Looking for a job in 2024? From healthcare and agriculture to marketing and finance, the Netherlands is looking for people to fill these positions. 👇
The employment agency Randstad has done the research and found 45 professions across 15 sectors that are in demand this year — and a few might surprise you.
The most desired jobs in the Netherlands in 2024
Administrative, secretarial and HR
Secretary
Management assistant
HR advisor
Agricultural and green
Cultivation employee
Gardener
Groundskeeper
Analysis, research and development
Sustainability advisor
Soil advisor
Environmental project leader
Catering and recreation
Catering employee
Self-employed chef
Cook
Construction
Refrigeration engineer
Painter
Plumber
Customer service
Dispatcher
Desk clerk
Internal sales account manager
Education
Group teacher
Assistant professor
Physical education teacher
Finance
Tax advisor
Financial controller
Claims handler
Healthcare
Doctor not in specialist training (ANIOS)
Pharmacy assistant
Optician
Information and communication technology (ICT)
System administrator
ICT project leader
Data engineer
Public administration, justice and security
Special investigation officer (BOA in Dutch)
Surveillant
Lawyer
Sales, marketing and communications
Account manager
Branch manager
Gas station sales employee
Technology
Car mechanic
Electrical engineer
Technical service employee
Transport and logistics
Newspaper deliverer
Truck driver
Warehouse manager
Welfare and well-being
Individual health caregiver
Care assistant
Pedagogical childcare worker
Changes in the labour market
Of course, the need for these professions depends on the labour market, developments in technology, and general changes in different sectors.
For example, there’s a considerable increase in vacancies for people who completed an MBO education (secondary vocational education), like car mechanics, cooks, and gardeners.
Sustainability and the environment are also becoming more important, and artificial intelligence (AI) is making big changes within the labour market.
Slowly but surely, winter is making its way to the Netherlands. After a week of subzero temperatures and ice skating, we could be getting some snow — and all the downsides that come with it.
Yup, a few centimetres of snow may fall across the country today and tomorrow.
But helaas, the Dutch Royal Weather Institute (KNMI) has also issued a code yellow due to icy roads and wet snow. This applies to the whole country until Tuesday night.
Pas op, it’s icy! ❄️
This morning, showers of wet snow and rain are moving from the northwest of the Netherlands to the southeast.
Although the sun could come out in the afternoon, the night will bring showers of rain, snow, or even hail.
Due to the cold, there is a high risk of roads and sidewalks being icy, which can interfere with traffic and outdoor activities.
So, folks, if you have to leave the house, make sure you’re heel careful. (Or use this as your excuse to stay cosy on the sofa!)
Last night, the United States and United Kingdom launched an attack against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen. The Dutch also had involvement in this.
A number of airstrikes were carried out by the US and UK in response to Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea. A submarine was also used in the attack.
According to US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the attacks were carried out with the help of the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, and Bahrain, the NOS reports.
Non-operational military support
But how exactly were the Dutch involved in this attack?
In a letter to the House of Representatives, Ministers Bruins Slot of Foreign Affairs and Karin Ollongren of Defence explained that the Netherlands politically supports the operation.
According to RTL Nieuws, the US and UK reached out to the Netherlands requesting support during the operation. The Dutch agreed due to “the Dutch presence and interests in the region.”
The nature of the operation also meant that the House of Representatives could not be informed of the Netherlands’ involvement until after the attack.
How was this support shown? By sending one staff officer for “non-operational military support.”
An attempt at de-escalation
Outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte took to X to shed further light on the Dutch involvement in the attacks.
According to him, the air strikes focus on de-escalation. He writes, in part, that:
“The American-British action is based on the right of self-defence, aims to protect free passage and focuses on de-escalation. As a traditionally seafaring country, the Netherlands attaches great importance to the right to free passage and supports this targeted operation.”
60 targets, 16 locations, and violent explosions
According to a statement by the US airforce, the air strikes were aimed at 60 targets in 16 locations. British media is reporting that at least 12 targets were hit.
Houthi rebels report that the capital city of Sanaa and the cities of Hodeida and Saada have been hit with witnesses describing violent explosions.
According to Rutte on X, “The aim of these precision strikes is to disable, among other things, launch platforms and missile installations with which Houthi rebels carry out armed attacks in the Red Sea and the western Gulf of Aden against merchant navy and naval vessels.”
Why are the Houthis attacking ships?
