The Netherlands is about to more than double the number of speed camera locations, with the new rollout built around one core principle: keep drivers guessing.
According to NU.nl, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) has confirmed a sweeping expansion of automated traffic monitoring.
Right now, checks cover roughly 650 sites. That figure is set to more than double to at least 1,450 in the coming years, spanning portable units, trajectory checks, focus cameras, and fixed installations.
Catching drivers off guard
The centrepiece of the plan is the flexflitser: a portable camera repositioned regularly. Motorists have no reliable way of knowing where it might show up next, and that uncertainty is entirely the point.
According to the OM, unpredictable deployment produces stronger long-term compliance than fixed infrastructure alone.
If there’s no safe stretch to speed on, the thinking goes, most drivers will simply stop trying.
30 km/h zones get enforcement muscle
Dutch cities have been steadily lowering urban speed limits to 30 km/h, but until now, policing in those zones has been lacking.
The OM plans to close that gap by putting flexflitsers on 30 km/h roads.
A separate pilot, launching later this year, will test trajectory checks inside urban areas, technology previously reserved for motorways.
Freeing up the police
The expansion isn’t only about catching more speeders. Automated systems already handle around 75 per cent of speeding and red-light violations in the Netherlands.
The OM wants to push that share higher still to help free up officers for cases where a human on the ground makes a real difference.
Marc Pluimers, Head of Policy and Strategy at the OM, says it’s more important to focus officers’ attention on “situations where human intervention truly adds value,” reports NU.nl.
Do you think the expansion will improve road safety? Drop your take in the comments.
There’s a rare atmospheric treat gracing Dutch skies this weekend: lichtende nachtwolken, also known as noctilucent clouds.
These thin, silver-blue formations that shimmer in the night sky long after sunset are the highest clouds on Earth, typically drifting around 76 to 85 kilometres above the Earth.
What exactly are they?
While they may glow brightly in the sky, Space.com explains that these clouds don’t actually produce light; the glow comes from sunlight bouncing off ice crystals at that extreme altitude.
Given that there are very specific requirements for noctilucent clouds to form, their viewing window is rather short — roughly between May 20 and July 20, with the KNMI noting that the best chances fall in the weeks around the summer solstice.
In addition to clear skies, you’ll also want a view of the northern horizon and minimal light pollution. If possible, try cloud-spotting away from big cities.
Look for a faint blue-white haze low in the sky, in a northwesterly, northerly, or northeasterly direction.
As the clouds reflect very little light, they’re typically only visible after the sun has already set for an hour and fifteen minutes (or roughly an hour and fifteen minutes before sunrise).
Can’t spot them this weekend? Buienradar meteorologist Jordi Huirne tells RTL Nieuws that the chance of seeing noctilucent clouds “is usually greatest in the month of June”, so you’ve still got oodles of time.
We get it — when you think of Dutch cuisine, you’re probably thinking ‘fried’, ‘potato’ or ‘beige’.
But trust us, the Dutch know their way to your heart, and it’s plastered with cookies, cakes, and other mouth-watering toetjes (sweets).
So here are 11 Dutch treats you have to try. (And we’re talking ASAP — there are too many treats and not enough time!). 🏃♂️
1. Appeltaart: a classic Dutch treat with a twist
This Dutch version of the American apple pie, the German Apfelkuchen, or the French Tarte aux pommes, leaves absolutely nothing to be desired.
The appeltaart is so popular in the Netherlands that you will hardly find a café without it on the menu.
A perfect addition to any coffee date: Dutch appeltaart with a side of slagroom. Image: Depositphotos
What differentiates the Dutch appeltaart from its counterparts in other countries is the thick apple chunk filling. Occasionally, some sneaky raisins make their way in there, too. And, of course, always cinnamon!
Always order your appeltaart with a helping of slagroom (whipped cream)! Or a steaming cup of koffie verkeerd (coffee with milk/latte). (Or both, you won’t regret it!). 😋
2. Bossche bol: the whipped cream dream
This Dutch treat is not talked about enough. Bossche bollen are balls of whipped cream enclosed in a layer of dough wrapped in dark chocolate fondant. Lekker!
