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WestCord Hotel Eindhoven: comfort, design, and a great location in one stay

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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0
WestCord Hotel Eindhoven: comfort, design, and a great location in one stay

Whether you’re visiting Eindhoven for business, Dutch Design Week, or just a weekend break, WestCord Hotel Eindhoven is one of the most elegant and fascinating places to stay in the city. 

Housed partly in a landmark industrial building with a rich Philips history, the hotel blends heritage character with freshly renovated rooms and a warm atmosphere. Not to mention, the hotel features a delicious restaurant and easily accessible wellness amenities. 

Where Philips once made light

Lichttoren-Philips-Building-Eindhoven-WestCord-Hotel-Eindhoven-exterior
The iconic Lichttoren now houses part of WestCord Eindhoven! Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

You may have heard of one of WestCord Eindhoven’s iconic buildings before. The Lichttoren (Light Tower) was built in 1909 as a Philips light bulb factory. Today, WestCord’s Eindhoven hotel is partially housed here.

WestCord Hotels joined the building in 2023 and has leaned fully into its story. Light is the running theme throughout, from the restaurant’s name (Brasserie Lumen) to the warm glow of its interiors. 

If you’re a fan of moody industrial aesthetics with good lighting (and who isn’t), this place is built for your camera roll.

The hotel itself spans three connected buildings, each with a distinct personality:

  • Lichttoren: hotel rooms with high ceilings, location of spa and fitness facilities. 
  • Lichtplein (light square): home to studios and triple rooms. Only accessible via the Lichttoren.
  • Mathildetoren: the most recently renovated wing, with spacious, modern rooms built around contemporary comfort.

The overall atmosphere leans design-forward without feeling cold: think warm colours, wood accents, and a clear sense of the Philips illuminating history. 

Interested? Rooms can be booked directly via WestCord’s website.

Freshly renovated

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The newly renovated rooms bring even more comfort and design to guests. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

WestCord recently completed a substantial renovation of 104 rooms across the hotel. The project was led by WestCord’s own interior designer, and the Westers family (the owners) were closely involved at every stage. 

The approach was also notably sustainable: energy-efficient installations and circular materials were built into the redesign from the start.

As for the rooms themselves, standards are high. Every room comes with an Avek-quality bed, high-fill-power down pillows (1,200 or 1,600 grams), a rain shower, the FAYR amenity line, a Nespresso machine, and climate control.

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A room with a built-in whirlpool? Now that’s luxury. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

A few renovated categories worth knowing about:

  • Superior Deluxe (40m²): modern and spacious, the flagship standard after the renovation.
  • Superior Spa (40m²): same footprint, but has a private whirlpool in a separate bathroom area.
  • Spa Room: this open-plan room has a king-size bed and a whirlpool in the bedroom itself
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WestCord Eindhoven has truly found the balance between design, comfort, and practicality. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

You can see the full breakdown of the renovated rooms here.

Brasserie Lumen: a restaurant that earns its name

Brasserie-Lumen-WestCord-Eindhoven-Hotel-Restaurant-interior
This luminous restaurant is simply unmissable. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

The hotel’s restaurant, Bar & Brasserie Lumen, takes its name from the Latin word for stream of light. Look up when you walk in: the ceiling is a dramatic sweep of filament bulbs that sets the mood before you’ve even sat down.

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The bar is more than worth a visit! Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

The kitchen serves what they call “Fritalian” cuisine: a blend of Italian, French, and Mediterranean cooking styles, expressed in classic brasserie dishes with a contemporary twist.

Local Eindhoven beers feature at the bar alongside some truly scrumptious cocktails. Brasserie Lumen is also open to non-guests! 

WestCord-Eindhoven-Brasserie-Lumen-Terrace
This spot is popular among locals, too! Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

The terrace is a real draw in warmer months: in fact, it’s popular with both hotel guests and locals passing through.

Wellness and fitness to match

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Relax, wind down, and treat yourself to a real spa experience. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

The WellCome Wellness facility includes a Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath, relaxation room, and a range of massages and treatments using Comfort Zone products. What’s more, the on-site gym is included free of charge for hotel guests.

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This design-forward gym comes fully equipped. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

For those seeking something more private, the Superior Spa and Spa Room categories both include an in-room whirlpool. It’s a good option if you’d rather unwind on your own schedule than book a treatment slot. Plus, that way, you can hop into bed right after your soak! 