Since November, Houthi rebels have been carrying out attacks on ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip.
According to the Houthis, they are targeting commercial Israeli ships. However, other ships have also been attacked.
The US wants more help
According to the letter to the House of Representatives, the Netherlands has assisted in a “short-term and limited operation.”
However, the US has requested more support from the Netherlands. The Netherlands has stated that it will consider this before taking action.
Even though you might not realise it (thanks to your persistently sky-high grocery bills), inflation in the Netherlands is actually falling. And with it, the prices of certain goods!
According to CBS (the Dutch Bureau of Statistics), many products were cheaper last December than they were during the same period in 2022.
These products saw the biggest price reduction
Not everything dropped by a significant chunk, but these did. Let’s run through them together! 👇
Energy
Life’s a gas when your utility bills don’t have the potential to burn a hole right through your wallet.
Dutch energy costs were thankfully lower in 2023 than in 2022. Image: Depositphotos
Thankfully, CBS notes that the cost of energy is roughly 37% cheaper than it was a year earlier. Natural gas, in particular, was a whopping 42.6% cheaper, according to RTL Nieuws.
Milk and butter
Fresh semi-skimmed and skimmed milk saw a drop of 11.6% in price, while fresh full milk experienced a reduction of 9.1%.
The price of butter, meanwhile, fell by 11.3%. (It’s a little cheesy, but we’re bummed that kaas didn’t make it onto the list. 🥲)
Edible oils
Several edible oils, such as corn and soybean oils, saw a drop of 18.2% in price.
Unfortunately, this dip doesn’t affect olive oil, which saw a price increase of 20.7% instead.
Margarine and other vegetable fat spreads
If you’re not a butter person, there’s no need to fret! Margarine and similar vegetable fat spreads saw a price dip of 8.8%.
However, these got even more expensive
If you’re making plans to dine out, you may want to keep a close eye on the prices, as restaurants and cafés got 8.8% more expensive.
Tobacco saw a jump of 23.4% in price, with cigarettes hitting a 17.1% increase.
Banking costs also became 12.9% more expensive, and motor vehicle insurance hit a similar peak of 14.9%.
Do you feel the difference at all? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Are you a bitterballen-eating, fiets-riding, orange-wearing Nederlander? Or are you just plodding along in the land of the Dutch? We’ve got the answer to the question you never knew you asked.
The Dutch asylum system is slowly crumbling and putting people in unsafe living conditions — often for months at a time. Why is this happening? And how did the Netherlands get here?
There’s always been a flow of people in and around the Netherlands, but the past years have seen waves of asylum seekers enter the country as a result of the invasion of Ukraine, the reign of the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the war in Syria.
Despite the country’s small size, the Netherlands has always been open to providing a safe haven for asylum seekers. However, it’s become a bit of a rocky process over the past few years, to say the least.
What is the Dutch asylum crisis?
Like many other countries, the Netherlands takes in people who are at risk of persecution because of their ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs, as well as people fleeing war and violence in their own country.
However, each year, more and more headlines crop up lamenting the overflowing asylum centres in the Netherlands.
Mandatory asylum centres are overflowing in poor living conditions as the Dutch system is struggling to keep up. Image: Depositphotos
And there is certainly a basis for these headlines. As the spotlight turns to asylum centres in the Netherlands, a bleak picture is laid out in front of us.
People are often left stuck in asylum centres for as long as a year, leaving them living in miserable conditions that have been described as “inhumane” by the Dutch Ombudsman themselves. This is especially worrying when we consider the fact that there are children in these centres.
Not only are these conditions inhumane, but the centres are also completely overcrowded.
In 2022, hundreds of asylum seekers in reception centres were forced to sleep on the floor or on plastic chairs. When there wasn’t enough room inside, people were left with no choice but to sleep outdoors.
Why are Dutch asylum centres so crowded?
Contrary to what many people may assume, no, the number of asylum seekers coming to the Netherlands has actually not gone through the roof.
Yes, it’s slowly increasing — but this isn’t anything new. In fact, the number of asylum seekers coming to the Netherlands was actually much higher in 2015 compared to today. Unfortunately, there are many myths surrounding refugees and asylum seekers.
So, if it’s not about the numbers, why are the asylum centres in the Netherlands so crowded?
