Move over, Eurostar, there’s a new (Dutch) train company on the block! Promising loads of daily trains from Groningen to Paris and London, newcomer Heuro also boasts cheaper ticket prices.
Whilst all of this may sound too good to be true, father-son duo Roemer and Maarten van den Biggelaar are committed to giving us better access to cheaper international trains.
International train routes: not just for the Randstad
According to AD.nl, the van den Biggelaars want 16 daily return trips to Paris and 15 daily return trips to London by 2028. It’s definitely an ambitious plan — even Eurostar only runs four times daily — but they insist they can make it work.
They’ve done the research and crunched the numbers, and Heuro claims that their tickets will be much cheaper than the average. (God, if you’re listening, please make it true! 🙏)
And here’s the kicker: two of these trains per route will run from Groningen. Heuro believes that the Randstad gets too much time in the spotlight, and there’s high demand outside the area for trains as well.
The practical stuff
Obviously, this is expensive. (We’re talking hundreds of millions of euros expensive. 👀) The company will need to purchase trains, set everything up, spruce up the trains, and so on.
As you can imagine, there are quite a lot of things to settle before Heuro can hit the road. Or, rather, the tracks.
However, Heuro states that they’re currently in talks with train manufacturers to ensure that everything’s going as smoothly (and quickly!) as possible. Their request is for each train to accommodate 450 to 550 passengers and travel at 300km/h at least.
So the takeaway is… we’ll soon have more international trains for CHEAPER prices? Sign us right up!
How do you feel about an international train route from outside the Randstad? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Renters and house-hunters across the Netherlands, we have some good news: soon, temporary rental contracts will be a thing of the past. 🙌
After a long discussion in the Dutch Senate on 14 November, the majority voted to initiate a law that bans landlords from offering tijdelijke huurcontracten (temporary rental contracts).
That’s great news… except, as NU.nl writes, the law does not apply to internationals or students.
Temporary contracts have a maximum rental period of two years, compared to indefinite contracts, which — you guessed it, are indefinite.
They often put landlords in an unfair position of power, as they can liberally increase rents and not be held accountable for a lack of proper maintenance in their homes.
The fine print
Wait what?! Yes, you read that right: there are exceptions to this law — and that’s where we expats get a slap across the face. 🙃
In true Dutch fashion, indefinite contracts must only be given to working Dutch people — while students and expats are left to deal with the uncertainties of temporary leases.
Temporary rental agreements will also remain legal between close relatives, and for homeowners who wish to sublet their property while they’re abroad.
More security for (some select) tenants
Natuurlijk, in a housing market that has more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at the Efteling, a ban on temporary leases comes as a sigh of relief to many (probably not to landlords 👀).
By making indefinite leases the norm for most people, the government aims to provide renters with more stability and security.
The new law will also make it harder for Dutch landlords to terminate rental contracts prematurely, leaving renters in the difficult position of having to search for new housing.
There is still uncertainty about when these new rules will come into effect, but once they do, they will only apply to new housing contracts. Existing contracts will not need to be adjusted.
What do you think about this new Dutch law? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Remember when we had no rain for a month? Well, it looks like we’re now heading to the other extreme and 2023 might just be the wettest year in recent history.
That’s no surprise as, thus far, 2023 has really been a moody year: first, it rained too little, then far too much.
And the rest of November and December? They’re also expected to be pretty rainy, even by Dutch standards. Wat leuk… 🫠
Another record broken
The rainiest year ever in the Netherlands was 1998. But the way things are going, the KNMI thinks 2023 might take home the new top spot.
For you maths folks who love numbers: 2023 had 20% more rain than the average year in the past century. If December is as rainy as November has been… well, let’s just say there’s a lot of water headed our way. 😳
Bad news for farmers
Although the rain might just annoy us while we bike to our office jobs, it’s far more consequential for farmers. With all the rain pelting down, it becomes impossible to harvest because the fields are too wet.