Meeting and event spaces in the city of innovation

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Making deals and presenting slides has never been so chic. Image: Supplied/WestCord Eindhoven

Eindhoven is home to ASML, has a thriving tech and design scene, and hosts the Dutch Design Week every autumn (one of Europe’s largest design events). The city means business, and WestCord Hotel Eindhoven is there to facilitate.

The hotel has three dedicated meeting rooms across 300m² of total space, handling groups of up to 140 people: 

  • Machine Room: up to 50 persons
  • Radio Room: up to 70 persons
  • Glassworks (multifunctional): up to 80 persons

Catering is fully facilitated, which means breakouts, lunches, and dinners can all be organised in-house. The location is ideal, too: after all, the hotel is in the city centre, has strong public transport links, and offers on-site underground parking.

Let’s face it: there’s a reason WestCord Hotel Eindhoven holds a 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor and was recognised as a 2025 Traveller’s Choice winner.

From the hotel’s historic value and excellent design to its wellness amenities and gorgeous restaurant, WestCord is a top pick for anyone looking to experience Eindhoven. 

Enjoy! 

Have you stayed at WestCord Hotel Eindhoven, or are you planning a trip to Eindhoven? Let us know in the comments what’s on your itinerary.

OPINION: Does it matter that she was pregnant? Viral arrest video

Ida Allen-Auerbach
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1
OPINION: Does it matter that she was pregnant? Viral arrest video

In the latest case of Dutch police violence, an officer used excessive force on a pregnant woman. His defense? He didn’t know she was pregnant. 

We’ve all seen the horrific video: a Dutch police officer throws a woman to the ground during an arrest. Later, she is dragged across the floor by her hood.

In a statement released by the police, the officer “did not realise at that moment that she was pregnant.” Additionally, he “indicates that he would have acted differently if this had been the case.”

How anyone could see this as a defence for such brutal behaviour remains to be seen. 

Why are we focusing on the pregnancy?

Undeniably, the fact that this woman was pregnant at the time adds a relevant layer of inhumanity to the actions of the officer. But it begs the question: isn’t the situation inhumane enough on its own? 

The mere fact that the Dutch police found it relevant to mention the officer’s (not quite believable, I might add) ignorance of her condition is baffling. As if throwing a woman to the ground with this kind of force would somehow be more acceptable if she were not pregnant?

The real issue

It could be argued that the focus on this aspect of the incident detracts from the greater issue. 

READ MORE | Utrecht police officer suspected of raping teenage girl in backseat of car

Over the past few years, there have been countless examples of police brutality from Dutch law enforcement. According to the NOS, two women were beaten and clobbered by a police officer responding to a tense dispute in central Utrecht just last February. 

Ultimately, debating whether or not this woman was visibly pregnant or whether the officer was aware is nothing more than a distraction from the pattern of abuse and brutality that has shown itself in Dutch law enforcement. 

Do better 

Consider this a call to action: rather than disputing the details of who knew what, the Dutch police system needs to treat the event with the appropriate concern. 

Others agree: in a post on Reddit, one user says, “I find that really strange. So you only care about that woman’s safety when she is carrying another life? As long as there is no fetus, you can suddenly take down just about anyone?”

Another user stated, “He should have acted differently anyway, pregnant or not.”

The consensus is clear. As a police officer, don’t throw a non-violent woman to the ground (whether she’s pregnant or not). 

What do you think of the police officer’s excuse? Let us know in the comments. 

A new tram under Utrecht? Here’s what travellers and residents need to know

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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A new tram under Utrecht? Here’s what travellers and residents need to know

A new high-speed tram line running partly underground through Utrecht has moved a major step closer, with detailed plans now open for public inspection until July 2.

The Merwedelijn will connect Utrecht Centraal and Nieuwegein via Europalaan, cutting the journey between the two to around 15 minutes.

Here’s everything travellers, Utrecht residents, and anyone living along the route need to know.

What is the Merwedelijn?

The Merwedelijn is a proposed new tram connection between Utrecht and Nieuwegein.

It’s designed to serve the massive housing developments planned for the Groot Merwede and Rijnenburg areas, two of the largest new-build zones in the Netherlands.

Once housing construction is completed, both areas are expected to deliver around 75,000 homes and approximately 40,000 jobs. Utrecht’s existing bus and tram network won’t be able to cope with the demand.

Needless to say, accessibility to public transport is a major requirement. According to Utrecht’s municipality, without a new public transport link through the Merwedelijn, those housing plans effectively stall.

Where will the stops be?