The system to process asylum seekers in the Netherlands faces many hitches along the entire way… Image: Directie Voorlichting/Flickr/CC2.0
The Dutch system is struggling against numerous factors, including a staffing shortage, a housing shortage, and unwillingness from other countries to cooperate…
Rather than an asylum crisis, the situation is actually more correctly labelled as a receptioncrisis (opvangcrisis). But what has caused this?
Not enough staff to process asylum seekers through the system
One of the biggest reasons for Dutch asylum centres bursting at the seams is the continuous delays in processing times for applications — resulting in more and more people being left to wait in the centres.
Asylum seekers have to stay at an asylum centre until they receive a decision on their application from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
During times when the system wasn’t in crisis, this meant living at the centres for around six months. Nowadays, the IND doesn’t have enough qualified employees to process asylum seekers at this rate, causing huge delays.
The number of asylum seekers waiting more than six months for a decision gradually keeps increasing. Image: DutchReview, data from the IND
Since 2022, decisions on asylum applications can now take anywhere from a year up to 15 months — over double the time the centres were designed to hold people.
The IND is struggling to find enough qualified staff to process asylum applications that are also willing to manage the stress and organisational chaos of the institution.
The Dutch housing crisis
Once approved, status holders (statushouders) are supposed to be placed in a house of some sort — usually, social housing allocated by the municipality.
However, in practice, it’s a different story due to the Dutch housing shortage.
After living for several months at the centres, asylum seekers are told by the Dutch government that their application has been approved! They can live in the Netherlands, there’s just one catch — there’s actually no place for them to go.
The result? People who have been granted asylum status need to stay in asylum centres, putting even more pressure on the shelters’ services. Today, 16,000 statushoudersare still stuck in these centres.
These container homes are temporary for asylum seekers in Ter Apel, Groningen, but they end up staying much longer than they should. Image: Directie Voorlichting/Flickr/CC2.0
Adding to this issue is the fact that even Dutch people are suffering from the housing shortage.
Since social housing (or any housing for that matter) is in such short supply, allocating housing to statushouders can feel unfair to many and ends up undercutting public support for receiving asylum seekers.
A short-term approach to asylum centres
Another reason for the overflowing asylum centres in the Netherlands is the Dutch government’s short-term approach when it comes to responding to crises at asylum centres.
The majority of asylum seekers stay at temporary emergency shelters. Once the number of asylum seekers coming to the Netherlands drops for a few months, these emergency shelters close down — leaving the system unprepared for the next inevitable wave.
Asylum seekers were temporarily housed on this cruise ship when all the established asylum centres were full. Image: Depositphotos
As a consequence, during an influx, other temporary shelters are opened in a panic, for example on cruise ships and in hotels.
Although these initiatives are a huge life-saver, they aren’t sustainable long-term solutions. It also forces families to move from shelter to shelter every few months.
The problem that aggravates this issue even further, is that opening new centres almost always faces resistance from municipalities or people living nearby. This leaves asylum workers with few options for where they can open a new shelter.
Failing to deport denied asylum seekers
Not everyone who applies for asylum in the Netherlands is granted permission to stay.
In fact, asylum seekers from certain countries rarely qualify for asylum in the Netherlands because they’re listed as safe countries (veilige landen) by the Dutch government.
Despite this, nationals from these countries still try their chance, but most end up being refused the right to stay. And once that’s the case, sending them back out of the Netherlands is challenging.
Once in the Netherlands, it’s very difficult to send asylum seekers back to their home country if their status is denied. Image: Freepik
Asylum seekers sometimes open up legal cases against the IND to appeal their refusal. While this is entirely in their right, cases such as this put extra strain on the already overworked system.
Even if no legal cases are opened, deporting refused asylum seekers back to their country of origin is not always possible. Often, their home countries’ governments don’t cooperate — which is necessary to arrange travel documents.
In the end, people are released into the street and end up living illegally with few job prospects or no shelter.
In a report, it was found that a small portion of asylum seekers from “safe countries” were responsible for a majority of property crimes in the centres. As a result, public support for all asylum seekers has taken a hit — and this certainly doesn’t help the crisis.
What is the Dutch government doing about the asylum crisis?
All of the above issues are clogging up the asylum reception centres. So what’s the Dutch government doing about it?
After the chaotic summer of 2022, a law is waiting to be put in motion. This law will make it compulsory for every Dutch municipality to help asylum seekers find a home. This would mean a more fair and efficient distribution across the country rather than falling on the shoulders of just a few regions.