These bad boys are roughly the size of an apple, which you can eat with your hands. Pro tip: don’t wear a white t-shirt when eating one of these delicious Dutch treats — they can get messy. 😉
3. Tompouce: the pink pastry dividing the Dutch
Ohh…the tompouce. This Dutch favourite is a square cake with a state-of-the-art pink glaze on top. The centre consists of a thick, creamy vanilla custard filling balanced on a thin piece of puff pastry.
The tompouce deserves special attention for a multitude of reasons.
First of all, it’s heel popular in the Netherlands. The store chain HEMA says that the tompouce is their most sold baked good. Fourteen million pieces are bought each year — 14 million!
This dainty cake is also notorious for dividing the Dutch over how best to eat it.
Some Dutchies like to separate the top layer of pink-glazed puff pastry to eat last. Some pick the tompouce up with both hands and eat it like a sandwich. Others tip the tompouce on its side and (try to) elegantly cut through lengthwise to have two halves.
There are 12 different ways of eating a tompouce. That’s a lot of controversy for such an innocent-looking (and lekker)cake. 😋
Fun fact! Since 2023, this treat also exists in an alternative version – the crompouce! As the name suggests, it is a hybrid between a croissant and a tompouce. Which one is better, you ask? There’s only one way to find out. 😋
4. Stroopwafel: the Dutch syrup sandwich
The stroopwafel(syrup waffle) is hands down the Netherlands’ most popular food export! Well deserved because these thinly layered waffles with a smooth caramel filling are seriously delicious.
Look at the gooey syrup dripping down this stack of stroopwafels. Yum! Image: Depositphotos
Ideally, you’ll get yourself one fresh from the market (hot, gooey, and sweet 😍), or you could buy the supermarket version and pop it in the microwave for eight to 10 seconds. It gives off the same effect but is admittedly less elegant.
If you’re feeling adventurous, stroopwafels come in an assortment of different flavours ranging from honey to chocolate to lavender — there is a whole world of stroopwafels for you to explore.
TIP: Sit your stroopwafel on top of your coffee cup and let the steam melt the inside caramel. It’s delicious, and you’ll look like a real Dutchie! 🇳🇱
5. Vla: The Dutch pudding
Vla is pudding or custard, just a little more watery — and the Dutch love it.
Enter any supermarket in the Netherlands, and you will see an array of vla lined up in the cooling aisle. They are packaged in milk cartons, and no flavour is left out: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, caramel. And there are often seasonal selections, too — like apple pie!
What a lovely assortment of chocolate and vanilla vla. Image: Depositphotos
The best thing about vla is that you can get creative when eating it! Top it with oats and bananas for breakfast, or to make it a real sweet treat, sprinkle some hagelslag (chocolate sprinkles) or spritz whipped cream on top.
Or just chug it right out of the box if you’re feeling ravished. The options are endless!
6. Spekkoek: the (literally and figuratively) multi-layered Indonesian-Dutch treat
The literal translation of this Dutch toetje is ‘fat cake’ or ‘bacon cake’ — doesn’t that sound inviting? 👀
If you can get over the name, however, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Like many Dutch sweets, spekkoek is packed full of spices. From cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger — this multi-layered cake has it all.
This is actually an image of the Indonesian version of the spekkoek, but we wanted to pay due tribute! Image: Freepik
Not only is it rich in flavour, but this cake also has a rich history. The treat is thought to be a product of Dutch colonialism in Indonesia, where a similar version of the “thousand-layer cake” is served during the holidays.
7. Boterkoek: the Dutch buttery sugar bomb you have to love
The Dutch ‘butter cake’ is exactly what the name describes it as. The boterkoek mainly consists of butter, sugar, and flour — and is therefore suitable for even the pickiest eaters.