2023 potato harvest , IFA quoting 60% still to be lifted. Stress and strain on growers is now concerning. Growers have high cost outlays still stuck in ground. Bacterial breakdown, skin disease and overall quality will be a challenge in storage.@farmersjournal@IFAmediapic.twitter.com/fSIrUs2gpq
Want to get “high” in the Netherlands without visiting a coffee shop? Just climb one of these 11 beautiful towers!
Medieval and Renaissance towers are spread far and wide, so if you’re not afraid of heights and can climb lots of (steep Dutch) steps, consider this adventure! 🏰
Why are there so many torens in the lowlands?
Most church towers in the Netherlands were originally built from the 13th to the 16th century. Bells were put in to alert locals of happenings — whether it was time for church, weddings, funerals, a time to gather or “run like hell”.
Since the Netherlands is so flat, travellers could see towers and steeples from far away and orient themselves. To make them even more multifunctional, clocks were put in towers as well.
Towers served as watch stations for defence purposes (back to the “run like hell” events). There was also a “my tower is taller than yours” (and therefore closer to the heavens)-mentality.
Each tower has its own fascinating history and very different attractions, so let’s get to the list of the best towers in the Netherlands.
Note: Remember to reserve ahead to schedule a visit! Seasons and events can change availability and pricing. There may be age limits. For those who cannot climb or are in wheelchairs, one toren on this list even has an elevator to the top!
1. Grote of Sint-Jakobskerk in The Hague
Definitely one of the best towers of the Netherlands! Image: Ralf Roltschek/Wikimedia Commons/GDFL 1.2
The Haagse (Kerk) Toren was built in 1490. At 92.5 metres tall, this unique six-sided tower shows off a 360-degree view of The Hague once you climb up its 288 steps. It has a copper neo-gothic spire.
Fun fact: Van Gogh and Napoleon have both climbed these tower stairs! The Church offers facilities for grand events as well, so hold that wine or whiskey tasting until you are back down. 😉
Completed in 1638, Westertoren stands at 85 metres and is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. It is adorned with a crown on top, but keep in mind that only guided tours traverse the tower stairs. The Westertoren has three bells, two bells and 50 carillon bells that play.
Placed at the geographical centre of the Netherlands. Image: Pepijntje/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.
At 98.3 metres and 346 steps toward the sky, it’s the third-highest medieval tower in the Netherlands.
Also known as Lange Jan, the tower’s location in the historical centre of Amersfoort also stands at the (cadastral) centre point of the Netherlands!
The church is no longer there, but the tower remains.There are different group tours, events, and occasional themed tours. The tower has over 100 “clocks” and large bells.
The second-highest tower in the Netherlands! Image: Depositphotos
This tower was originally completed in 1496. After centuries of disaster and rebuilding, it now stands at 108.75 metres high. The spire of today was designed in 1872. At one time, it was even used to test the theory of gravity!
On a clear day, Rotterdam and The Hague can be seen. William of Orange and every royal family member since have been laid to rest in this church.
Largest Catholic Church in NL. Including an angel on a cell phone! Image: KARROW/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
The largest Catholic Church in the Netherlands, its tower reaches 73 metres high, and you can see the city from 43 metres above.
In 1340, the Romanesque Church was converted into its current Gothic style. Due to fires, the tower has been rebuilt and restored. Hundreds of sculptures adorn the church.
See if you can spot the modern one of an angel with a mobile phone!
At 96.8 metres high and 311 steps (251 to the public), the “d’Olle Grieze” (The Old Gray), as it’s called due to the weathered sandstone, can be climbed almost every day.
One of the best towers in the Netherlands — with an elevator! Image: Depositphotos
Standing at 93 metres high, Sint Eusebiuskerk had an elevator installed in 1994. It’ll take you to 73 meters, just below the top of the spire. It offers a view of Arnhem, the river, and forests.
Disney gargoyles and characters familiar to the Dutch were added after WWII. As it’s the largest venue in Arnhem, many events are held here.
Great view of the Betuwe tower. Image: Depositphotos
The Cuneratoren was built between 1492 and 1531. The 82-metre high tower has a 298-step spiral staircase. At the top is a wonderful view of the Betuwe region and the city. If the air is very clear you can see Den Bosch, Nijmegen, and Utrecht.
