Forget Spotify Wrapped, Pornhub has just released its own annual findings. Let’s talk about what porn the Netherlands has been watching — because it’s… interesting.
From pissing to fisting (those are two words you’d never expect to write in a professional capacity), the Dutch have had some specific interests in 2023.
A love for hot moms and lesbians
Let’s start slow: the Dutch seem to love MILFs and lesbians, with these two terms being the first and second most searched-for in 2023.
We could say that these search terms aren’t so shocking. The MILF has reigned as a supreme search word in many countries, so the Dutch are basic in that way.
As for the lesbian sex, it’s the Netherlands, so we’re not surprised to see some LGBTQIA+ representation. Not to mention this search term joins MILF in Pornhub’s “Big Three” search terms.
Not only were MILF and Lesbian the most searched-for in 2023, they also found themselves in the Netherlands’ five most-watched categories, joining “Anal”, “Threesome”, and “Transgender”.
Which categories do the Dutch love more than other countries?
According to Pornhub, the viewers in the Netherlands searched for videos under the categories “Pissing”, “Arab”, “Indian”, “Fisting”, and “German” more frequently than in other countries.
In fact, “pissing” was viewed 67% more frequently than in other countries… we don’t know what this has to say about the Dutch psyche.
It’s t-i-i-i-me: Christmas is officially just a week away! The question that’s burning inside all of us, of course, is whether we will get a white Christmas in the Netherlands this year.
Helaas, a white Christmas is out of the question, say experts — but we may get some snow nonetheless. ❄️
Note: The Royal Dutch Weather Institute only counts a “white Christmas” when a closed layer of snow covers the ground on the mornings of both Christmas days in De Bilt, Utrecht.
The last time this happened in the Netherlands was in 2010.
A chance of snow!
Marc de Jong from Buienradar tells RTLNieuws that while we may not get a white Christmas per se, “there is a chance of some snow showers [on Christmas Day]”.
Ah, is there anything more beautiful than a snow-covered Netherlands? We don’t think so. Image: Depositphotos
A stream of cold air that is heading towards Scandinavia may reach the Netherlands around the holidays, bringing us some snow.
If the cold air misses the lowlands, then we’ll be met with something a lot less exciting: rain. 😪
Do you have hope for snow on Christmas? Let us know in the comments!
It seems that each day, we have fewer reasons to be surprised by Geert Wilders’ popularity in the voting booth.
Today, the Dutch city of Hoorn has decided it will not apologise for its involvement in the slave trade. It will also not recognise its actions in the past, RTL Nieuws reports.
Following a vote held by the municipal council to decide whether Hoorn should apologise for its role in slavery, the council did not reach a majority in favour of apologising.
Hoorn’s role in the slave trade
To make matters worse, it’s not as if Hoorn can claim to have had no ties to slavery.
In fact, a study carried out in June found that the city played a very important role in the slave trade during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
According to the study, the city was home to a chamber of the VOC, which was also heavily involved in the shipment and trading of slaves.
Amsterdam’s iconic Red Light District is notorious for attracting millions of tourists to the capital’s streets — but the city has grown tired of it. Their solution? A skyscraper.
More specifically, a skyscraper located nowhere near the original De Wallen neighbourhood.
A new ‘Erotic Center’
Ask any Amsterdam local about their feelings towards the Red Light District, and they’ll probably begin lamenting the good ol’ days before waves of drunken tourists plagued its streets.
Comprising just one square kilometre, the historic neighbourhood attracts a lot of unwanted behaviour from tourists to the area, and many residents are sick of it.
As a result, the city has come up with a plan to pull some of this traffic elsewhere — a skyscraper brothel (a sexscraper, if you will).
By creating a new “Erotic Center”, the city hopes to both increase the safety of sex workers and reduce footfall (along with late-night drunken singing) in the densely packed streets of De Wallen.
What on earth is an “Erotic Center”?
You may be wondering what exactly an “Erotic Center” would even look like — and no, it can’t be found on an anatomical drawing (sorry guys 😉).
However, there is a blueprint.
Amsterdam has already commissioned and crowned its favoured design for this potential new “Erotic Center.”