You can recognize the boterkoek through its distinct pattern and almond topping. Image: Depositphotos
You can easily recognise the boterkoek by the typical criss-cross pattern on the top, sometimes buried under a layer of roasted almonds for an extra kick.
This cake is genius in its simplicity, so we don’t have much to say. Except to try it, of course!
8. Oliebollen: the ultimate Dutch New Year’s treat
If you’re not familiar with Dutch holiday traditions, you might be wondering what the frick are oliebollen? Well, don’t worry, that’s what we’re here to tell you.
An oliebol, literally translating to ‘oil ball’ (mmm, appetising), is a deep-fried dough ball dusted with powdered sugar.
It sounds simple, but it’s also absolutely delicious. You can get different variations, for example, with raisins or apple pieces.
Oliebollen with raisins and powdered sugar… if that doesn’t scream holiday season. Image: Freepik
One thing is certain, they’re best enjoyed after a wintery cold afternoon walk, hot and steaming, direct from an oliebollenkramen.
As soon as Christmas and New Year start approaching, you’ll see oliebollenkramen (oliebollen stands) pop up all over the country. In supermarkets, frozen oliebollen are moved right to the front of the shelves. Lekker!
8. Gevulde speculaas: like speculaas cookies, but the cake version
Another Dutch holiday treat: anything speculaas. Especially, gevulde speculaas.
You might have come across the Dutch speculoos cookie, a flat, sweet, crispy thing pressed in the form of Dutch houses or windmills.
What a perfect view of the creamy-marzipan filling of a gevulde speculaas. Image: Depositphotos
Well, gevulde speculaas (filled speculoos) takes it up a notch. What gives the two treats the same name is the spice mixture, which gives this distinct speculoos-y flavour.
The ultimate difference is that gevulde speculaas is more of a small cake than a cookie. And it’s filled with a deliciously sweet marzipan filling. Yum!
10. Kruidnoten: the teeny-tiny treats that taste like Christmas
As soon as Sinterklaas approaches, you’ll find these little button-sized biscuits stocking the shelves of every supermarket in the Netherlands.
Tiny little pops of flavour! Image: Freepik
You might, by the way, know these Dutch treats under the name ‘pepernoten’. Don’t worry, that’s an honest mistake, and even Dutch people typically don’t know the difference.
To clarify once and for all: kruidnoten are small, dome-shaped spiced biscuits made from wheat flour. Pepernoten, on the other hand, are based on rye flour and flavoured with honey and anise.
While kruidnoten have a uniform size, pepernoten come in different shapes and sizes. You’ll most likely be popping kruidnoten into your mouth while having a Christmas movie night. ✨
11. Limburgse vlaai: the tri-national fruit tarte
Last but not least, the cherry on top of the cake (almost, quite literally). Popular in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, the Limburgse vlaai is a real crowd-pleaser.
To be honest, who would turn down a piece of taart filled with sweet and juicy fruits? Traditionally, the Limburgse vlaai is filled with plums, but there are also variations with sour cherries or apples.
Dutch Limburgse vlaai with a delicious cherry filling. Image: Depositphotos
The most important thing for the cake to be a true Limburgse vlaai is the unmistakable criss-cross pattern on top.
The cake originates from the Dutch province of Limburg (duh) in the south of the country, which is nestled between its Belgian and German neighbours. Consequently, some version of the cake exists in all three countries.
Did we miss one of your favourite Dutch toetjes? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
The Netherlands is in for a classic Dutch bait-and-switch this week: a few more days of moody, unsettled skies before the weather flips completely and delivers scorching summer warmth just in time for the Whitsun (Pinksteren) long weekend. We’re talking 25 degrees, long evenings, and maybe even a brush with 30.
The week starts with rain, showers, and a chance of thunderstorms, but from Thursday, everything changes. Consider it the universe charging an entry fee for the good stuff.
Rain now, rewards later
Monday and Tuesday bring wet weather, with heavy showers and some thunderstorms expected, particularly in the east. Wednesday stays unsettled too, with scattered showers across the country. Yes, really. We’re nearly at June and it’s still doing this.