In the summer, there are usually tower climbs from Wednesday through to Saturday from 1 to 4:30 PM.
This church has a tower that stands 97.3 metres high in Brabantine Gothic style. Groundbreaking in 1410! The current shape of the church and tower was completed in 1547, with restoration occasionally from damage.
The church itself has many vault paintings, sculptures, and one of the largest organs in the Netherlands. William of Orange was originally going to be buried here but had to change his plans as Breda was under Spanish occupation.
Short, but tall on a hill! Image: Ken Hull/Supplied
This interesting national monument, at 22 meters, is not tall compared to others, but it is high on a hill near the centre of the Netherlands. A hike or bike ride through the beautiful trees of the Luntersche Buurtbosche takes you there.
In 1913, the tower was used as a lookout. It has been rebuilt on top of the hill above the trees, and when standing at the top of the tower on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Domtoren in Utrecht! Picnics and overnight stays are possible nearby. Exhibitions are on display in the tower.
The Euromast is the perfect place to go for a view over modern Rotterdam (and there are no stairs either!) But is it one of the best towers in the Netherlands? You decide!
In conclusion, there are many ways to get high in the Netherlands in historical towers. Visit one in your area, or visit them all with time!
Have you visited any of these towers? And which was your favourite? Tell us in the comments below!
Do you require emergency care because of an accident? In the case of a life-threatening emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, call 112.
In the Netherlands, ambulances are only really reserved for serious, life-threatening emergencies.
When you call 112, the operator will determine whether or not an ambulance should be sent to collect you or if you can make your own way to the emergency room.
🩻 I have a problem that is not life-threatening
What if you have a medical problem that requires emergency care but is not life threatening? Well, in the Netherlands, there is a slightly different procedure for non-emergency help.
GP or your huisartsenpost
If the situation is not life-threatening, call your huisarts (general practitioner) first. They’ll advise if you need to go to the emergency room at a hospital (spoedeisende hulp).
The GP has the ability to refer you to other services as well as write prescriptions. Image: Freepik
However, if your huisarts is closed or unavailable, you can search online for the number of a nearby huisartsenpost. A huisartsenpost connects you to nearby doctors who are on standby to help.
Then, the receiver should either invite you to visit their office, refer you to the hospital, or tell you to wait for your own huisarts to become available again.
🦷 Dental emergencies
Annual dental checkups are part of a normal routine — but if you suffer from continuous bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, intense pain, or broken bones in your face, you’re in need of emergency dental care.
While it’s advisable to try contacting your own dentist first, if that’s not an option, you can call the spoed tandarts (emergency dentist). These dentists are available to help residents in the Netherlands and tourists as well.
Emergency dentists in the Netherlands can quickly treat injuries that are potentially life-threatening. Image: Freepik
The easiest way to find one? By looking up the number of emergency dental clinics in your city — every city in the Netherlands has at least one that’s open 24/7.
💰 Cost of emergency care in the Netherlands
If you’re living in the Netherlands for more than four months, health insurance is mandatory (unless you have a health insurance card from within the EU).
It’s important to know that if you use your GP or the huisartsenpost, your insurance should cover everything.
However, if you need to be transported by an ambulance or go to spoedeisendehulp (the emergency room), you’ll likely need to pay the excess (eigen risico) on your insurance policy. This is typically around €385.
🧳 What if I’m a tourist or am not insured?
Emergency care can be necessary at any time — even while on vacation in the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, if you’re not a resident of the Netherlands and also don’t have a European Health Insurance card, you will have to pay for your own healthcare costs.
Some countries, like the UK, have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the Netherlands, where they provide medical care to each other’s citizens.
If your home country is one of them, you could get reimbursed for your healthcare costs while in the Netherlands.
🚑 Ambulances in the Netherlands
Ambulances in the Netherlands are reserved for life-threatening emergencies. For example, if you broke your arm playing football, it’s normal to have someone you know drive you to the hospital instead of calling an ambulance.
Whether you require a land ambulance (van) or an air ambulance, the Netherlands is fully equipped with Rapid Response Vehicles.