Designed by Moke architects Gianni Cito and Jurgen ten Hoeve, this skyscraper offers a lot more than just rooms.
The design would consist of not only hotel rooms but also bars, restaurants, stores, entertainment facilities and even offices.
With a design like this, Amsterdam’s Mayor Femke Halsema wants to draw not just potential clients to the building but also culture-lovers.
She hopes to make this new Red Light District a cultural centre where debates, artistic courses and exhibitions can be held. On top of this, she wants to make it a safe space for LGBTQIA+ members of the community.
With its circular design and continuous walkway, the building would also allow patrons to walk continuously throughout the building, much like if they were walking down a street — pretty cool, right?
Well… not exactly. 😬 This red light-alternative is being hit with backlash for a number of reasons.
Where will it be located?
The city’s plan is simple: With De Wallen currently consisting of 241 rooms, Amsterdam’s current plan is to take an unspecified number of these rooms and relocate them to this new building.
However, there’s just one problem — no one can agree on where this sexscraper should be placed.
According to the municipality’s website, there are currently three potential locations under consideration:
The Docklandsplot location by the NDSM Wharf (Amsterdam Noord)
De Groene Zoom
or Europaboulevard (both in the Zuid/RAI area)
Residents of these neighbourhoods were asked to prepare their response to this idea, meetings were held — and people weren’t happy.
Residents spoke of their worries about the safety of their neighbourhood, accessibility issues and even parking.
And it’s not just the residents who are unhappy.
What about the safety of sex workers?
Sex workers are also worried about the potential relocation.
While Mayor Halsema claims that a move to a secure and more private building would be better for sex workers’ safety, many beg to differ.
Yes, De Wallen is crowded, but sex workers find that there is safety in numbers.
Where Halsema argues that the crowds deter potential clients from reaching the workers, the workers point out that the crowds also deter crimes against them.
Speaking to Time, one sex worker voices her opinion:
“The mayor says we need safe working places. We already have them. She says, ‘you are humiliated there.’ We don’t mind, otherwise we wouldn’t be in the windows.”
The worker tells Time that “we have been consulted, but not in a serious way.”
A problem for next year
Much like many of us at the end of a long hard year, the municipality of Amsterdam has decided to shelve this problem until the new year.
According to their website, the city council will make a decision on the final location of the new centre in early 2024.
What do you think of Amsterdam’s plans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Thinking of rolling up a joint for some pre-weekend rest and relaxation? Fun fact: this may be the first time you’re doing so *legally* in the Netherlands! 💨
(Specifically if you’re living in Brabant. 👀)
Today, 19 coffeeshops across Breda and Tilburg will sell legally grown weed for the first time as part of a new experiment. For the next six months, these coffeeshops will receive weed from three legal growers.
The hope is that following the test phase, even more growers will be permitted to legally supply weed, and the trial can expand, the NOS reports.
Isn’t weed already legal?
Wait, you might be thinking. Wasn’t weed already legal in the Netherlands? 🤔
Nope, it actually wasn’t! Prior to today (December 15), both using and dealing weed was only ‘tolerated’ or gedoogd by the government.
Known as the gedoogbeleid (tolerance policy), this ruling permitted coffee shops to sell — and people to possess — a certain amount of weed and not be prosecuted for it.
First adopted in the 1970s, this policy was intended to differentiate the treatment of hard and soft drugs.
Instead, however, it’s created a rather confusing legal environment that many coffee shop owners and weed smokers would prefer clarity on.
Enter… the Dutch government’s ‘weed experiment’
Pens and paper down please, because this isn’t a test you can study for!
What this experiment entails is allowing weed suppliers to operate legally in around 11 municipalities.
All coffeeshops within those municipalities are obligated to take part, and must now keep accurate records of how much they buy and sell.
Over the next four years, independent researchers are going to be monitoring the effects of weed being legalised and tracking the strength of what is on the market.
Given that weed can occasionally contain dangerous heavy metals, the levels of these will also be monitored.
It’s hoped that this new policy will reduce the petty crime rates and antisocial behaviour associated with the current weed laws, as well as regulate the supply chain to coffee shops.