According to Weeronline, the first half of the week sits well below what’s typical for late May. While mid-May averages around 19°C, Monday and Tuesday will barely scratch 15°C in most places, with Wednesday topping out at a thrilling 17°C.
Cosy, if you’re a tulip. Less so if you had terrace plans.
The turnaround: Thursday onwards
Here it is. The moment the Netherlands has been collectively gasping for since approximately last September.
From Thursday, the mercury climbs sharply and it doesn’t stop. Thursday brings 16 to 21°C, and by Friday it’s genuinely pleasant across nearly the whole country, hitting 21 to 25°C. Over the long Pinksteren weekend, the heat builds further, and according to Weerplaza, some weather model calculations for southeast Netherlands even point towards a tropical 30 degrees next week. Yes, 30. In the Netherlands. In May.
Dust off the BBQ, excavate the suncream from wherever it’s been buried since last summer, and prepare to complain about the heat instead.
Long evenings included, finally
The sunny spell comes with a bonus that makes it feel properly, undeniably summery. The sun won’t set until around 21:30, and night-time lows will barely dip below 10°C, meaning even late evenings outside will be a delight.
Terrace weather well into the night. No jacket required. Go on, leave it at home.
Rough news for hay fever sufferers
Not everyone will be popping the prosecco. Rising temperatures mean grasses currently in bloom will ramp up pollen production fast, and if you’re sensitive to grass pollen, brace yourself for a tough stretch ahead.
Suncream for one half of the population, antihistamines for the other. Summer in the lowlands, baby.
The longer outlook
The signals for the rest of May point firmly in one direction: a hotter-than-usual stretch looks likely across much of the Netherlands and wider Europe. Typical late-May highs sit between 16 and 21°C, so a sustained run well above that, with evenings stretching light past 9:30pm, is about as good as it gets before June officially rolls in.
It’s coming. Finally, genuinely, actually coming.
Are you already planning your first proper terrace session of the year, or are you the type to stubbornly insist it’ll cloud over again? Let us know in the comments and tell us how you’re planning to make the most of it.
Hundreds of passengers missed their flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Monday after security queues snaked past the check-in desks.
The mess is attributed to a recent major overhaul of the airport’s screening operations, reports NOS.
The disruption unfolded on the same day Schiphol cut its roster of security firms from five to three, a change that gave nearly 5,000 workers a new employer overnight.
The new companies are joint ventures in which Schiphol holds a stake, giving the airport more direct control over its security. Apparently, the first day did not go to plan.
It was a perfect storm of problems
By the time the airport opened for business, the problems were already stacking up. Dozens of security workers found themselves locked out because their new access passes hadn’t been issued yet.
On top of that, NOS reported that an unusually high number of employees called in sick, citing anxiety about how the new setup would affect their working lives.
Serda Karabulut, an official at FNV, said the new scheduling system is what’s really unsettling workers. Many are afraid that taking time off or calling in sick will now come with consequences.
“It won’t be resolved in one go,” Karabulut told NOS.
Schiphol described the day in a press release as “a difficult start” caused by “a confluence of circumstances, mainly due to unexpected understaffing and IT problems in the morning.”
The airport added that it is in ongoing talks with both the security firms and the unions.
How long were the queues?
Travellers who spoke to De Telegraaf earlier in the day reported waits of over an hour.
Social media showed images of queues stretching deep into departure halls, with some travellers claiming they waited for hours, reports NOS.
@carinxda what the actual fuck @Amsterdam Airport Schiphol? we arrived over 2 hours early and still barely made it because security queues took almost 3 hours. no emails, no notifications, no warnings from the airport about delays or huge crowds, absolutely nothing. we were overheating in those packed queues because there was literally no air. i genuinely have no idea how this was handled THIS badly #schiphol#schipholairport#amsterdam#airport#airportsecurity♬ original sound – Lorelei
By around 7 PM, wait times had dropped to 30–35 minutes. While this is certainly an improvement, it’s still well above the usual 10-minute benchmark. Congestion continued to ease into the evening.