Dutch law requires that the response time of an ambulance in the Netherlands is no longer than 15 minutes. Image: Depositphotos
Each ambulance is staffed with at least two people and at least one trained paramedic.
However, note that the word “paramedic” is not used for emergency care in the Netherlands — instead, they’re referred to as “nurses”.
If the ambulance’s staff manage to stabilise you on the spot without transporting you to the hospital, the service is free of charge.
In need of an ambulance? Dial the standard helpline number 112 to receive emergency care. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing, dial 0800 8112.
Whether you’re living here or just a tourist passing through, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with emergency rooms in the Netherlands work — that way, you won’t have to wait until the actual emergency.
Do you have any other tips for emergency care in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
🙋♀️ Emergency care in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to go to the ER in the Netherlands?
Going to an emergency room in the Netherlands as a resident of the country is typically covered by your health insurance. However, you will first have to pay your eigen risico (excess), and then your health insurance will cover the rest.
If you’re a tourist or a non-resident, you must pay healthcare costs yourself. If you have travel insurance or a European Healthcare Card, you may be eligible to be reimbursed.
What to do in case of a medical emergency in the Netherlands?
In the case of a life-threatening emergency in the Netherlands, call the number “112” or “0800 8112” if you are hard of hearing. Then, explain the nature of your emergency to the phone operator.
If it’s not life-threatening, call your personal huisarts or huisartsenpost instead.
Can you go to the hospital without insurance in the Netherlands?
Yes, but you will have to cover the costs of the emergency care yourself.
Do you have to pay for ambulances in the Netherlands?
If you don’t live in the Netherlands and/or don’t have health insurance, you will have to pay approximately €700 for a trip in an ambulance.
However, this is only the case if you take a ride in the ambulance. If the ambulance staff help stabilise you without needing to transport you, you will not be charged any money.
The University Medical Centre in Groningen (UMCG) has a new employee: a chat robot! Yup, Patients at the Dutch hospital can now ask written questions and have them answered by artificial intelligence (AI).
This will make the lives of the UMCG doctors significantly easier. Out of the 1,200 health-related questions they get asked weekly, a good chunk can now be answered by a friendly bot. 🤖
The UMCG is the first hospital in Europe to use AI in this way, reports the NOS.
How does it work?
The questions that AI answers are those that are admin-focused — about things such as correct medication use or test results. To help out patients, the chatbot accesses the their files and makes use of its pre-programmed medical knowledge.
Natuurlijk, the answers given are subject to rules, and the bot can only share general medical information — not personalised advice. For extra safety, an employee checks each answer before it is sent.
Thanks to this innovative method, doctors gain more time for case-specific, personal patient details, and hospitals can better deal with the shortage of healthcare workers.
More informative and more polite
For privacy reasons, this isn’t the type of AI that learns more as it receives more information. The data stays within the electronic file of the patient and is never used for any other purpose.
The doctors also claim that the AI is more polite than them — which says a lot about Dutch doctors… 👀
Healthcare workers are used to answering questions between different parties, so they can sometimes be a little curt. In comparison, the chatbot gives more informative and comprehensive answers and does so more empathetically. 🤖🧡
What do you think about using AI in healthcare? Tell us in the comments!
At a climate march in Amsterdam on November 12, the one and only Greta Thunberg gave a speech to thousands of protesters. All went smooth — until she had her mic SNATCHED out of her hands by an activist.
The man who took the microphone is a former member of the Dutch political party Water Natuurlijk. The party has made it clear that his actions didn’t reflect their views, as the AD writes.
What exactly went down?
Let’s give you some context: it all started before Thunberg took the stage.
A Palestinian activist had her speech cut short when she called Israel a “country of terrorism” and uttered the controversial slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
When it was Greta’s turn to speak, Thunberg said that we should “listen to the voices of those who are oppressed (…) [because], there can be no climate justice without international solidarity”.
This was when the man felt compelled to cut her short, brutally grabbing her mic. Why did he do it? “[He] came for a climate demonstration, not a political meeting”. 👇
Although several people cheered him on, he was quickly taken offstage — and Greta continued her speech.