However, with the possibility of anti-weed Geert Wilders at the helm in the future, it remains to be seen how long this experiment will last.
What do you think of the government’s decision to legalise weed? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!
Many changes are coming to the Netherlands in 2024, including to the energy market. So, how will these changes affect you — and what does this mean for your wallet?
From increasing taxes to new policies, this is how energy prices in the Netherlands are changing next year.
The Netherlands is getting rid of the price ceiling
At the start of 2023, the Dutch government introduced a price ceiling for gas and electricity meant to protect households from price fluctuations, reports the NOS.
One major change in 2024 is that there will no longer be a price ceiling. Image: Freepik
For example, the maximum rate for gas was €1.45 per cubic metre, up to 1200 cubic metres. Helaas, in 2024, there will be no more price ceiling, and households will have to deal with fluctuations in the market.
Taxes on gas will increase further
Yep, you read that right. The Dutch Senate still has to approve the increase in gas taxes laid out by the government, but this increase will also hike up your gas bill.
To give you some perspective, customers of Essent with a variable contract will see prices rise from €1.33 to €1.45 per cubic metre.
And Essent isn’t alone in this, unfortunately. Across the board, gas providers will hitch up their prices.
Electricity prices will drop in 2024
Electricity prices are actually set to decrease in the Netherlands in 2024. Image: Freepik
On the flip side, electricity prices will decrease in the Netherlands in 2024. This can be seen when we take a look at Essent and Vattenfall, for example:
Variable prices for electricity at Essent will drop from €0.39 to €0.38 per kilowatt hour (kWh)
Variable prices at Vattenfall will drop from €0.34 to €0.33 per kWh
Why is this the case? The answer is simple: the Dutch government wants to encourage people to use electric heating over gas heating.
These contracts usually last at least a year (up to three) and have new energy prices when you renew them a year later.
While a fixed contract ensures that you don’t fall victim to fluctuating prices, those with fixed contracts will also feel changes in their wallet in 2024.
You’re going to see some changes in your Dutch energy bill in 2024. Image: Freepik
For one, it won’t protect you from higher taxes on gas — which will certainly appear on your energy bills starting in 2024.
That being said, you won’t fall victim to any drastic fluctuations in the energy market, unlike someone with a variable contract.
What this means for those with a variable contract
A variable contract means the price you pay for electricity and gas changes depending on the price fluctuations in the energy market, and the prices are only established for a set period.
Variable contracts can be as short as three months up to a year. If you have a variable contract, the above changes will be especially significant for you.
Without a price ceiling, variable contract prices in the Netherlands are expected to rise next year — pair that with increased taxes and an unstable world economy, and you run the risk that energy bills will skyrocket.
Even with all the new policies, fluctuating prices, and new taxes, understanding your utilities doesn’t have to be confusing! Here’s to a bright 2024. 🥂✨
What do you think of the changes to the energy market in the Netherlands? Tell us in a comment below.
Ah, is there anything better than ending a long day by scrolling through social media? Before you know it, you’ve forgotten the day’s worries — and aimlessly jumped between apps for three hours straight. Oops.
If this scenario sounds familiar to you,then you may be falling victim to the addictive designs and techniques used by manufacturers to make smartphones and apps addictive. 📱
And you’re not alone: Research shows that 1 in 4 young people struggle with smartphone addiction. This must be fought, says the European Parliament.
The Parliament has spoken
In a parliamentary debate, a large majority voted in favour of a proposal made by Dutch politician Kim van Sparrentak.
The proposal aims to curb smartphone addiction by banning the addictive features and manipulative algorithms that have people glued to their screens for hours at a time.
Van Sparrentak tells RTL Nieuws that “if we don’t intervene now, [phone addiction] will have an effect on people’s mental health and even brain development of the generations of the future”.
What does this mean?
The next step will be for the European Commission to draft a bill that will lay out techniques that may be used to reduce Europe’s constant scrolling.
Possible features include a ban on addictive design features, such as continuous scrolling features and automatic video playback. Another option would be to have attention-seeking features such as notifications deactivated by default.
This means that our favourite apps, such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, soon may be no more — at least not in the way we know them.