Will it happen again?
Schiphol says it expects adequate staffing at security on Tuesday, but has not ruled out further disruption, citing possible “unforeseen staff circumstances.”
If you’re flying from Schiphol in the coming days, build in extra time. It’s worth booking a free security time slot online before you travel.
Passengers who missed their flights can rebook through their airline, according to a Schiphol spokesperson.
Have you been caught in the queues, or are you bracing for what’s coming? Let us know in the comments below.
Keeping your foreign bank account in the Netherlands is perfectly legal, but it may not always be practical if you’re living and working here long-term.
Moving to the Netherlands comes with its share of administrative tasks, like getting a visa, registering at your municipality, and setting up your utilities.
Sorting out your finances is equally important, but the practicalities of whether to opt for a Dutch bank account can be a confusing grey area. Let’s shine some light on this. 👇
Yes, you can keep your foreign bank account in the Netherlands
In short, there’s no law requiring you to open a Dutch bank account when you move to the Netherlands. You’re perfectly free to keep using your foreign bank account while working or studying here.
Plus, if your main bank is within the SEPA zone (or the ‘Single Euro Payments Area’), you can often send and receive transfers without breaking a sweat.
While you may incur extra fees and longer processing time, you can still use your foreign bank account. Image: Freepik
However, using a foreign bank account for day-to-day transactions in the Netherlands isn’t all smooth sailing. You may run into several bumps along the road, especially if your bank doesn’t operate within the EU.
Looking for the convenience of a Dutch bank account, without giving up the international-friendly features you know and love? With affordable, feature-rich banking, English-language support, and easy international transfers, ING is our top pick.
But non-Dutch bank accounts can be costly and inconvenient
Most banks in the Netherlands charge fees for sending and receiving foreign currency. This makes transfers to and from foreign banks extra costly, especially if you’re paying a lump sum like tuition fees and your bank isn’t in the SEPA zone.
In addition to this, foreign bank transfers typically take longer to process than direct transfers between Dutch banks. Understandably, this isn’t ideal if you’re waiting for your salary or need to pay rent.
Large transfers aside, not all Dutch shops, restaurants, and public transport services will recognise your non-local bank account. This means your card might be declined — even for small, everyday purchases.
Let op, foreign bank cards may not be accepted at all Dutch bars or cafés. Image: Depositphotos
You may also run into some issues with automatic payments, such as direct debits for your utilities and mobile plan. Some of these services may require you to have a Dutch IBAN.
Getting a Dutch bank account is often the far simpler option
For many internationals, opening a Dutch bank account turns out to be the easiest and most cost-effective option.
With many Dutch banks now offering BSN-free banking, it’s even possible to open an account before you’ve landed in the Netherlands.
You’ll typically get a window of 30 to 90 days before you’re obligated to provide the bank with your BSN (citizen service number), which is more than enough time to fly over and get settled.
All in all, while you can get by with a foreign bank account in the Netherlands, opting for a Dutch bank account will save you time and money in the long run.
Could you survive in the Netherlands with your foreign bank account, or did you make the switch? Share your experiences in the comments below!
At this point, I’ve tested enough standing desks to know one thing for certain: stability matters a lot more than you think.
No matter how sleek a standing desk looks in product photos, if the whole thing starts wobbling every time you type an email or adjust your monitor, it quickly becomes annoying.
That’s exactly why the FlexiSpot E7 Plus immediately stood out to me. Unlike most standing desks that rely on two legs, this one uses a four-legged design — and honestly, the difference is noticeable from day one.
After extensively testing this desk for two weeks for work, video calls, and the usual chaotic work-from-home setup, here’s what impressed me most.
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First impressions: surprisingly easy setup
The desk arrived in multiple deliveries: the legs came in two separate boxes, while the tabletop arrived separately afterwards.