He regrets it… maybe
After the hubbub, the man realised that maybe this wasn’t the best way to go about it. It happened on a whim, and he was likely so overcome with emotion that he couldn’t control himself.
I was only there briefly, but I saw maybe two thousand people carrying climate signs and one “free Palestine”
As of now, the man hasn’t released any statement, despite international interest in him. He’s turned down several interview requests, and it seems like he won’t speak on the incident anytime soon.
What do you think of the man’s behaviour? Tell us in the comments!
The international city of peace and justice is one of those rare Dutch cities in Randstad that remains away from countless crowds of noisy and disturbing tourists but still has plenty of the good life (and looks!) to offer.
The Hague is laid back but never boring, full of international people while keeping its local touch.
It’s a city made for everyone with a taste for arts and music, willing to explore the typical Dutch features — astonishing canal views, endless bike line stretches, beautiful flower gardens, jolly bars and cuisine from all over the world.
As with all house hunting, your reasons for moving to The Hague — studying, working, or just pleasure — are extremely important in making the choice of where to live!
To cover all of its neighbourhoods properly, we will be marking the pluses and minuses for all three options, helping you answer the question: where should I live in The Hague?
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: City centre – Prinsegracht, Grote Markt, Mauritskade, Malieveld
Good for: young professionals (couples or solo), young families, and business travellers
Not good for: students, people looking for a quiet time
Of course, the city centre is the ultimate spot in any city, and The Hague is no different.
Almost all the popular galleries, museums, and government buildings are here. Every day, and especially on Thursday koopavond evenings (shopping evenings), streets are full of people refreshing their wardrobes, enjoying the countless cafes and restaurants down the covered Passage, Denneweg, close to Plein or the Haagse Bluf.
What a beaut! The Hague skyline. Image: Depositphotos
There’s always something to see or do there – on weekends, the streets are often filled with cultural or art festivals. Plein Square hosts plenty of events, for instance, the traditional antique market just in front of the main Parliament building.
It is never boring but also never quiet. If you are a young professional or young couple, you will value the proximity to the busy centre as well as the vicinity of the main train station, and many bus and tram stops, along with plenty of small green areas and the Malieveld park.
The properties are both newly built and older, traditional Dutch houses and apartments. But because of its location, the city centre property prices are often quite high, not to mention how quickly they get occupied.
You may end up paying an unrealistically high price for a much smaller place, although The Hague still has pretty decent housing prices: both rental and buying.
The city centre may not be the best place to raise small children due to the lack of wider playgrounds, and it is surely not the place to live if you enjoy quiet secluded areas, although you may find hidden treasures in the small back streets.
With its proximity to public transport and located near many key businesses, the centre is also excellently suited for business expats looking for a place to stay during their stint in the Netherlands!
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: Chinatown
Chinatown can hardly be labelled as a town, really – it stretches for just a few streets southeast of the main shopping street, the Grote Markstraat, clearly marked by a large gate with East Asian elements and red lighthouses hanging around.
Every city needs its own Chinatown, right? Image: Depositphotos
Located in the city centre, Chinatown is a cultural stew, mixing influences from all parts of the world.
It’s a small gulp of air in the otherwise more classy surroundings – tons of world food restaurants and take-away places, small shops with international artefacts, cosmetics, clothes, and meals. It’s also a good place to find affordable accommodation near the centre.
Life revolves around this street, and the whole neighbourhood is full of families with children, lovely playgrounds, quiet, charming side streets, pretty houses of all kinds and many schools and kindergartens.
The Bezuidenhout neighbourhood is just around the corner from the lively centre, yet quiet and secluded.
Bezuidenhout as seen from WTC The Hague. Image: Supplied/DutchReview
If you’re not just looking for any old accommodation but for a place to really call home – so, most likely to buy rather than to rent – this neighbourhood should be on the top of your list.
But prepare for a battle, whether you are up for te huur (for rent) or te koop (for sale). Prices for both run pretty high as the Bezuidenhout is extremely popular with internationals and expats, which naturally pushes the renting or buying prices to rather unrealistic heights.
