Rotterdam is a city famous for its stunning architecture and modernity. With June on the horizon, this means that Rotterdam Architecture Month ’23 is also coming up! And what is it bringing? A floating. Festival.
Yep, you read that right. This year it’s returning in style with a floating festival heart in the Maashaven, a concept by Rotterdam-based architecture office, Studio Marco Vermeulen.
Rotterdam Architecture Month: celebrating the strength and quality of architecture
Rotterdam Architecture Month is the Netherlands’ largest architecture festival about the future of the city. Every June, the event chooses a new site for the heart of the festival.
Last year, the theme for the event was “Vista Rotterdam,” where MVRDV (an architecture and urban design practice in Rotterdam) crafted a neon-pink staircase and viewing platform on Het Nieuwe Instituut, known as The Podium.
This year, the theme is “Liquid City,” with the idea that the floating festival will tackle complex challenges related to water and climate in concrete urban solutions.
The anticipated event
So, what will the event offer exactly? There will be a bunch of activities organised, spread over three barges.
On one barge, visitors will be able to attend talks, debates, and films — a true event venue. On another, visitors will be able to enjoy the green surroundings of a temporary park. 🌱
More into physical activity? Another barge will have urban sports, such as freerunning and callisthenics.
With the barges linked to a footbridge, visitors will get the most Instagrammable spot to enjoy an unmissable view over the Maashaven and the rest of the city.
If you want to join but know nothing about architecture, no stress! The event is open to everyone, regardless of their architectural knowledge or experience.
Oh, and the cherry on top? Admission to the festival is free! 🥳
Will you be attending the floating festival heart? Tell us in the comments below!
Are you at a loss for travel ideas this year?Geen stress! GreenCityTrip has announced two more night train services from Amsterdam beginning on April 21.
The company has swerved eastward, and their trains will now take you on a trip ending up in either Dresden or Prague, reports GreenCityTrip.nl.
Responsible and relaxed travelling
GreenCityTrip hails “responsible and relaxed travelling” and will carry a total of 720 passengers in 16 carriages.
What more could you ask for? Well, the trip includes absolutely no transfers, emits fewer emissions than flying, and travellers are allowed unlimited baggage!
Which means… you can bring as many bags (or air fryers) on board as you like.
That’s not all. The journey is unbelievably inexpensive, considering what’s on offer.
How much is it?
This exciting endeavour will cost you €244 for a five-day return trip — not bad in this economy. The train departs from Amsterdam at 7:30 PM and arrives in Prague by 10:30 AM the next morning.
The train will stay at the station for two and a half days whilst you explore. All you’ll have to do once your fun is done is hop right back on board to travel back home. Easy peasy!
Oh, and you’ll have the option of staying in a hotel at your preferred destination, or even cosying up in the cabin for an extra adventure! ✨
Will you be heading to Dresden or Prague this spring? Tell us in the comments below!
We’ve heard all about the Schiphol disasters, and know the ins and outs of the housing crisis — so now, it’s time to learn about the Netherlands’ latest trend.Coming in 2023, to a neighbourhood near you: power cuts.
Power cuts? Yep, grid operator Alliander has warned that their power grid is becoming too full, and entire neighbourhoods could face temporary power outages in the near future. ⚡️
What?! Why?
At the root of the issue is the rapid switch to sustainable energy, which many Dutch homes have been undergoing.
The switch to gas-efficient heating pumps, solar panels, and electric cars requires homeowners to install heavier electricity connections in their homes.
These stronger connections, along with the high electricity consumption of the sustainable alternatives, put a lot of pressure on the energy grid, which struggles to keep up with the demand.
“The power grid in residential areas is not yet calculated for the speed at which consumers make their homes more sustainable,” Alliander CEO Maarten Otto said in a press conference.
This, in turn, can result in power outages in individual homes, streets, or entire neighbourhoods.
Adding to the problem
Intensifying the issue of the overloaded power grids is (you guessed it!) a staff and material shortage. Niet leuk!
Therefore, writes Het Parool, Alliander may temporarily be unable to help customers directly if the grid in their district fills up. You know what that means: Time to stock up on candles! 🕯️
Teamwork makes the dream work
While Alliander is investing €5 billion into the low-voltage network that supplies our homes, the grid operator points out that there are steps consumers can take to help avoid problems.