Thankfully, everything was extremely well packaged. The desk arrives with no scratches, no missing parts, and no confusing “good luck figuring this out” instruction manual.
The setup process itself was also refreshingly straightforward. The instructions were clear, every part was labelled properly, and the entire desk took me less than 30 minutes to assemble.
That said, the frame is heavy — which is honestly reassuring once you realise why.
The four-legged design makes this desk ridiculously stable
Most standing desks use a standard two-leg frame. They normally work fine — until you raise the desk higher.
Then comes the wobble.
The FlexiSpot E7 Plus takes a completely different approach with a four-legged frame, and it genuinely changes the experience.
The four-legged design gives stylish stability. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied
Even at standing height, the desk feels incredibly solid. Typing, leaning slightly on the desk, adjusting monitors; everything feels stable and secure.
And if you use multiple monitors, heavier equipment, or simply get irritated by shaky desks, this becomes a huge upgrade.
FlexiSpot clearly designed this desk for people who actually work at their desk all day, not just people who want a trendy standing-desk Instagram photo.
I chose the bamboo desktop (and I’m in love)
I paired the E7 Plus frame with FlexiSpot’s bamboo desktop, and aesthetically, it completely transformed my office setup.
The bamboo finish looks fresh, modern, and a little warmer than the usual plain white or black desk surfaces you see everywhere.
We love some natural textures inside. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied
It gives the desk a much more premium feel without becoming overly corporate.
Combined with the clean frame design, the whole setup feels minimalist but still inviting — exactly the kind of workspace upgrade that makes you actually want to sit down and work in the morning.
The motor is impressively quiet
Let’s be frank: a motor is a big step-up from having to manually crank your desk to standing position. But still, one of my biggest annoyances with some standing desks is noisy motors.
After all, the last thing you want on a Zoom call is a loud mechanical whirr that suddenly makes everyone stop talking.
The design is sleek and minimal. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied
Thankfully, that’s not the case here.
The E7 Plus motor is extremely quiet. I can easily adjust the desk height during video calls without anyone noticing.
The movement itself is also smooth and controlled, rather than jerky or abrupt.
That sounds like a small detail, but if you regularly switch between sitting and standing throughout the day, it genuinely matters.
The control panel is actually useful
Some standing desk control panels feel overly complicated for no reason.
This one keeps things simple.
The LED display clearly shows the desk’s current height, and the control panel lets you save four different presets.
The panel is easy to use and simple to save your preferred heights. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied
I ended up setting:
one for sitting,
one for standing,
and a third height that lets me easily slide my office chair underneath the desk when I’m done working.
It’s one of those surprisingly practical little details you don’t think about until you use it every day.
There’s also a built-in USB charging port, which turned out to be more convenient than expected for quickly charging my phone or headphones without crawling under the desk for a cable.
Is the FlexiSpot E7 Plus worth it?
If your biggest frustration with standing desks is instability, then yes — absolutely.
The four-legged design is what makes the E7 Plus stand out from countless other standing desks on the market. It feels sturdy, premium, and built for long-term daily use.
Add in the quiet motor, practical control panel, and the beautiful bamboo desktop option, and it ends up feeling like a genuinely thoughtful upgrade rather than just another adjustable desk.
Next task: cord control. Image: Samantha Dixon/Supplied
It’s not the cheapest standing desk out there, but after using it daily, it definitely feels like one of those products where you understand exactly where the money went.
And honestly? Once you get used to a standing desk this stable, going back to a wobblier setup is surprisingly difficult.
Are you a standing desk convert? Share in the comments below!
The Netherlands is one step closer to banning zero-hours contracts, and if you’re one of the 2.7 million people with a flexible work contract, these changes will directly affect your hours and income.
On May 12, the Dutch House of Representatives voted to approve the Wet Meer Zekerheid Flexwerkers (also known as the Flexible Workers Security Act), intended to offer more protection for income and working hours.
