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Amsterdam’s mayor wants to decriminalise cocaine: here’s why

The Netherlands is world-renowned for its liberal stance towards drugs, and if Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, had her way, it would be even more liberal.

According to Halsema, the sale and use of cocaine and other hard drugs should be decriminalised.

And listen, she’s got some good points to make.

Why should cocaine be decriminalised?

Speaking with Het Financieele Dagblad, Halsema explains that this approach is all about preventing damage caused by the Netherlands’ war on drugs.

By decriminalising the very thing that drives criminal activity, Halsema hopes to overthrow criminals’ revenue model โ€” and stop wasting police time on a war that is achieving “damn little.”

READ MORE | Cocaine in the Netherlands: everything you need to know 2024

“About 80 percent of our police capacity is spent on drug-related crime,” she tells Het Financieele Dagblad.

“I am part of a growing group of scientists and administrators who say that the international war on drugs has such perverse effects that we are now suffering more from it than from the drugs themselves.โ€

Her solution? Decriminalise them and regulate these drugs instead.

After all, what’s a drug criminal going to do without, well, illegal drugs?

Do you agree with Halsema? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

How to order in Dutch: from getting a ‘tafeltje’ to paying the ‘rekening’

Are you finding yourself at a cafรฉ, restaurant, or bar in the Netherlands and wondering how to order like a true Dutchie? 

While itโ€™s usually taken for granted that a Dutch server will understand if you speak English, it never hurts to try your luck at a few Dutch phrases โ€” and who better to practice on than someone who you’ll likely never see again? 

Whether youโ€™re a tourist visiting the Netherlands for the first time or an international wanting to flaunt your Dutch outside of the classroom, this article will have you feeling confident by the time you ask for the rekening (bill). 

So, wanna have dinner with us? ๐Ÿ˜‰

How to get a table at a restaurant in the Netherlands

Once youโ€™ve found an establishment that tickles your fancy, you have a few options. If youโ€™re in the area, you can drop by and reserve a table for later. Otherwise, you can call them up or reserve online. 

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You’ve got the table, now it’s time to order in Dutch! Image: Freepik

Making a casual request

Itโ€™s not always necessary to reserve a table in the Netherlands. Unless itโ€™s a very popular restaurant or youโ€™re dining out on a holiday (read, Valentineโ€™s Day ๐Ÿ˜˜), showing up should be just fine.

To be on the safe side, you may want to throw in a casual request before claiming a seat:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œKunnen we daar gaan zitten?โ€ย 

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan we sit there?โ€

Likely the server will respond with โ€œJazeker!โ€ (Sure!) or โ€œJa, hoorโ€ (Yes, of course). 

Alternatively, you may have to wait to be seated, in which case you can ask: 

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œHeb je een tafeltje?โ€ย 

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œDo you have a table?โ€

Again, the Dutch affirmative will likely be a friendly โ€œJazekerโ€ or the more inquisitive โ€œJa hoor! Voor hoeveel personen?โ€ (Yes, of course, for how many people?). Thatโ€™s when itโ€™s time to flex your Dutch 1-10 skills. 

Reserving in advance

Now, there are cases where we recommend not pushing your luck or rocking up to the restaurant entrance when you start getting hangry. 

Dutchies are the champions of time management and are rarely found far away from their agenda. If you’ve got a hot date or an important business lunch, then we recommend adopting the Dutch attitude to appointments โ€” punctual and pre-planned!

Just call the restaurant in advance and say:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œHoi! Ik wil graag een tafeltje reserveren voor zes uur vanavond. Kan dat?โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œHi! I would like to reserve a table for 6 PM tonight. Is that possible?โ€

After the restaurant has taken down your name and confirmed your reservation, all thatโ€™s left for you is to get ready. ๐Ÿ’… 

How to order drinks in Dutch

Alright, the first round is on us!

Once youโ€™re comfortably seated at your table, the server will come to pick up your drink order.