What do you think about this plan to combat phone addiction in Europe? Tell us in the comments!
Known for its iconic canals and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. However, it’s easy to forget that there is a lot more to see in (and around) the Netherlands than just the capital.
Lucky for us, Amsterdam is well-positioned to access countless unforgettable getaway spots — and thanks to the city’s fantastic public transport network, many stunning options are just a short train ride away.
So, hop aboard! Whether you’re looking to admire architecture or experience a new culture, these seven spots should be at the top of your list. 🚂
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Enjoy a stroll through Europe’s largest port. Image: Depositphotos
As the Netherlands’ busiest port city, Rotterdam maintains a gritty industrial charm with many hidden gems to visit. You’ll be amazed by its striking modern architecture, like the famous cube houses and the Markthal.
The Kop van Zuid waterfront reveals a very urban Dutch landscape of high-rises rising up from the river. Just an hour away by train from Amsterdam, Rotterdam offers a total change of scenery with a youthful and international flair.
Maastricht, Netherlands
In previous years, Maastricht has been voted the best city to live in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos
For a mix of historic charms, Belgium and Germany meet in the southern Dutch city of Maastricht. About two-and-a-half hours away from Amsterdam, Romans founded this city in the 1st century AD, and its cobbled lanes lead to Gothic churches, ruins, and the impressive St. Servaas Basilica.
When in Maastricht, you shouldn’t miss the Vrijthof central square, which hosts lively markets and events throughout the year. Sample some Jenever (Dutch gin), and local foods, and just enjoy yourself!
Berlin, Germany
You don’t get a skyline like this in Amsterdam. Image: Depositphotos
For art, nightlife, and big-city hustle and bustle, Berlin is one of the best weekend destinations near Amsterdam. A roughly six-hour-long train journey puts you right in the heart of the dynamic German capital.
As Germany’s largest city, Berlin offers an exciting energy quite different from the Netherlands. Explore iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and Museum Island, or spend an evening bar-hopping along Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
With its central location in Europe, Berlin is also well connected to other major cities like Paris, making it ideal as a stopover on a longer European trip.
As the Netherlands’ fourth largest city, Utrecht combines urban sophistication and medieval quirkiness. Its handsome canal ring and star-shaped defence wall are lined with countless cafés and shops to stroll by.
On Saturdays, the Vredenburg square turns into a marketplace for local handicrafts, cheese and produce — it’s a must-visit, if you ask us! Less than an hour away, and with trains running every 15 minutes, Utrecht makes for an enjoyable day or overnight trip from Amsterdam.
The Hague, Netherlands
A Dutch city with international allure. Image: Freepik
As the political centre and home to many international organisations, The Hague has a global reputation but a peaceful ambience. Sights include the iconic Binnenhof parliament buildings, the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery and many elegant tree-lined boulevards.
Wanna get out of the city? Geen problem, just visit the wide dunes and beaches along the North Sea coast, which can be reached with a quick tram or bus journey!
Ghent, Belgium
Just look at this architecture! Image: Depositphotos
For Belgian charm without the crowds of Brussels, consider charming Ghent. About three hours by train from Amsterdam, you’ll find classic European architecture lining the canals of this beautifully preserved Flemish city.
We recommend you check out the medieval Altarpiece in St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the culinary Patershol neighbourhood. When taking a break, be sure to try some local beers and signature dishes such as “Waterzooi” (cream-based stew). Lekker!
Groningen, Netherlands
No matter the time of the year, Groningen is always a good idea. Image: Depositphotos
As the largest city in northern Netherlands’ Groningen province, Groningen feels worlds away from Amsterdam, yet remains a perfect getaway that is well connected by trains. The best part? The journey there takes just a little over two hours!
As a student town, this place has a lively culture reflected in cafés, bars, and independent shops. Some must-see sites are the picturesque old town, the Martinitoren, and the Groninger Museum.
From big cities with global flair to quaint towns hiding gems of history, the areas surrounding Amsterdam boast endless weekend trip potential. With high-speed and frequent rail connections, reaching top spots like The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and more is an easy feat. ⚡️
So, take your pick of culture, architecture, or cuisine, and get ready for your perfect city break, just a train ride away from the Dutch capital.