The Dutch government has come under fire and undone due to the reception crisis. Image: Depositphotos
The IND is also slowly but surely increasing the number of employees who can process asylum applications. However, employees must complete a nine-month training programme before they can be ready, so the pressure on the system won’t be relieved that fast.
Despite all these actions, it’s safe to say that the rocky reception of asylum seekers in the Netherlands isn’t over, and it is still a controversial conversation in Dutch politics.
So much so that a disagreement about how to regulate the influx was the final straw causing the collapse of the Rutte IV cabinet this year.
The pending coalition as a dark cloud over the asylum crisis
The 2023 Dutch national elections has a shocking outcome: the “far right” Partij voor de Vrijheid (PVV, English: Party for Freedom), led by Geert Wilders, won the majority of votes, taking 37 out of 150 seats.
Geert Wilders has long been established as a very controversial Dutch politician, who openly advocates for the “conservation Dutch values” and against the Islam.
Wilders has also previously been sentenced for hate speech. Image: Depositphotos
It is now up to Wilders to successfully form a coalition with the other parties. To do so, he has to the required majority of 76 seats in the 150-seat parliament. If he becomes the new Dutch Prime Minister, there could be significant consequences for the asylum crisis.
For instance, the PVV’s election document talks about an “asylum stop, which we intend and need”, and states that the party intends to introduce “measures that will significantly reduce the influx of asylum seekers and other migrants.”
How to help asylum seekers in the Netherlands
The situation for asylum seekers in the Netherlands is not good, where most live in unsafe conditions for at least a year.
If you’d like to provide some support, here are some organisations in the Netherlands where you can donate things like clothes, bicycles, toys, or money to asylum seekers and refugees.
You’re in luck! There are plenty of theme parks in the Netherlands for you to visit, most of them being open all year round too. A few are even huge tourist attractions and attract people from all over Europe just to visit their parks.
So if you’re a thrill-seeker, a rollercoaster junkie, or just love the atmosphere — you’ll be sorted in the Netherlands. Here are 10 theme parks where you can get your thrill fix!
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
De Efteling is one of the most beloved theme parks in the Netherlands and Europe. It’s been around since 1952 and is a fairytale-themed park but has evolved a lot since then.
At the site, you have stacks of attractions, activities and a holiday resort if you want to stay the night.
Of course, it’s amazing for children, but it’s popular with adults too.
If you’re an adrenaline addict, you’ll love the Baron 1898 dive coaster, which plunges you down a 37.5-metre free fall or get dizzy on the double loop and corkscrew that make up the Python rollercoaster. Eek!
Rocking the boat gets a whole new meaning at De Efteling! Image: Depositphotos
If you’re exhausted by the sheer size, you can travel through this massive park by boat and train or dine in one of the many on-site restaurants.
Open: 7 days a week, all year round (so, Winter Efteling)! It is open later on Fridays and Saturdays in the peak months (July and August). Address: Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
2. Walibi Holland
Walibi Holland is another favourite of the Dutch and is particularly popular with younger children. Don’t be fooled, though; there are plenty of fast rides at Walibi, so adults will still have a great time on their own.
Zip along the Xpress: Platform 13 rollercoaster at Walibi. Image: Depositphotos
The park has the largest concentration of different roller coasters throughout the whole Netherlands, so there is no shortage for those who want a jolt of adrenaline to make their day. Walibi also hosts themed events, such as Halloween Fright Night.
Open: On and off throughout the year. Check their website to see if it’s open when you plan on going. Address: Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ Biddinghuizen
3. Madurodam
If you’ve ever wanted to walk around and explore almost all of the Netherlands in one day, Madurodam is the theme park for you.
This park is host to miniature versions of Dutch cities and landmarks in The Hague.
You’ll see all things typically Dutch, like canals, tulip fields, cheese markets, and typical Dutch houses. You can also learn a lot about the history of the country and some fun facts about Dutch culture and traditions.
No rollercoasters, but it is damn cute. Image: Michal Osmenda/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0
There are more than 5,500 miniature trees planted there, along with 55,000 plants, so it’s beautiful as well!
It’s also very interactive. There’s a section where if you put a coin in, a miniature vehicle will drive a pair of miniature clogs over to you, and then you can take them home (this is actually cheaper than buying some in the shop!).
