 demonstrators awaited Herzog’s arrival, and demonstrations took place in multiple locations, including outside the museum’s doors.

And they made their presence known.

As the opening ceremony took place, boos, whistles, and the shouting of slogans could be heard.

As the Israeli president and King Willem-Alexander entered and exited the museum, they were met with more booing.

Stones thrown and arrests made

While the police have described the protests as going “well and peacefully”, not everyone stuck to just booing.

According to RTL Nieuws, stones were also thrown, and police vans were climbed and attacked.

As a result, riot police were deployed, and they made 13 arrests. The demonstrations were disbanded shortly afterwards.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

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