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Ordering drinks in Dutch is one of the first things you should learn to do! Image: Depositphotos

โ€œWat willen jullie drinken?โ€ (โ€œWhat do you all want to drink?โ€) and โ€œKan ik iets voor jullie inschenken?โ€ (literally, โ€œCan I pour you something?โ€) are the two most common ways for the server to ask for your order.

So, here are some different ways to respond depending on what youโ€™re in the mood for. ๐Ÿธ

Ordering beer in Dutch

Proost! (Cheers!). Are you seated in a Dutch bar and wondering how to order a beer? Try this on for size:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œMag ik een biertje, alsjeblieft?โ€ย 

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan I have a (small) beer, please?โ€ย 

Fun fact: The Dutch language has a wonderful little construction called the diminutive. Whenever you see a word that ends in -je, it means it’s in the diminutive form and signifies a โ€œlittleโ€ version of the word.

Asking for a โ€œwrongโ€ coffee in the Netherlands โ€” what??

The Netherlands may not be known for its coffee, but the Dutch sure love to drink it. True koffieleuters (coffee lovers)! 

Photo-of-barista-handing-woman-coffee-after-ordering-in-Dutch
And of course, knowing how to order a coffee in Dutch is essential. Image: Depositphotos

Generally, coffees have similar names in various languages โ€” have you ever heard of another name for โ€œcappuccinoโ€? No, right.

Just to keep you on your toes, though, the Dutch have a different word for a latte, which directly translates to a โ€œwrong coffee.โ€ 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

Weโ€™ve been told the name came about because lattes werenโ€™t very popular in the Netherlands, and (especially older) Dutchies didnโ€™t think of them as real coffee due to the amount of foamed milk. ๐Ÿคทโ€โ™€๏ธ 

If youโ€™d like to order one, real coffee or not, ask the following:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œMag ik een koffie verkeerd, graag?โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan I have a latte, please?โ€

If koffie verkeerd doesnโ€™t roll off the tongue, then rest assured that you can also just ask for a latte โ€” your barista wonโ€™t bat an eye.

Appeltje Eitje! (Easy peasy!) 

Requesting the wine card

Craving something a little stronger than coffee? We feel ya! ๐Ÿ˜…

photo-of-group-of-people-sitting-in-restaurant-with-wine-ordering-wine-in-Dutch
Ordering wine is also an important skill when learning Dutch. Image: Depositphotos

Sometimes, the wine card isnโ€™t already on the table, but in that case, you can ask: 

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œMag ik de wijnkaart, alstublieft?โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan I have the wine card, please?โ€

After the server asks if youโ€™re ready to order

So, youโ€™ve sat down, maybe ordered a drink or two, but are still studying the menu when the server approaches your table.

With a smile they ask you:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œZijn jullie klaar om te bestellen?โ€ย 

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œAre you ready to order?โ€

Or perhaps:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œWeten jullie al wat jullie willen eten?โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œDo you already know what you want to eat?โ€

Panic. Youโ€™re not at all ready to order, but a simple โ€œnog niet, wij hebben even een momentje nodigโ€ (โ€œnot yet, we just need a momentโ€) should solve the situation. Seems too long? Just a “nog niet” with a smile will also get the message across.

Once youโ€™re ready to order, you can respond with โ€œJa, hoorโ€ and start listing your choices. ๐Ÿด

How to order food in Dutch 

Alright, youโ€™ve decided, and now itโ€™s time to get some food on the table! 

photo-of-woman-ordering-food-in-Dutch
Once you can order food in Dutch, you’re really starting to integrate into Dutch society. Image: Depositphotos

When youโ€™re the first to order

If you listen carefully to the tables next to you, youโ€™ll hear different ways to order in Dutch. 