There’s also a mixing deck where you can pretend to DJ some EDM to a miniature audience. 🎧🎵
Open: All year round Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague
4. The Amsterdam Dungeon
This attraction isn’t for the faint-hearted. The Amsterdam Dungeon showcases 11 live (and very scary) history shows, so you can learn and be frightened at the same time. Over 500 years of dark historical events are captured.
Next, you can walk around the Amsterdam Dungeon on your tour, entering torture rooms and exploring Amsterdam’s dark past.
Spooky, scary delights, the Amsterdam Dungeon is a horror-themed show with a ride. Image: Depositphotos
It’s probably the coolest way to have fun, get scared and learn something all at the same time. After the shows, you can experience a drop ride — which is just as scary as the whole place itself.
Open: All year round Address: Rokin 78, 1012 KW Amsterdam
5. Adventure Park Hellendoorn
Adventure Park Hellendoorn is the perfect Dutch theme park for children and teens. There are over 30 rides to choose from, from roller coasters to laser tag and rapids.
If it’s hot weather, it’s also a great choice because there are heaps of water-themed rides.
The Galleon boat ride is a real whizz! Image: Joris/Wikimedia Commons/CC4.0
You can also stay close to the resort with lots of different accommodations, from camping to luxury apartments and bungalows.
Open: April – October Address: Luttenbergerweg 22, 7447 PB Hellendoorn
6. Duinrell
This park is on the smaller side in comparison to some of the other amusement parks in the Netherlands, but it certainly isn’t any less fun. Duinrell holds plenty of rides and other attractions for small children. For thrill-seekers, there are roller coasters and other attractions.
Want more? There’s a whole water park to splash around too! The famous Tiki pool is incredibly popular and every summer you can expect to find large queues to enter it.
Inside, there is heaps of space to swim, along with water rapids, slides (some of the largest in the Netherlands) and waterfalls.
You can also book Duingalows nearby so that you can stay the night!
Open: July to November Address: Duinrell 1, 2242 JP, Wassenaar
7. Slagharen
There are over 30 rides and other activities to enjoy at Slagharen. There’s especially lots to do for children, as there are a lot of shows and other things that will appeal to small children.
As well as being a theme park full of rides, it also has a water park, AquaMexicana.
It’s Mexican-themed and boasts three water slides, a pool, two spray parks, and the largest jacuzzi in the Netherlands.
Slagharen is super vibrant at night! Image: Pixabay
If this is all too much for you to do in one day, you can stay overnight at the park. You can even stay at some really unusually cool places, such as a Cowboy Cottage or a Wigwam.
Open: Varies throughout the year. Don’t forget to check the website beforehand! Address: Amusement & Holiday Park,Slagharen Zwarte Dijk, 37 7776 PB
8. Archeon
This historical theme park explores the Roman, Medieval, and Prehistoric periods.
Archeon will transport you back in time, and you’ll be sure to find everybody dressed up so you can experience for yourself how it may have looked during those times.
Step back in time at these theme Parks in the Netherlands. Image: Ziko van Dijk/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
Visit the Roman Museum and the Archeology House to learn about our past with films and activities.
You will learn so much about the inhabitants throughout the park and how they used to live. You can also get archery lessons, learn how to make a fire, learn how to bake and more.
Events happen throughout the year, too, such as a Viking festival.
Open: All year round Location: Archeonlaan 1, 2408 ZB Alphen aan den Rijn
9. Drievliet
Drievliet is another family-friendly amusement park with something for everyone.
There are a variety of roller coasters, shows, slides and other children’s activities. The shows are particularly popular, as they have their own theatre.
Save your ice cream until after you go on this ride. Image: Michiel1972/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
There is also a haunted house if you’re after a bit of a scare.
Open: Most days of the year, but closed on some weeks in the winter. Check the website beforehand. Location: Laan van ‘s-Gravenmade 81, 2495 BD The Hague
10. Sprookjeswonderland
Sprookjeswonderland is the perfect amusement park if you have small children.
The whole park is completely dedicated to fairy tales (hence the translation: Fairytale Wonderland), and there is a variety of different activities and attractions for children.
There’s gnome place like home. Image: Xenan/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
In the winter, the park reopens as Sprookjeswinterland, which focuses on more wintery tales, such as Snow White.
There is also a fortune teller, a story room and a huge Christmas tree that sits at the entrance of the park.
Open: Almost all year round, yet in the winter, it switches to Sprookjeswinterland. Another one of the great theme parks in the Netherlands. Location: Kooizandweg 9, 1601 LK Enkhuizen
Linnaeushof, located in the heart of the Netherlands, is a lovely theme park offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
Known as Europe’s largest playground, Linnaeushof is a paradise for children, with plenty of engaging activities.