It now heads to the Senate, where a vote is expected before the summer. If approved, changes will take effect on January 1, 2028.
Here’s exactly what changes, and what that means for you.
Zero-hours contracts may be replaced by “bandwidth contracts”
Should the new law come to pass, nulurencontracten (zero-hours contracts) will become a thing of the past. Your employer will no longer be able to call you in at any time, with no guaranteed hours or pay.
Instead, they’ll be replaced by bandbreedtecontracten (bandwidth contracts), where you and your employer agree on a guaranteed minimum number of hours you’ll always be scheduled and paid for.
Your employer could then roster you for up to 30% above that minimum, so a 10-hour base means that you’d be working a maximum of 13 hours per week.
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And, what if your employer offers you shifts above that maximum? Well, you’d be entitled to turn them down.
Plus, there’s also a built-in protection. If you regularly work more hours than your contract states, your employer would be required to offer you a new contract that reflects your actual hours.
Dutch temporary contracts may have stricter rules
The parliament also intends to close loopholes around temporary contracts, which currently allow some employers to keep workers on an endless cycle of short-term work.
Under the current system, an employer can give you three tijdelijke contracten (temporary contracts) over a period of three years.
Once those contracts are used up, employers only need to wait six months before starting the whole cycle again — a practice known as the draaideur, or revolving door.
However, under the new law, that six-month gap will lengthen to three years.
Employers will now have to make a decision after three successive temporary contracts: offer the employee a permanent position, or let them go.
Under the new system, employers can no longer prolong temporary contracts indefinitely. Image: Magnific
Who is exempt from the new zero-hours contract rules?
One point of concern raised during the debate is the fact that not all flexible arrangements disappear under the system proposed.
If the law comes to pass, two groups can still work without a guaranteed minimum number of hours:
Students and young people with part-time side jobs
Workers who have reached the AOW age (also known as the Dutch state pension age, currently 67)
As employers can still use on-call contracts for students, some employers may end up favouring this group over other flex workers who require a guaranteed-hours contract.
When do the new flex worker rules come into effect?
As of May 2026, the law still needs Senate approval. If that goes through, employers have until January 1, 2028, to update their contracts.
While nothing changes right now, if you’re on a zero-hour or flexible contract, it’s worth understanding what your current work contract actually entitles you to.
Are you on a zero-hours or flexible contract in the Netherlands, and will these changes make a real difference to your situation? Let us know in the comments.
Zierikzee is definitely not a place people flock to. It’s hard to pronounce, it’s not a city, and it’s not even near a train station. But once you get here, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come sooner.
This little Zeeland town is a hidden coastal treasure. Think fishing boats, medieval gates, quiet squares, and enough salty sea air to clear your head.
If you’re looking for a day trip that’s different (and delightfully Dutch), Zierikzee is the place for you.
1. Begin your adventure at the old harbour
This spot is Zierikzee’s show-off moment. Boats bob in the water, cafes line the quay, and there’s usually someone eating an ice cream with their dog.
You don’t necessarily need an itinerary here. Just wander, watch the water, and listen to the seagulls (they have a lot to say). It’s peaceful, but not at all dull.
If you’re curious, you can even hop on a short boat tour. You’ll drift past old fortifications and glide under the Zuidhavenpoort — a gate that’s been standing since the 1400s. So bring your camera.
2. Visit a museum full of local surprises
The Stadhuismuseum sounds serious — but it’s more fun than you’d think. The building alone is something special, featuring spiky turrets, old brickwork, and a clock that may or may not be working.
Inside, you’ll find maps, paintings, clothing, tools, and a few things you probably won’t be able to identify. In changing exhibitions, the curators tell the story of life in Zierikzee and the island of Schouwen-Duiveland.
The rooms have creaky wooden floors and beautiful high ceilings. You might feel like you’ve walked into a royal’s quarters (if that royal had a thing for ships and shell collections).