So, if youโ€™re the first to order at your table, try saying this:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œIk wil graag deโ€ฆalsjeblieft.โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œI would like theโ€ฆplease.โ€

When someone else has already placed their order

Okay, next one up! Another way to order is by saying:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œVoor mij, deโ€ฆalsjeblieft.โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œFor me, theโ€ฆplease.โ€

If youโ€™re ordering the same things as someone else, you can simply tweak the above sentence:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œVoor mij ookโ€ฆalsjeblieft.โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œFor me also theโ€ฆplease.โ€

So far, so good! Youโ€™re starting to sound like a true Dutchie! ๐Ÿ’ช

READ MORE | How to learn Dutch: the ultimate guide (by people who learned!)

How to order dessert in Dutch 

With the main course in your tummy, itโ€™s time to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours! Or do it the Italian way, and order some coffee. 

Photo-of-man-eating-dessert-in-restaurant-after-ordering-in-Dutch
Of course, it’s very important that we know how to secure the sweet stuff in Dutch. Image: Depositphotos

Asking for the dessert menu

Likely, the server removed your menus after taking your other orders. So when dessert time rolls around, theyโ€™ll either ask you if you want to see the dessert menu, or you can just ask for it yourself. 

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œMogen we de menukaarten terug? Wij zouden even de toetjes willen aankijken.โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan we have menus back? We would like to have a quick look at the desserts.โ€ย 

Satisfying your sweet tooth

Once youโ€™ve found a to-die-for Dutch dessert, hereโ€™s how to order it. 

Essentially, you can just couple any of the ways of ordering youโ€™ve learned so far with the dessert that tickles your fancy. So, here are the most common โ€” and more fun โ€” ways of ordering:

  • โ€œIk wil graag deโ€ฆโ€ (โ€œI would like theโ€ฆโ€)
  • โ€œVoor mij, deโ€ฆalstublieft.โ€ (For me, theโ€ฆplease.โ€)
  • โ€œMag ik deโ€ฆgraag?โ€ (โ€œCan I have theโ€ฆplease?โ€)
  • โ€œDeโ€ฆlijkt me lekker! Ik neem hem.โ€ (Theโ€ฆsounds delicious! Iโ€™ll take that.โ€)

READ MORE | 17 facts about the Dutch language that will make you go โ€˜echtโ€™?!

How to ask for the bill in Dutch

Once the last plate is polished off and youโ€™ve taken some time to uitbuiken, itโ€™s time to pay. There are a few ways to ask for the bill in Dutch:

photo-of-woman-paying-for-bill-talking-in-Dutch
Asking for the bill in Dutch is actually quite easy! Image: Depositphotos

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œKunnen we betalen?โ€ย 

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan we pay?โ€

Or:

๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ โ€œKunnen we afrekenen?โ€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง โ€œCan we pay?โ€ (Literally, โ€œCan we calculate off?โ€)ย 

Again, the trusty jazeker is the most common answer for the server to throw your way. This may be followed by โ€œWilt u pinnen of contant betalen?โ€ (โ€œDo you want to pay with card or cash?โ€). 

Overall, tipping is not compulsory in the Netherlands, but if you feel like youโ€™ve gotten a particularly good service or would like to get rid of some cash, then itโ€™s always appreciated by your server.

READ MORE | Tipping in Amsterdam: all you need to know 

Once youโ€™ve paid your bill (and maybe left a tip), take a moment to pat yourself on the back because you just ordered your entire meal in Dutch!

If you stumbled on a few words or sentences along the way, donโ€™t worry. Learning a language takes time, and learning how to tackle specific situations, such as ordering, in Dutch is a great first step. 


Go forth and conquer, friends! With these helpful phrases under your belt, you’ve achieved some important first steps to learning Dutch โ€” and we’re proud of you. โค๏ธ

Whatโ€™s your experience of dining out in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

12 best coffeeshops in Rotterdam: Where to smoke in 2026

Finding the best coffeeshops in Rotterdam is not an easy feat โ€” after all, the city has over 40 different coffeeshops to choose from!

If youโ€™re dedicated to becoming a regular at one of Rotterdamโ€™s finest weed shops, look no further: these 11 places serve some of the finest herbs the Dutch port city has to offer.