The park has well-maintained green spaces, making a serene backdrop for families to unwind.
With a variety of rides, water attractions, and gardens, Linnaeushof creates a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Open: From March to October throughout the year. Check the website for exact opening dates and times. Address: Glipperweg 4C, 2104 AK Heemstede, The Netherlands
12. Julianatoren
Julianatoren, nestled near the picturesque town of Apeldoorn, is an exciting and small scale theme park tailored for the younger audience and families.
Enjoy this family-friendly park during the warmer months in the Netherlands! Image: Julianatoren
The park is centred around fairy tales, combining nostalgia with modern attractions and creating a captivating experience for children.
From charming rides to live shows featuring beloved characters, Julianatoren creates a fun atmosphere that resonates with the spirit of childhood for kids and adults alike.
Open: From April to October throughout the year. Check their website to see the opening dates and times. Address: Amersfoortseweg 35, 7313 AC Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
13. Plaswijckpark
Plaswijckpark in the Netherlands is a hidden gem for families looking for wholesome fun.
This intimate theme park offers a blend of play areas, animal encounters, and boat rides around its scenic lake.
With well-kept grounds and a variety of activities, including an exciting outdoor pool area for little kids, Plaswijckpark creates a relaxed yet entertaining environment, especially for families.
It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely day out, catering to both the adventurous spirit of children and the desire for a tranquil family experience.
Open: All year round from 10 AM to 4 PM-8 PM, depending on the day — double check the website to see when the park opens and closes on which days. Address: Ringdijk 20, 3053 KS Rotterdam, The Netherlands
14. Park Tivoli
Park Tivoli in the Netherlands is an exciting theme park for younger audiences.
This theme park, geared towards families with small children, is charming with its colourful rides, fun playgrounds, and live shows.
The park’s focus on catering to the younger audience ensures a fun day out for any family.
With friendly staff and a cosy atmosphere, Park Tivoli offers a lovely escape for families who want a wholesome and entertaining experience.
Open: March 30, 2024 to October 24, 2024 Address: Oude Kleefsebaan 116, 6571 BK Berg en Dal, The Netherlands
Ready for a day of thrills and giggles? Book your tickets now!
Have you ever been to any of these theme parks in the Netherlands? Which is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below!
Theme parks in the Netherlands: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest theme park in the Netherlands?
De Efteling is the largest and most popular theme park in the Netherlands and is located in North Brabant. It’s a sort of Dutch Disneyland (and older than the first Disney park, too!).
Are any theme parks in the Netherlands suitable for children?
Yes! There are many theme parks suitable for children of all ages in the Netherlands. For small children, you can head to Sprookjeswonderland, Adventurepark Hellendoorn theme park, Slagharen and more. For older children, head to Efteling, Walibi Holland, Madurodam, and more.
Can I stay at any theme parks in the Netherlands overnight?
Yes, there are plenty of places that offer accommodation and some are on site. The coolest one by far is at Slagharen, where you can stay in a wigwam or a themed cottage. Check each theme park to see if they have any overnight accommodation options!
Forget about Buddy, Daisy, and Buster, because Dutch people are coming up with some pretty unique names for their furry friends nowadays.
It’s no secret that the Dutch like to come up with all sorts of strange names — be it for their towns, streets, or children. And, of course, they don’t make an exception for their pups either.
Ever had the displeasure of cycling against the wind in the Netherlands? Well, turns out Dutch people are crazy enough to make a sport out of it.
Introducing: the NK Tegenwindfietsen, or Dutch Headwind Cycling Championship, where 300 brave participants cycle 8.5 kilometres across the Oosterscheldekering storm barrier in Zeeland, facing wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres an hour. Why? Because it’s cool. 😎
The race originally began in 2013 but hasn’t happened every year. The organisers tend to wait until a big storm or strong winds are headed to the Netherlands.
All participants in the race have to use a plain ol’ regular bike with simple breaks and no gears. Anyone can take part, but the competition limits participants to 300 for safety reasons (we just hope no one gets picked up by the wind and flies away like a kite).
Then, they just cycle headfirst against the wind — it’s as simple as that.
Curious to see what it looks like? Take a look:
As the best cyclists in the world, it’s no surprise Dutchies would create a competition to show off just how good they are at it.