3. Walk through medieval city gates
Zierikzee still wears its medieval past on its sleeve, especially in its gates and walls. Parts of the original fortifications still stand, and you can walk along sections where guards once kept watch.
Zierikzee has three beautiful old gates that you can still see. Image: Dreamstime
There are three old gates that you can still pass through: Zuidhavenpoort, Noordhavenpoort, and Nobelpoort.
They look like something out of HBO’s Game of Thrones. If you’re into history (or just dramatic doorways), they’re well worth a look.
4. Peek into little shops and galleries
Zierikzee’s centre is full of narrow lanes and crooked buildings that house small and interesting shops.
You’ll find second-hand treasures, old prints, handmade ceramics, and knick-knacks you didn’t know you needed. Some places double as art studios. You might even meet the artist, likely sipping tea behind the counter.
This isn’t high-street shopping. It’s more like a treasure hunt. And the best part? No crowds, no pressure, and usually no long queues for the dressing room.
5. Cycle across the Zeelandbrug
This bridge is a big deal. Five kilometres long, sleek, and slightly terrifying in stormy weather. It links Schouwen-Duiveland (where Zierikzee is located) with the mainland.
Cycling across? You’ll feel like you’re pedalling over the sea. It’s especially impressive at sunset.
You don’t even need to cross the whole thing (it’s really long). Take your time, snap a few photos, and marvel at how flat yet beautiful everything is.
6. Visit a jail with a dark past
Right in the centre of Zierikzee, you’ll find the Gravensteen. It looks harmless enough from the outside, but don’t let that fool you.
The building was once a court and prison, and parts of it are seriously old. Inside, you can glimpse into tiny stone cells and learn about the town’s justice system back when things were a bit… harsher.
It’s small, quick to visit, and shows the spookier side of Zierikzee’s story.
7. Eat well, like the rest of Zeeland
If you like seafood, this is your playground. Mussels, oysters, and shrimp are all caught close by. You’ll find them on plates with lemon, herbs, or just a wedge of buttered bread.
Not into fish? Go for a Zeeuwse bolus. It’s a sweet pastry swirl, soaked in syrup and cinnamon. Sticky fingers guaranteed.
Cafés here aren’t trying to be trendy. They’re just good. Try a terrace spot with a sea view and take your time. 😉
Zierikzee charms you slowly, one cobbled street at a time. There’s space to breathe here, instead of having 15 museums to rush through in one day. Try it out!
Have you visited Zierikzee? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
The streaming giant plans to launch a cheaper subscription starting in 2027. However, there’s a catch: get ready to watch ads before (and during!) your favourite episodes or movies.
The Netherlands will be one of 15 countries receiving Netflix’s new tier, alongside Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
The business plan is simple: cheaper monthly payments in return for ad breaks. It’s a strategy as old as linear television, and before you know it, in Netflix’s eyes, you will become the product.
Though Netflix has not put a number to the “cheaper” subscription tier, it has been offered in many countries since 2022, including the United States, France, and Germany.
Let’s talk numbers
In Germany, the ad tier currently runs at €4.99 per month. This is exactly half of what the cheapest Netflix subscription costs in the Netherlands, at €9.99 per month.
However, the cheapest option used to be cheaper. According to Stichting Bescherming Consumentenbelang, Netflix has upped the prices of its subscriptions by 75% since 2017.
The stichting that aims to protect the rights of consumers has filed a mass claim against Netflix for secretly charging subscribers more than they agreed upon. Although Netflix can raise prices whenever it wants, it’s legally required to explain any changes clearly.
Netflix allegedly did not comply.
Other streaming services already do this
It might sound counterintuitive, but charging less earns more. According to AD, the streaming service expects its income from advertising to double this year.
However, the idea of an ad-based subscription is not new. If you’ve been using HBO Max, Disney+, or Videoland, this model will look familiar.
So, Netflix was essentially the last ad-free haven that’s now catching up to its money-hungry peers.
Would you switch to a cheaper Netflix plan if it meant sitting through ads? Let us know in the comments.