1. Coffeeshop The Reef: Dive in and get high

This underwater-themed coffeeshop in Rotterdam is the perfect place to ride the wave of a good high. The Reef sells a great variety of indica, sativa, and hybrids and offers its visitors a cosy smoking lounge with soft drinks and teas. ๐Ÿซง

What we love about The Reef is its attention to the finer details. From the funky interior to the chillest beats playing over the stereo down to the friendly bouncers at the door, it’s an undeniably great place to go.

๐Ÿ“ Location: Oppert 1, 3011 HS Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until midnight
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

2. Coffeeshop โ€˜t Trefpunt: Central Rotterdamโ€™s finest

Trefpunt is Dutch for โ€œmeeting placeโ€ โ€” and thatโ€™s exactly what this Rotterdam coffeeshop is: a gezellig place to enjoy a joint (and maybe a board game?) with your buddies. 

friends-playing-chess-at-coffeeshop-in-rotterdam
Up for a game of chess? Head to Trefpunt! Image: Depositphotos

With its central location, great variety of products, and a weekly-changing menu, Coffeeshop โ€˜t Trefpunt is a cosy go-to for many Rotterdam locals. 

READ MORE | 5 myths about weed in the Netherlands

The only downside? Due to the popularity of this coffeeshop, there can sometimes be a line to get in.

๐Ÿ“Location: Botersloot 7, 3011 HE, Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until midnight
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash only

3. Hunter’s Coffeeshop: Keeping the world high since 1985

As of February 2025, you can experience the familiar vibe of Hunter’s Coffeeshop in Rotterdam: top-quality weed, relaxed atmosphere, and a stylish, modern interior.

the exterior of hunters coffeeshop in Rotterdam
A premium 420 experience in Rotterdam. Image: KLEIN MEDIA

Situated within walking distance of the Markthal, Witte de Withstraat, and the Euromast, this location is perfect for a visit before or after exploring the city. The Super Silver Haze, winner of the 2025 Highlife Cup in the Oldschool category, is just one of the many things to try.

With expert budtenders and a warm, welcoming setting, you’ll be in for a premium 420 experience.

๐Ÿ“Location: Henegouwerlaan 73, 3021 CT Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

4. Coffeeshop De Stichting: For organic cannabis 

If youโ€™re looking for an all-biological coffeeshop in Rotterdam, then De Stichting is your place to be. The knowledgeable staff will gladly show you around their products and explain what each of them will do for you.

man-smoking-organic-cannabis-in-rotterdam-coffeeshop
Organic weed usually has a richer flavour. Image: Depositphotos

And no, just because their cannabis is organic, it doesnโ€™t mean thereโ€™s any less of a selection. Hoera! 

However, one thing this place does lack is a smoking room, so keep in mind that youโ€™ll need to smoke up elsewhere.

๐Ÿ“Location: Stadhoudersweg 85A, 3039 EB Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Monday-Friday from 11 AM until 8 PM, Saturdays from 12 PM until 8 PMย 
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

5. Coffeeshop The 4 Floors: Top-notch hash and truffles

Contrary to what the name suggests, this place has two floors, not four: one to buy weed and one to smoke weed. The interior of The 4 Floors is bright and open โ€” perfect for first-timers or those who dislike dimly-lit cannabis stores.

READ MORE | 32 unmissable things to do in Rotterdam in 2024

The menu contains everything from weed to hash, edibles, and truffles โ€” and all great quality. ๐ŸคŒ 

Due to its central location close to the Eendrachtsplein metro station, prices are slightly higher at The 4 Floors than at some other coffeeshops in Rotterdam.

๐Ÿ“Location: Eendrachtsweg 29a, 3012 LB Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until midnight
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

6. Coffeeshop โ€˜t Geeltje: Be served by true professionals

This old school coffeeshop in Rotterdam keeps things simple: great prices, great weed, great service. 

People say โ€˜t Geeltje is one of the best-priced coffeeshops in Rotterdam โ€” and that sure is worth something (especially to the Dutch ๐Ÿ˜‰)! 