As the NOS writes, people with solar panels are advised to store their own power, for instance, or use it directly so that it doesn’t have to go onto the energy grid.
Those of us without solar panels can reduce our consumption by unplugging appliances when not in use, or spreading our consumption more evenly throughout the day. 🔌
What do you think about these potentially incoming power cuts? Tell us in the comments!
Keep your snow boots on: the weather forecast is in! A code yellow warning has been issued all throughout the Netherlands after the snowfall last night. ❄️
There’s no need to panic, though, as the code yellow warning for slipperiness applies until 9 AM this morning and will only make a brief reappearance on Friday, reports NU.nl.
You know you live in the Netherlands when instead of spring sunshine you get snow in march
By afternoon, our constant companion will be back by our side as rain will fall all over the region, eventually turning into snow at night.
A frosty Friday
Thought you’d be getting a break from the icy weather on Friday? Think again, as it’ll rain throughout the day, which may turn into snow by the evening’s arrival. ⛄
With that comes another code yellow warning for slipperiness due to wet snowfall freezing on the flat ground. (Well, thank goodness it’s flat, or we’d all be sliding back into the winter blues. 😭)
As a result of this increased slipperiness, motorists in the middle and west of the Netherlands may need to keep an especially watchful eye on the road.
What are you looking forward to doing when spring arrives? Tell us in the comments below!
The Netherlands is the “drain of Western Europe,” researcher Peter Schipper tells RTL Nieuws, and less than 1% of surface water is deemed clean. Yup, you read that right: The pioneers of water management have the dirtiest water in Europe.
The consequence? Hefty fines. Should Dutch waters not meet European requirements by 2027, they’ll face fines of tens of millions of euros PER YEAR. Yikes! 😬
Should we be worried?
Nee but also ja. First things first: No, this does not apply to the lekker Dutch tap water — that’s perfectly A-OK.
However, a report by Natuurmonumenten (a Dutch conservation agency) has shown that the water ecosystem of the Netherlands is not doing well. AT ALL. The situation is dire, and the pollution is not decreasing.
By 2027, the bodies of water designated by the Dutch Water Framework Directive (Kaderrichtlijn Water) must meet a set of goals. These goals concern the rivers Ems, Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt.
But experts are pessimistic: “We’re not going to make those goals,” Peter Schipper from Wageningen University tells RTL Nieuws.
So what’s wrong with the water?
According to Natuurmonumenten’s report, various things are wrong with Dutch surface waters.
They are polluted with chemicals from agriculture and industrial operations, and have nutrient loads (of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other elements) that are too high.
Further problems are caused by the too-rapid disposal of water and the removal of too much water from groundwater sources.
The root of the issues, as Peter Schipper explains, are the Netherlands’ agriculture, industry, transport, and high population density — all of which are adding pollution to the water.
2/2 There is no other country that knows more about this engineering than the Netherlands, and I can see a lot of problems with having a road over the water, and I’m not even a civil engineer – road dust and debris going into the water pollution to name just one.
On top of its own pollution, as “the drain of Western Europe,” the Netherlands has to accommodate contaminated waters that flow into the country from abroad. Ah yes, let’s blame Duitsland (Germany)! 😉
Bleak outlook
It’s becoming clear that water pollution is taking its toll on the Netherlands, and will heavily affect not only its animals and plants but also its future generations.
“We are burdening the next generation with a crisis,” says Piet Verdonschot from Wageningen University, “too little has been done in recent years.”
So, what can we do? Address the root of the problem: Instead of removing substances from the water, the Netherlands will have to make sure that they don’t get into it in the first place.
To do so, politicians need to start prioritising the quality of the water, by making demands and imposing stricter restrictions on the environment.
What do you think about this alarming report on Dutch waters? Tell us in the comments!
Spring is finally here and what better time to explore the Netherlands? There’s plenty to do in Holland at this time of year, so if you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.
Whether it’s walking, hiking, freebies, adventure, or just lazying around — spring in the Netherlands has something in stock for everyone. 🌷
1. Go and see the tulips
Just imagine a wonderful afternoon strolling through the tulips! Image: Depositphotos
We’re approaching April now, so the tulips are beginning to blossom in all their glory. If you have some money to spare, then head to the Keukenhof to walk through the gardens.