For as much as the neighbourhood is a natural fit for families – safe, clean and pleasant, it does require an above-average income. Another downside is that the many internationals living there will deprive you of the true Dutch experience in terms of language and culture.
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: Regentesekwartier (Rond de energiecentrale)
Good for: families, young professionals, people looking for quiet time and business expats
An alternative to the pricey and popular Bezuidenhout area is Regentesekwartier, which was developed around a former power plant.
It offers all the features of an “international neighbourhood” – lively main streets, wide green areas and playgrounds, proximity to the city centre and quietness.
Recently a few brand new apartment buildings, called the Energiekwartier, have been built on the Loosduinseweg, making this neighbourhood even more attractive for young professionals/families, who will enjoy the comfortable public transport and the accessibility of all sorts of shops.
However, living here has a downside, as the area is still lacking when it comes to bars and cafes as well as art culture. This is a stone’s throw away, in the city centre, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind when choosing a place to live.
Het Regentesekwartier offers the charm of small side streets and classical Dutch houses, and price-wise is perfect for everyone.
A key feature of the neighbourhood is the large sports centre, De Verademing, which offers open areas for many types of activities. Another definite plus is the mix of people hailing from many different cultures and walks of life, which have made the area their home.
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: Rustenburg, Eykenduinen, Bomenbuurt, Leyenburg, Valkenboskwartier
Good for: families, people looking for quiet time, young professionals
Not good for: people looking for a lively experience
If you’re the type of person who likes the city centre but also likes to have a home away from the fuzz, then any of these five neighbourhoods of the Hague may be just the place for you.
All of them are in the city’s south and southwest, within 5 to 15 minutes away from the centre by convenient public transport and are organized to meet your every need. All main grocery shops and convenience stores are located on a nice little main square.
The nearby main streets offer a plethora of eating places – casual restaurants, takeaways, international cuisine, communal services, often charming boutiques, neighbourhood cafes and farmer shops.
Smaller side streets accommodate larger family houses or the typical three-storey buildings with well-maintained front gardens and quiet inside yards.
It’s functional but also gezellig! Image: Depositphotos
These are the places to get to know the real Dutch life experience in its Hagenaar version – neighbours know each other well and cooperate on different activities or enjoy each other’s company in the many small local bars.
Each of these places has primary schools and well-organized neighbourhood watches, children can enjoy many parks and secured playgrounds.
Particularly lively and worth recommending are the areas around Weimarstraat and Farenheitstraat, forming their own neighbourhoods within the neighbourhood – both contain all a person could need, so much so that people won’t have to leave the quarter for days.
Quiet, clean and organized, these neighbourhoods are made for family life and not for wild and full-of-party student life.
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: Laakhaven-Oost – next to Holland Spoor
Good for: students, young professionals
Not good for: families, people looking for quiet time
Essentially, this is the neighbourhood closest to the Haagse Hogeschool and the second largest train station, Hollands Spoor.
Being so close to the main academic centre of the city, the area is organized around this feature. A prime example stands just next to Hollands Spoor – the newly built high apartment building for students and starters, with basic but comfortable apartments.
The area is full of takeaways, communal service places and convenience shops, both trams and buses stop just outside of the train station and across is the impressively large MegaStores mall with furniture and grocery stores.
The inner court of the university’s building – a lovely modern construction with a small pond in the middle – offers a combination of training centres, shops, and charming cafes. Because of its inhabitants, the area is very lively and young, but mostly around the student buildings.
The larger part of the neighbourhood is in industrial style and has some catching up to do in terms of cleanness and security, but price-wise it is very accessible and interesting as a cultural experience.
Not actual neighbourhoods of The Hague: Scheveningen and Duindorp
Good for: young families, people looking for a quiet time
Not good for: young professionals, students
Where to live in the Hague if you’re a beach lover? The neighbouring town of Scheveningen, which includes Duindorp, is something to look into with its generous green areas and the magic of the sea coast.
Bear in mind that most of the entertainment and larger grocery stores are situated close to the beach or around the promenade, where it is usually full of tourists.