READ MORE | Smoking weed in Amsterdam: ultimate guide [Updated 2025]

Thereโ€™s no smoking area in this coffeeshop, meaning it also doesnโ€™t serve food or drinks. That being said, there is a vending machine next to the door โ€” perfect for grabbing a snack before you head out (your high self will thank you for it).

๐Ÿ“Location: Claes de Vrieselaan 92A, 3021 JT Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

7. Coffeeshop Amigo: The cosiest coffeeshop

Viewing-tower-in-Rotterdam-with-blue-sky-near-best-coffeeshops-in-rotterdam
Coffeeshop Amigo is very close to Rotterdam’s famous Euromast. Image: Depositphotos

With a dรฉcor that is reminiscent of a typical Dutch bruin cafรฉ, Coffeeshop Amigo is one of those coffeeshops that makes you feel right at home. Feeling competitive? Try beating your friends in a game of pool! 

READ MORE | 16 hidden places in Rotterdam you have to visit

Especially great here are the Strawberry Haze and Bubblegum strains. We recommend getting high and then heading up to the nearby Euromast โ€” youโ€™ll be double high and get the best views of the city. Enjoy!

๐Ÿ“Location: ‘s-Gravendijkwal 138D, 3015 CC Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

8. Coffeeshop Mon Camarade: A Rotterdam OG 

Mon Camarade has been a Rotterdam staple for more than 20 years. Nestled right in Rotterdamโ€™s centre, this coffeeshop is just a 15-minute walk away from the Stadhuis (city hall). 

If youโ€™re looking for a place to get American cannabis strains in Rotterdam, then Mon Camarade is your best bet. You canโ€™t smoke inside the shop, but the weed is strong, tastes good, and is reasonably priced. What more could you want?

๐Ÿ“Location: 1e Middellandstraat 10-A, 3014 BD Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

9. Coffeeshop New York: The best-rated coffeeshop in town

Want to get higher than the Empire State? Thereโ€™s no better place than Rotterdamโ€™s Coffeeshop New York! ๐Ÿ—ฝ

READ MORE | Where to eat in Rotterdam: 13 trendy restaurants to go to in 2023

Shining with a 4.7-star rating on Google, Coffeeshop New York is loved by locals for its low prices and wide variety of products. 

Plus, if you tend to get the munchies when you smoke, youโ€™ll be happy to hear that Coffeeshop New York also sells candy. ๐Ÿ˜‰๐Ÿซ

๐Ÿ“Location: 1e Middellandstraat 62, 3014 BG Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash only (ATM available inside)

10. Coffeeshop London: Great quality and fair prices 

From New York, weโ€™re now moving on to the UK, with Coffeeshop London (they werenโ€™t kidding when they said Rotterdam was an international city, huh?). 

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Are you a social smoker, or do you prefer being alone? Image: Depositphotos

This place has more than just some high-quality weed; they also shine with their excellent staff and fantastic prices.

Oh, and donโ€™t forget about the hash โ€” we hear itโ€™s some of the best Rotterdam has to offer! 

๐Ÿ“Location: Schietbaanlaan 62, 3021 LL Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card

11. Coffeeshop Bellamy: The classiest interior

Coffeeshop Bellamy recently ditched the dingy neon look and replaced it with a clean and classy interior โ€” perfect if your mum wants to tag along for some ganja!

We know, we know: the interior isnโ€™t all that counts when it comes to coffeeshops โ€” especially because this one doesnโ€™t let you stick around to smoke.

But worry not, because Bellamy also boasts great weed, hash, and spacecakes (otherwise, it wouldnโ€™t be on our list of โ€œbest coffeeshops in Rotterdamโ€ ๐Ÿ˜‰).

๐Ÿ“Location: 1e Middellandstraat 62, 3014 BG Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash only

12. Coffeeshop Inpetto: Good stuff and great staff 

If you ever find yourself in the south of Rotterdam (maybe for a football game?โšฝ๏ธ), make sure to check out Coffeeshop Inpetto. 