The official U Ned planning documents confirm one primary stop: beneath the Beatrix Building on the Jaarbeurs side of Utrecht Centraal. The Beatrix Building will need to be partly demolished to make way for it.

As reported by treinreiziger.nl, citing the provincial and ministerial planning documents currently under public inspection, three further underground stops are planned:

  • beneath the Overste den Oudenlaan,
  • along the Europalaan,
  • and at the Woonboulevard in Utrecht-Zuid.

Given that current plans are still subject to change following the public consultation, the exact locations of all stops have not yet been finalised.

When will the Merwedelijn open?

The Merwedelijn is expected to be operational around 2040, according to the municipalities of Nieuwegein and Utrecht.

Before that, a definitive decision on the first section (Utrecht Centraal to Westraven) is expected in the autumn of 2026.

That will follow a review of all public consultation responses by the municipal councils of Utrecht and Nieuwegein and the Provincial Council.

As yet, no timeline has been set for the Westraven-to-Nieuwegein section.

Why is the Merwedelijn underground?

According to the official planning documents, approximately three-quarters of the Utrecht section will be covered or situated in a tunnel.

The tram runs on a grade-separated track, with no traffic lights and no road congestion, allowing speeds of up to 70 km/h. The line connects to the existing above-ground SUNIJ-lijn at Westraven.

Authorities initially studied multiple options, including a street-level route and a viaduct.

However, a tunnel or sunken position came out ahead on almost every measure, with fewer disruptions, greater public support from residents and businesses, and more flexibility during construction.

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Dutch officer in viral arrest video alleges he didn’t know the woman was pregnant

DutchReview Crew
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2
Dutch officer in viral arrest video alleges he didn’t know the woman was pregnant

The officer who pulled a woman to the ground during an arrest at an asylum seekers’ centre (azc) in Zeist has said he would have done things differently had he known she was expecting. 

As reported by NOS, his statement comes after footage of the May 19 arrest spread rapidly across social media, sparking a fierce debate about police conduct in the Netherlands. 

The original incident showed an officer with a police dog grabbing a visibly pregnant woman by the arm and dragging her to the ground. She was later pulled away by her hood and arm as a separate confrontation unfolded nearby. 

What the officer says

In a statement published on the police website, the force confirmed the officer was unaware of the woman’s pregnancy during the arrest. He claims that, had he known, he would have acted differently.

Her pregnancy only became known during the incident itself; she told officers after being pulled away a second time. Ambulance personnel examined her immediately afterwards, reports NOS.

How the arrest unfolded

Officers were called to the Zeist azc after a disturbance involving threats and a weapon.

NOS reports that when they arrived, a COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) employee handed over a bread knife he’d already taken from the suspect, a 30-year-old man.

Officers suspected the man might still have a second blade. A taser was drawn as they negotiated him out of a room he’d retreated into. It was later revealed he did not have a second weapon. 

During the ensuing confrontation between the suspect and an officer, the woman stepped in. She had been repeatedly urged to move away for her own protection, but hadn’t done so, the police say. 

When an officer pulled her back by the arm, she fell. A second video shows her being removed from the scene by her hood and arm while other officers restrained the suspect on the ground. A formal investigation is now underway.

Online anger isn’t going away

The police statement reaffirmed confidence in the officers, acknowledging that they “make choices under high pressure day in and day out.”

Since the original footage began circulating, authorities have received a torrent of abuse and serious threats online directed both at individual officers and between commenters. Both the Instagram and Facebook comment sections have now been shut down entirely.

Does the officer’s account change how you see what happened? Let us know in the comments.

Dutch summer is here! With rain, thunderstorms, and possibly even hail forecast

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Dutch summer is here! With rain, thunderstorms, and possibly even hail forecast

Meteorological summer has officially kicked off on June 1, and the Netherlands is marking the occasion in the most Dutch way possible, with showers and thunderstorms.

Atlantic depressions have replaced the warm high-pressure system that dominated last week, and the forecast reflects it.

What does the weather look like this week?

This Tuesday morning, a band of showery rain will move through the country, followed by a brief dry window. Temperatures will stay muggy, at around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius, reports Buienradar.

Come afternoon, heavy showers will push in from the southwest, possibly with hail, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

Wednesday, meanwhile, will hover around 20 degrees, with a mix of sun, cloud, and scattered showers.

If you’re on the road this Thursday, be extra careful, as it’s forecast to be the roughest day of the week. Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected, and a strong southwesterly wind will make conditions feel properly blustery.

Friday will likely be the week’s coolest day, with afternoon temperatures around 18 degrees.