What makes this area unique is that despite the international interest, it is, in fact, pretty calm and quiet on the inner neighbourhood’s streets and nature is excellently preserved.
I’m sorry, did we just teleport to Los Angeles? Image: Depositphotos
Typical beach apartments are mostly at and around the main promenade in high buildings, whereas family houses are mostly to be found inside Duindorp itself.
Living at or close to the beach is a 5-star experience and comes at a price. Numbers for buying or renting run high here, too and the relative remoteness of the area may not be to the liking of young professionals working in another city or in the centre. Scheveningen and Duindorp are great choices for quiet families who want to live closer to nature.
Neighbourhoods of The Hague: Statenkwartier
Good for: young professionals, families, people looking for a quiet life, corporate expats
Not good for: people looking for the real Dutch life experience
Where to live in The Hague if you’re a diplomat? The Statenkwartier is another part of The Hague, which is ultra-popular with internationals.
Statenkwartier is often called the smartest district of the city as it is home to many embassies, the ICTY, Europol, OPCW and others.
It also offers a good amount of art galleries, museums (Museon, Gemeentemuseum), boutiques and restaurants, especially around its “heart”, the shopping street Frederik Hendriklaan, known simply as “the Fred”.
Without a doubt, this is a clean and organized area, a just fit for families, especially bigger ones, and home to all those expats working for the many international organizations.
It borders the Scheveningse bosjes, a beautiful forest area. It is also close to the beach and well away from the city centre’s noise.
Statenkwartier is a welcoming and secure area, but due to its popularity and types of inhabitants, it is not a cheap choice for living in contrast to the affordability of many other neighbourhoods of The Hague.
Much like Bezuidenhout, entertainment and convenience in terms of shops are adamant here, but prices may well be too high for students, starters, and even some professionals.
However, due to its proximity to the rest of the Hague and its natural beauty, it may well be the perfect place for any expat to rest their hat after a long day of working in the Netherlands.
Did we miss anything?
Hopefully, we’ve helped you a bit in figuring out where to live in The Hague!
All in all, all the city’s neighbourhoods have something to offer for everyone’s needs and expectations, and that’s what makes this city so great – you will never feel like you are making a compromise with the place you choose as home because each of the good areas of The Hague has its own, unparalleled charm and distinctiveness.
And with all these good aspects of the city, you really can’t do much wrong when it comes to living in the Hague!
Are you looking to move to The Hague? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2022 and was fully updated in November 2023 for your reading pleasure.
Happy New Year (almost)! Starting January 1, health insurance premiums across the Netherlands will rise.
As RTL Nieuws reports, some of the most common Dutch insurance policies — including Zilveren Kruis, VGZ, CZ, and Menzis — are increasing by a whopping €5 to €8.50 per month.
Not as bad was we thought — but not great
On average, the cost of a basic policy in the Netherlands will go up by €9 in 2024, reaching €147.35 per month. 😬
While this will hurt our wallets, the good news is that this is less than the Dutch government had previously predicted. In September, they estimated that all premiums would increase by an average of €12 per month.
However, while insurance policies are only rising slowly, the maximum healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) is set to “decrease sharply”.
In 2023, depending on their income, individuals could receive a maximum of €154 per month from the government to help pay for health insurance. In 2024, this allowance will be limited to a maximum of €127 per month.
Just make sure to do so before the deadline of December 31. Also, if you just take out a new health insurance from a different company, you won’t even need to cancel the old one. Handy!
Are you surprised to hear about the increase in health insurance costs? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima had new photos taken for the 10th anniversary of the King’s reign back in September.
Anton Corbijn took the photos in the Hall of Noordeinde Palace. He took some very regal-looking headshots and even a black-and-white analogue one (for the artsy Gen-Zers)
Of course, we’ve got them here for you.
King Willem is wearing the Knight Grand Cross in the Military Order of William and the star of the Grand Cross in the Order of the Netherlands Lion. Image: Koninklijkhuis
Queen Maxima is wearing the Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion and the star of the Grand Cross of the House Order of Orange. Image: Koninklijkhuis