READ MORE | 32 unmissable things to do in Rotterdam

This Rotterdam coffeeshop is known for its friendly and humourous staff, while their weed and hash are top-notch and fairly priced.

The only downside is the fact that you canโ€™t smoke inside the shop, but hey, thereโ€™s a great park just five minutes away!

๐Ÿ“Location: Strevelsweg 37, 3073 DS Rotterdam
โฐ Opening times: Daily from 10 AM until 10 PM
๐Ÿ’ธ Payment options: Cash or card


Whether youโ€™re a Rotterdam local or visiting the city for the first time, knowing all the best coffeeshops in Rotterdam will certainly come in handy. Which one will you visit?

Do you know any more great coffeeshops in Rotterdam? Share them in the comments!

Can tourists buy weed at Rotterdam coffeeshops?

When do coffeeshops in Rotterdam open?

What do I need to bring to a Rotterdam coffeeshop?

Which is the best coffeeshop in Rotterdam Centre?ย 

Amsterdam to the Austrian Alps by train: the ultimate winter getaway

Perhaps the gentle dusting of snow we’ve received has you in the perfect mood for a bout of skiing. Lucky you โ€” this special seasonal train takes you straight from the heart of the Netherlands to the perfect alpine slopes! โ„๏ธ

Picture this: it’s a Friday evening and you’ve booked a night train taking you straight to the Austrian Alps. You while away the rest of the evening sipping hot cocoa with your mates and then let the rhythm of the train rock you to sleep.

Come morning, you’re awoken by the gentle winter sun reflecting off the snowy alps as your train chugs towards your halt.

If that sounds like the perfect start to a wintery getaway, you’re in luck: the TUI Ski Express runs from December 22 2023 to March 16 2024, and takes you straight to Austria’s gorgeous ski slopes.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

Go to sleep in Amsterdam, wake up in the Alps

Depending on your budget, there are several seating options available โ€” from Economy seats in a shared compartment with five other travellers to the far more luxurious private coupรฉs.

Okรฉ, that sounds great, but what if I don’t live in Amsterdam?

Thankfully, that’s no problem at all.

The Ski Express offers you the option to board and get off at four stations spread across the Netherlands: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Eindhoven Centraal, and Venlo.

You can choose a full package โ€” or just your train ticket

With so many ski resorts dotted around the picturesque Austrian Alps, it can be difficult to sample them all. The Ski Express simplifies the process for you, offering you comprehensive packages at five of the best resorts.

passengers-on-tui-ski-express-look-out-of-window-at-gorgeous-snowy-alps
Waking up to magical views like this? Yes, please! Image: TUI

These packages comprise your train tickets, a six-day ski pass, and eight-day accommodation for your stay.

We found this the handiest option if you’re a first-time visitor, or just want to spare yourself the hassle of arranging all of these yourself.

The ski packages are:

  • Zell am See: starting at โ‚ฌ628
  • Gerlos: starting at โ‚ฌ1594
  • Sรถll: starting at โ‚ฌ729
  • Niederau: starting at โ‚ฌ602
  • Kirchberg: starting at โ‚ฌ838
  • Westendorf: starting at โ‚ฌ944

(All of the above are the price per person.)

However, the one downside of these packages is their price.

If you’re trying to stick to a set budget or just want a bit more flexibility, then the better option is buying individual train tickets.

These are priced at a more reasonable โ‚ฌ180 per person for a round trip, irrespective of which of the 15 Austrian stations on the route you stop off at.

Now, if all of this has you rubbing your hands together in excitement and wondering where to book your tickets, you can ski your way over to the official website. ๐Ÿ‘‡

Have you booked a skiing getaway with TUI’s Ski Express? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

Wolves in the Netherlands can now be shot with paintballs, says shock court ruling

You’d best avoid wearing a red riding hood when traversing the Dutch wilderness, as wolves in the Netherlands are becoming increasingly bold towards humans. One Utrecht court, however, is determined to change that.

Over the years, as wolves in the Netherlands bounced back from near extinction, a distinct problem unveiled itself: the animals are no longer afraid of people.