What’s the Keukenhof? I hear you ask.Where have you been!?
It’s a park dotted with beautiful gardens, filled with famous tulips and other spring flowers. It’s absolutely beautiful and a must-see. Plus, there are lots of tulip fields next to it if you can’t get enough of it already!
If you want something a bit cheaper, catch a train, grab your bike or use your legs, and walk or cycle alongside the tulip fields that are blooming everywhere around Den Haag, Leiden, and Haarlem at this time of year.
2. Have a blast at an Amusement Park
Efteling is a magical Dutch amusement park full of castles, dragons and fairytales. Image: Depositphotos
Nothing can beat an amusement park on a sunny spring day. Not too hot, not too cold, and there’s plenty to keep yourself occupied.
There are lots of amusement parks in the Netherlands that are perfect for the whole family, and we also have our very own Dutch Disneyland called the Efteling.
So if you want to take your little ones on a day out or you’re an adult just looking for an adrenaline rush — this may be just the thing you need!
3. Visit a castle
Want to feel like a real king or queen? Image: Depositphotos
This might surprise you, but the Netherlands has many beautiful castles!
Have you been to any of them? This beautiful weather offers the perfect opportunity to explore a castle near you and learn a little bit about its history. 🏰
All of these castles have beautiful landscapes surrounding them, too. So if you’re with someone who isn’t into history, then the place itself and its surrounding areas will win them over for sure.
4. Head to a Dutch beach
Yep, this summery beach and ferry wheel is in the Netherlands, Scheveningen! Image: Depositphotos
So, what could you possibly do with your time that’s worthwhile? Going to the beach, of course! The Netherlands has an array of beautiful sandy beaches.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that most of them are completely underrated (the Netherlands is not known for its beaches). If you’re a getting-drunk-in-the-sun-because-why-the-hell-not kind of person, you’ll love the Dutch beach bars that open in summer.
5. Swim in an outdoor pool (or buitenbad)
It’s also a great way to cool off when the weather starts getting warmer! Image: Freepik
The Dutch are suckers for a swim, especially in an outdoor pool. When the sun is shining (and the pools are open), the Dutch flock to these public pools to enjoy a nice swim and sunbathe.
Dutch kids also absolutely love these buitenbads, and parents love ’em because it means their kids will spend time away from their screens in the sun.
Some pools may not be open just yet, but we’ve had a couple of warm days already, and you’ve got to get out while you can. 😎
If not, there are plenty of indoor pools in the Netherlands, too!
6. Check out some windmills
Have you ever seen a more Dutch sight? Image: Depositphotos
I always recommend this one, because I’m a massive windmill lover when it comes to a peaceful walk and new Instagram pictures. Two of the most popular places to go are either Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans.
Not only is it typically Dutch, but it’s just a great place to cycle or go for a walk.
Want to see a windmill in the city, or looking to visit a windmill that isn’t filled with tourists? Well, there’s no shortage of those either.
7. Go mudflat walking
Feeling the mud between your toes already? Image: Depositphotos
Do you live in the north of the lowlands or fancy travelling there? If you don’t mind getting down and dirty (no, not in that way 😉), then this may be for you.
Mudflat walking is an activity that you can do across the mudflats in the Wadden Sea. An experienced guide will navigate you around the area, showing you the landscape and the wildlife.
It’s really fun feeling the mud and silt between your toes!
8. Tour a canal by boat
A beer, a boat, and sunny weather. What more could you wish for? Image: Depositphotos
Today may be the perfect day to get on your boat and go on a boat tour, as you’ll never see a shortage of boats on the canals in the Netherlands. When the sun is shining, some areas start to look a little like King’s day.
Okay, maybe not quite as bad (or as orange!), but the boats are definitely out in full force.
For the lucky few who have a boat, they are usually accompanied by a crate of beer, a large family or a guy who just wants to treat his dog for a ride.
Don’t have a boat? No worries, they are available to rent in most places, as long as you’re prepared to pay a small fortune.
9. Take a trip to a Dutch Island
Imagine fresh, salty air and soft sand between your toes. Image: Pixabay
Bored with the usual Dutch cities? You could always escape to an island for a bit.
For example, the Dutch island of Texel is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. The ferry is quick and cheap, and it’s the perfect time to go.