What is your favourite spot for a getaway from Amsterdam? Let us know in the comments!
Oh, crystal ball, what is in store for the Netherlands in the coming year? 🔮
Beyond a potential new government, the lowlands has a raft of new changes that are coming into effect in 2024.
Here are some of the biggest, originally reported by Het Parool.
No more flavoured vapes
Hoera! Look, no hate for vapers, but I think we’re all a little sick of walking down the picturesque Dutch streets and suddenly being lost in a cloud of strawberry fog.
Luckily, vapes with candy, fruit, or other sweet flavours will be banned from sale in online and physical shops.
The only vapes that may be sold in 2024 are those with tobacco flavour. This is done in a bid to make e-cigarettes less popular.
Minimum wage increases
If you’re earning minimum wage, congrats! You’re about the get a pay rise.
The statutory minimum wage will increase to €13.27 euros per hour, an increase of about 3.75%.
We’ll take it! Image: Freepik
What’s nice about this is that the Netherlands will move to calculating minimum wage per hour instead of per month.
This previously disadvantaged people who worked a 40-hour work week because they would then earn less.
You’ll pay more for your health insurance
Eek, yep, this definitely isn’t a good change. The required Dutch health insurance that every resident of the Netherlands must have is getting more expensive.
The premiums increase every year, so this isn’t surprising. Most insurers are raising their premium prices by between €7.50 and €9.30.
However, if you receive zorgtoeslag (the healthcare allowance), the good news is that this will also increase to a maximum of €154 per month.
Even better, if you think you’ll be paying too much, you can still switch health insurance providers until the end of the year. After that, however, you’re locked in until 2025.
Energy costs will increase
Ja, okay, you’re done hearing about high energy bills. However, there’s more bad news here: the price ceiling that the government offered to reduce the cost of energy bills in 2023 will expire on January 1.
It’s expected that this will cost users €5 to €15 more per month.
Beers and cigarettes get more expensive
Planning to drown your sorrows over rising costs with a beer and a cigarette? Hold up: those prices are also increasing.
This is about to get even more expensive. Image: Freepik
The average crate of beer will be €0.50 more expensive in 2024, while a pack of cigarettes will cost you about €10.
Bumming a cigarette off someone? Watch out, you might be getting a Tikkie after. 💰
Tourist buses are banned from Amsterdam city centre
Huge buses overflowing with tourists and driving through Amsterdam will become a thing of the past.
Tourist buses over 7.5 tons will be banned from Amsterdam city centre as of January 1. The ban will remove about 350 to 400 buses from the city.
Instead, tour buses will need to wait outside the Amsterdam city ring. This will make it safer in the city centre for cyclists, pedestrians, and other road users.
There is one exception to the change: the Weesperstraat-Valkenburgerstraat-Kattenburgerstraat route will remain open for tour buses because of the large number of cultural institutions here.
Were you surprised by any of these changes? Tell us in the comments below!
Yes, yes… that’s the spot! (For you to pop a whimsical Christmas decoration on your tree this year.)
With weird Christmas ornaments popping up right, left, and centre, RTL Nieuws interviewed blogger Saskia de Laat to get her thoughts on the trend.
According to de Laat, ’tis the season for “unusual ornaments” — and nothing’s off the table. These ornaments can be anything from a vibrator, a tompouce, or even the odd suitcase or two.
(Hey, the Dutch really love travelling. 🤷🏻♀️🧳)
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
Oké, where can I get my hands on some quirky Dutch decorations?
When it comes to dreaming up unusual Christmas baubles, no business has more heartily embraced the trend than HEMA.
For the more understated ornament enthusiast, HEMA’s tompouce Christmas bauble looks good enough to eat. (Or, well… good enough not to send someone’s grandmother into a long-winded rant about “kids these days”. 😉)
If, however, you’re dying to stir up conversations at the dinner table this Christmas, HEMA’s hot pink vibrator bauble is about as loud and out-there as it gets.
What do you think of the growing trend of popping quirky decorations on your Christmas tree? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