Would you ever participate in a competition like this? Tell us in the comments!
If there’s anything you want to know about buying a house in the Netherlands, the first thing is probably how to save money while doing it.
The answer? Get some experts involved. Heh? But don’t they cost money?? Yes, but trust us, it’s a worthwhile investment that will save you in the long run.
A mortgage expert (hypotheek adviseur) to help you
First things first: you need to consider your situation. You want to buy a house in a foreign country — and there’s a good chance you can’t navigate the complexities of a house hunt in Dutch.
That’s fair enough, many internationals in the Netherlands find themselves in exactly this situation — and that’s when you should enlist the help of a mortgage expert.
A mortgage expert will help you save money when buying a house in the Netherlands by finding you the best interest rates (and much more.) Image: Freepik
A mortgage expert knows anything and everything about the financial aspect of buying a house in the Netherlands, and can find you the best deal for you on the market.
Sure, if you go to the bank, you will get their products. However, others may actually have better conditions for your particular situation. This is why independent advisors have more insight and can be really valuable when saving you money.
In the Netherlands, you can only apply for a mortgage when you have a property, but you need to know your budget and find the right house that suits your needs and abilities.
This is what makes advisors so important. You will see them at the start of the process but also through to the end when signing the dotted line.
A real estate agent (aankoopmakelaar) to find the right house
Once you’ve calculated your potential mortgage and know your budget, it’s time to begin the hunt for your dream home.
But hold up! Before you run to Funda and start bidding every last penny that you have, it’s best to bring in a real estate agent, or aankoopmakelaar as they’re called in the Netherlands.
A real estate agent will help you to understand the value of a house and whether it’s worth spending money on. Image: Freepik
Why? Most importantly, they can advise you on whether or not a house is really worth the money it’s up for. Before you go throw hundreds of thousands of euros away, your real estate agent will use their experience and expertise to advise you on whether or not you can get more for less.
Not only this, but they’ll also advise you on how much money you should overbid on a home (if any!) — meaning they’ll save you some much-needed moolah.
Tip! Real estate agents can also get you access to houses before they even go up online, putting you a step ahead of other potential buyers.
An appraiser (taxateur) to value the house
Realtor aside, an appraiser (taxateur) is a certified professional whose sole purpose is to determine whether or not the house you’re looking at is over-valued.
They don’t do this by just staring at the house and holding a finger up to the wind. Nee, a taxateur uses a points-based valuation system to create a valuation report of the property.
Using this valuation report, you can determine whether or not the home is really worth your money.
A structural evaluator (structurele beoordelaar) to avoid hidden costs
If anything costs money, it’s a house that’s falling apart. This is why a structural evaluation is a must before you buy a house.
A structural evaluator ensures you won’t have to deal with any costly issues once you’ve bought the house. Image: Freepik
While an evaluation of the house is not technically compulsory, it’s a very important step in the home-buying process, as it will uncover any pricey red flags that may not be noticeable on a surface level.
For example, perhaps that shiny and glimmering home actually hides a nasty crack in the roof beneath those gorgeous clay tiles?
Fixing this after buying the home could be an expensive waking nightmare. This is why it should be flagged before you sign the dotted line — save yourself the financial ruin.
A notary (notaris) to handle the legal process
Another expert who should definitely get involved in the process of helping you buy your dream home is a notary, known as a notaris in the Netherlands.
Unless you’ve studied law and are fluent in Dutch, then you’re going to be needing a notaris on your dream team. In fact, enlisting the services of a notary is mandatory when buying or selling a house in the Netherlands.
A notary plays a very important role when buying a house in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik
Your notary will take care of all the legal documentation, such as drafting the mortgage deed, overseeing the transfer of the property and, most importantly, ensuring your money lands in the right place.
While it’s compulsory to hire a notary, this certainly doesn’t mean you’re throwing your money away. You can rest easy knowing that all your complex legal documentation is in order and that the transfer of funds is carried out safely under the watchful eyes of an expert.
In the Netherlands, there are many things that you can skip out on in order to save money: get a better bank account, opt for unbranded items in the supermarket, and maybe (sadly) cut down on the takeaway coffees.
But when it comes to the process of buying a house and hiring experts, you need to invest money to make money. Sure, it’s cash leaving your bank account, but with the help of these experts you’ll be saved from many costly mistakes and decisions.
Have you enlisted the help of experts when buying a house in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