You may want to wrap yourself in 16 layers and build up some strong leg muscles to combat the Texel wind on the bike. 🚴🏻 However, when it gets really warm, the beaches there are beautiful.
10. Go to a coffeeshop
You haven’t lived if you’ve not been high in Amsterdam at least once. Image: Freepik
It may be the most stereotypical thing in the world, but hey, why the hell not? If you’re in Amsterdam and looking for a list of great coffeeshops, we’ve got you covered.
It’s sunny outside, you take a joint to the park, smoke up and let the day take you to that strange place where everything is funny, and life is beautiful.
It also gives you a wonderful excuse to demolish every single stroopwafel insight.
11. Explore a national park
Exploring rolling fields of heather and enchanting forests is more fun than it sounds! Image: Depositphotos
Looking to be at one with nature? 🌿
Then take a walk around one of the many national parks that we have here in the Netherlands. It may be a flat country, but it sure is pretty.
There are several Dutch national parks to choose from, and each of them comes with its own array of flora and fauna.
With so many to choose from, you’ll never have an excuse not to go out again. (Apart from all that rainy weather, of course! 😉)
12. Embark on a cruise
A cruise ship is preparing to depart from Rotterdam for England. All aboard! Image: Depositphotos
In the spring, a lot of cruises leave from Rotterdam and Amsterdam to travel around Europe. So if you want to get away for a little bit, then this is something to consider.
You can choose a weekend break or splash the cash and escape for as long as a month. Tropical beaches, here we come! 🏝
13. Rock out at a free festival
With the restrictions gone, all we wanna do is partyyy! Image: Depositphotos
Feeling the pinch this month? Then there are plenty of free events happening all around the Netherlands.
Some are music-related, some are food-related, and some are just purely Dutch-related (*cough* King’s day *cough*).
So if you want to save those euros, or you’ve just spent them all, then there’s no excuse not to go out now. The best part is that these events are located all over the country, so there’s likely one near you!
14. Celebrate King’s Day
King’s Day in the Netherlands is one huge, day-long, booze-filled party. Image: Depositphotos
One of the biggest days of the year is coming up in the Netherlands: King’s Day.
Don’t we love this time of the year when Dutch stores fill up with orange items, and everyone stocks up on Heineken crates weeks in advance?
This year, King’s Day is on Thursday, April 27. Get ready!
15. Take a road trip
Is there anything better than a spring road trip? 😍 Image: Freepik
Technically, this involves leaving the Netherlands, but it’s still the perfect spring activity. The Netherlands borders two countries, Germany and Belgium. It also doesn’t take too long to go a bit further afield than that.
So if you’re looking to head somewhere brand new, then this could be an option. We have guides on road trips to Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Can you think of any other things to do in spring in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!
Renter abuse is an issue in the Netherlands — and because of the huge housing shortage, many have no choice but to accept their lot: high rents, high deposits, and unnecessary fees. But it looks like something is being done about it.
How? Deposits for Dutch rentalproperties will finally be regulated.
This comes after an agreement by the House of Representatives, aimed at better overall protection for tenants.
New rules
Currently, in the Netherlands, there are no legal regulations when it comes to rental deposits. If a tenant runs into issues with their landlords, all they can do is take them to court — an intimidating process, to say the least.
But that’s about to change: New rules proposed by the Dutch government will regulate not just the deposit amount, but also its reimbursement.
Should the legislation be approved (and it looks like it will 💪), landlords may only request a maximum of twice the basic monthly rent (without service costs) as a deposit.
On top of that, they will have to refund the deposit within two weeks after a tenant moves out. Hoera! 💸
Senate needs to approve
A member of the DENK party, Stephan van Baarle, proposed the legislation after seeing that many landlords in the Netherlands withhold their renters’ deposits as a sneaky form of extra income.
What’s something you wouldn’t expect when spring is approaching the Netherlands? Snowfall. But hey, perhaps we should just give up on the seasons altogether.
This crisp March morning, the southeastern region of Noord-Brabant can count on up to five centimetres of snowfall dusting the landscape.
That’s not all either; the hills of South Limburg can expect up to 10 centimetres, reports RTL Nieuws.
Code Orange due to the snowy conditions
However, life isn’t all snow angels and chocomel. Those Limburgers aren’t so lucky, and Brabandt will suffer a blizzardy beating.