Whilst less fearful wolves might seem adorable from a distance, the court warned that they were still fully capable of being aggressive and biting the people (and animals) they come into contact with.

The wolves’ behaviour is a “threat”, says Utrecht court

One long, drawn-out legal battle about the emboldened canines’ behaviour later, the court’s decision was not in the wolves’ favour.

It was decided that the animals’ behaviour posed a “serious threat to public safety” and that it was time to bring out the big guns.

Errr… the big paintball guns, that is.

As other methods of scaring the animals off โ€” including pulling out the pepper spray โ€” have proved to be largely ineffective, this was the only option left on the table. (Somehow. ๐Ÿ‘€)

In the future, the European Commission also hopes to change the wolves’ protected status, enabling them to be hunted.

What do you think about the court’s decision to allow firing paintball guns at the wolves? Tell us all your thoughts in the comments below!

Eurostar continues Amsterdam-London route, but there’s a catch

International commuters who frequent Eurostar’s London-Amsterdam service, we have good and bad news for you.

Let’s start with the good news: Contrary to what was previously reported, Eurostar’s Amsterdam-London service will not be suspended during the renovations at Amsterdam Central Station. ๐Ÿ™Œ

In fact, as Trouw writes, Eurostar will increase its service by running additional trains on the popular route from mid-June onwards, with eight departures per day instead of four.

Now the bad news: Travellers will have to sacrifice an extra hour for the journey to the English capital โ€” because of those pesky passport controls.

Mid-way stop in Brussels

Due to large-scale renovations,ย the departure terminal of Eurostar in Amsterdam will be closed from June 14 until at least December 2024.

Until then, passport checks for travellers originating from the Dutch capital are being temporarily moved to Brussels.

READ MORE | How to get from Amsterdam to London in 2024

That means travellers will soon have to awaken from their slumber midway through the journey, get off the train, and have their documents checked at a terminal in Brussels.

The result? The journey that currently takes a swift three hours and 52 minutes will soon take four hours and 45 minutes.

But on a brighter note, Eurostar CEO Gwendoline Cazenave tells the AD that “travellers no longer have to be present early at Amsterdam CS due to the cancellation of passport controls. That saves time.” ๐Ÿš„

On the way back from London to Amsterdam, nothing changes, and passports will be checked before boarding the train at St Pancras station.

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90-year-old Dutch man stabs woman to death before setting house on fire

On January 19, an 84-year-old woman was found dead after a house fire in Amsterdam. To everyone’s surprise, it now appears the victim didn’t die as a result of the fire.

Instead, it’s believed she was actually stabbed to death.

It also turns out that the fire was not an accident but rather a planned crime. The perpetrator? A 90-year-old man who shared a home with the victim.

Arrested on multiple accounts

When the woman was found by the fire department, she had multiple stab wounds on her body. She was quickly taken to the hospital but tragically passed from her injuries the following day.

The police suspect that the 90-year-old man, who lived with the woman, is responsible for both stabbing her and setting the house on fire.

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Amsterdam expat files noise complaint about Westerkerk, and immediately regrets it

An Amsterdam expat has published an open letter to complain about the noise from the city’s historic Westerkerk bells โ€” and her Dutch neighbours aren’t impressed.

Wait, what? Yup, this woman moved to a historic city, into an apartment next to a centuries-old church and is now complaining about its bells.

To put this into perspective: that’s as if someone moved into a home right next to an airport and complained about the planes.

But the story gets worse. Through the magic of social media, the woman is now getting some pretty intense online hate, as De Telegraaf writes.

A call for help

Let’s rewind to the beginning.

The whole debacle started on good ol’ Facebook, where an international woman living in Amsterdam wrote an open letter suggesting silencing the belltowers of the Westerkerk at night.

“My partner and I have lived in the neighbourhood for over 2 years now,” she writes, and “before the renovation, bells rang every 15 minutes, all day and night”.

The woman had previously contacted the city council about the issue, who told her that “it would need more complaints to make a change”.