Due to the oncoming large layer of snow, the KNMI has issued a code orange warning from early this morning until noon for North Brabant and Limburg.
We have our Belgian neighbours to thank for the oncoming frostiness. Buienradar meteorologist, Maurice Middendorp, explains to RTL Nieuws that “the entire snow area is moving north from the Belgian-Dutch border.” Time to get cosy inside, get that hot chocolate, and enjoy watching the snowfall today. ❄️
Watch out for icy patches
When it comes to snowfall, it’s not all fun and games, and it’s not just the Netherlands’ nether regions that can expect some icy weather.
While Middendorp warns people in the south of the country to watch out for ice during the day due to snow residue. Middendorp, also warns of icy patches throughout the centre of the country.
In fact, Middendorp also expects about 1 to 2 centimetres of snow to fall in the middle of the Netherlands.
And then — poof — it’s gone
Will the snowfall continue? Not exactly. After today, the weather will be changeable and unpredictable in true Dutch style — of course, with regular rain showers.
On the bright side, the Netherlands is supposed to get a bit warmer starting tomorrow, as local weather will go from 5 degrees to 10 degrees by Sunday.
Is it snowing where you’re living in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!
Ah, the politie (police), our friends and helpers! 👮🏼♂️ They didn’t hesitate when called about a shady-looking man, wandering the dark streets of Aerdenhout — armed with nothing but a garbage collection stick.
Immediately jumping to action in the little village near Haarlem, the police closed all neighbourhood roads to ensure the lawbreaker couldn’t make a run for it, writes RTL Nieuws. 🚔
The criminal in question? Mayor Roest, on his nightly #hotgirlwalk.
A 45-minute chase
Okay, let’s be real for a second: In a small village like Aerdenhout, where the nightlife is not exactly as buzzing as in Amsterdam, it’s rather unusual to see people out on the street at night.
And that’s exactly what one observant local, who reported the heinous crime to the police, thought. In a way of looking out for the community, the man refused to turn a blind eye to the shady-looking burglar who was wandering the village streets at night.
“Contemporary inequality” in Dutch society is a real and persistent issue — according to a large study by the Dutch Social and Cultural Planning Bureau (SCP).
Research has shown that a person’s standing on the social ladder in the Netherlands depends on much more than just education, profession and income (economic capital).
Instead, many other factors play a role, including factors such as physical appearance and health, “who you know”, and cultural interests.
Entangled inequalities
As the SCP’s study shows, social inequality in the Netherlands is caused by an array of different aspects — all of which are entangled with each other.
Economic factors (such as income, education, and profession) are linked to personal (health, appearance), social (network) and cultural (literary and musical taste, marketable skills) factors.
After surveying 6,800 Dutchies on the factors mentioned, the SCP linked their answers to CBS‘s statistical data on their economic status. This resulted in the publication of the “Contemporary Inequality Report” — as RTL Nieuws writes.
Four social classes? Nee, seven!
The results of the research divide Dutch society into seven social classes. These include:
The working upper class (19.9%)
The younger promising (young people with opportunities) (8.6%)
The interest-ranking upper class (12.2%)
The working middle class (24.9%)
The low-skilled pensioners (18.1%)
The precarious workers (10.0%)
The precariat (people whose employment and income are insecure) (6.3%)
How do the social groups differ? Well, while the “working upper class” scores high in all aspects, the classes below them are lacking in one or more factors.
The younger promising for example, although high-scoring on health, social network, and marketable skills, find themselves in an economic middle ground. Meanwhile, the precariat struggles not just economically, but also in factors such as health and trust in fellow citizens.
Issues that need fixing
The clear distinctions between the Dutch social classes are worrying, say the experts from the SCP. This is especially because “the groups at the ‘bottom’ have fewer opportunities in society, and also less trust in each other, politics and government.”
While some policies are currently in place to combat structural inequality, these tend to be most focused on economic factors. In turn, differences in other forms of capital, such as having a social network, digital skills and health, remain largely ignored.
To combat the “large and persistent” differences and create a more equal society, the SCP recommends that significant measures beyond economic factors be implemented.
These could include policies to fight loneliness in retired people, for instance, or changes to restore the low government trust of the bottom classes.
What do you think of these findings on the Dutch class system? Tell us in the comments!