So, the woman took it upon herself to call on others who share her annoyance.

In her letter, she asks those who share her sentiment to “ask the City if bells could stop at night in order to guarantee better sleep.” ๐Ÿ”•

Furious Amsterdammers

After the letter has been shared and re-shared hundreds of times, Amsterdam locals and Dutchies from all over the country are now taking to social media to express their opinions.

And they’re frustrated (to say the least).

westerkerk-reformed-church-within-Dutch-province-protestant-calvinism-amsterdam
Whose side are you on?๐Ÿ‘€ Image: Depositphotos

“Go back to your country”, “learn Dutch”, and “Here starts the bullshit again” โ€” those are just some reactions that have surfaced online.

Other people are saying that “these new Amsterdammers have no idea what this church and this tower means to us.”

The overwhelmed writer of the letter regrets taking to Facebook.

As she tells De Telegraaf: “I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt anyone or force anything, just exchange thoughts.” “I do my best [to learn Dutch] and love the city. What should I do now? Move?”

Are Amsterdammers right to ruthlessly attack the woman? No. Is the woman entitled to have an opinion? Yes. But should she have expected bells when she moved next to a church? Also yes.

I’ll say this: If she has enough money to live in the Jordaan neighbourhood, then she has enough money to move into a flat where there will be absolute blissful silence. ๐Ÿ‘€

What do you think about this discussion? Whose side are you on? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Did you get a COVID-19 test for travel? Youโ€™re probably in this data leak

We hate to bring up the dreaded C-word as much as you do โ€” but we must. Why? Because your data might have been leaked.

Almost 1.3 million records belonging to the Dutch coronavirus testing laboratory, Coronalab.eu, have been leaked.

The lab was one of the largest commercial test providers in the Netherlands.

What data was leaked?

According to research carried out by Jeremiah Fowler, the leak concerns 118,441 test certificates, 506,663 appointments, and 660,173 testing samples.

As a result, anyone who took a coronavirus test with this laboratory may have had important personal data such as their name, email address, and passport number leaked.

Just how many records are we talking about here? A casual 1,285,277.

Fowler warns that “with personal data and emails exposed, cybercriminals could attempt to exploit this information or launch targeted phishing campaigns using internal information or posing as a laboratory employee.”

How can I know if my data was leaked?

Your data may have been leaked if you attended any of their testing centres.

The Amsterdam-based lab had locations in Alkmaar, Almere, The Hague, Utrecht, Leeuwarden, Groningen, Hoogeveen, Enschede, Maastricht and Rotterdam, and carried out PCR tests, Sneltests (Rapid tests), and testing for travel certificates.

One fast way to check whether you have been tested by this lab is by searching for ‘Coronalab.eu’ in your email inbox.

Do they pop up? You tested with them, which means there’s a chance your information may have been leaked.

Unfortunately, the site seems to have disappeared from the web, but there are ways to check whether your data has been leaked. ๐Ÿ‘‡

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Yet ANOTHER storm is on the way to the Netherlands

Looking forward to the sunny weather later this week? So are we! There’s just one problem: we have to get through Storm Jocelyn first.

We were rejoicing this morning at the news that sunshine is on its way to the Netherlands, but it turns out something else is as well โ€” a code yellow storm.

Yep, we’re not in the clear yet. The KNMI is warning of strong winds that will hit the Netherlands tonight and last until Wednesday morning.

Rain and intense winds

Weeronline, also speaks of an intense downpour across the country, during which winds will be VERY strong. ๐Ÿ™ƒ

How strong? Jocelyn is predicted to bring wind force 9 winds on average, meaning tonight is not the night to step outside for a leisurely wellness stroll.

Coastal regions can expect gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour, and those of us living inland won’t be much safer, with winds of up to 75 kilometres per hour forecast.

While it may look all doom and gloom tonight, once Jocelyn has swept through the country, we can rejoice and enjoy a spot of spring-like weather.

Nearly there guys โ€” just stay safe tonight. ๐Ÿฅฒ

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