By the weekend, the weather may be more settled. Temperatures should creep back up, and Sunday could likely stay dry — though that’s not confirmed yet.

@dutchreview

Not to brag or anything ☔️ #dutchweather #dutchreview #dutchrain #expatsinthenetherlands #expatlife #thenetherlands #visitnetherlands #netherlands #dutchtiktok #Meme #MemeCut

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But wait, isn’t summer supposed to start on June 21?

For meteorologists, summer always begins on June 1 and runs through August 31, for three neat calendar months. This system has been in place since 1780, standardised so that climate data can be stored and compared consistently across decades of research.

However, astronomical summer begins when the sun reaches its northernmost point. This year, that’s June 21 at 10:15 AM, the longest day of the year.

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Can I invest through my Dutch bank account?

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Can I invest through my Dutch bank account?

When it comes to investing in the Netherlands, one of the easiest and most convenient options is investing directly through your Dutch bank account.

Are you thinking about setting some money aside for a rainy day? The good news is that if you have a Dutch bank account, you can get started on building your portfolio today.

However, it’s worth understanding what the process entails, what investment options are available, and what to look out for before you dive in.

How investing through your Dutch bank account works

Investing through your Dutch bank is quite a straightforward process, especially if you already use your bank’s mobile app or online banking platform.

You’ll likely need to activate the feature manually or open a dedicated investment account that’s linked to your current account. It’s a lot simpler than it sounds, especially if you’re using the bank’s mobile app!

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It’s quick, simple, and easier than downloading three separate apps to balance your portfolio. Image: Freepik

Depending on your bank, you can then choose a self-directed option (where you choose the specific investments you want) or ready-made portfolio funds (where the bank’s experts curate a selection of investment options for users).

The latter is especially useful if you’re new to investing, prefer a hands-off approach, or just want to make sure your portfolio is diverse.

With four ready-made portfolios, each with its own risk profile and diverse funds, ING’s Easy Invest is a stellar choice for investing in the Netherlands.

Backed by ING’s reliability and global reach, it’s an accessible choice for both beginner investors and financially-savvy users who want to maximise their portfolio.

Sign up with ING

What investment options do Dutch banks usually offer?

Typically, most Dutch banks offer you access to a selection of investment funds.

These can include:

  • Portfolio funds: These enable you to choose a diverse, ready-made portfolio of investments, based on your personal risk profile.
  • Sustainable or ESG funds: As the name suggests, these are sustainable investment options from companies with good environmental and social policies.

Each bank will typically curate its selection of funds differently, though you may notice fewer options than those offered by investment brokers. For beginner investors, this makes the process a lot more accessible.

photo-of-a-long-haired-dutchman-scrolling-through-his-investment-portfolio-on-his-dutch-mobile-banking-app
In general, investing through your Dutch bank is a lot more accessible than jumping directly into an investment platform. Image: Freepik

Things to be aware of before investing with your Dutch bank

Before you dive in and drop a stack of cash on your investments, there are a few practical things to consider.

Firstly, most Dutch banks charge service costs for their investment platforms, usually in the form of a monthly or yearly charge. You may also have to pay commission fees when you’re buying or selling stocks, bonds, and other types of investments.

In addition to this, many Dutch banks have a set limit for your minimum initial investment. Depending on your bank, this could be as little as €10 or a much pricier €100.

And, lastly, it’s important to remember that investing always carries an inherent risk. While banks are well-regulated in the Netherlands, your individual investments can fluctuate, and you’re not guaranteed a high return.

Are you thinking of investing through your Dutch bank account, or have you already done so? Share your experiences in the comments below!

10 things to know before finding work in the Netherlands as an international

Emma Brown
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30
10 things to know before finding work in the Netherlands as an international

Finding work in the Netherlands as an international is not an easy task — we can’t lie.

However, preparing well in advance will help you massively when it comes to sealing your perfect job in the Netherlands.

So, how do you prepare yourself for finding work in the Netherlands as an expat?

Well, as someone who has been there, here are 10 major things you need to know. 🏃‍♂️

1. Finding a job in the Netherlands is hard

I’m going to be honest here first and foremost:

Is finding a job in the Netherlands hard for international folks?

Hell yes, it is. 😬

Combine learning about a whole new job market with being in one of the most densely populated countries in Europe (so you’ve got a lot of competition), and you’ll see that finding a job in the Netherlands is no simple feat.

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If you’ve landed an interview, you’re well on the way to a job in the Netherlands. Image: Freepik

Talk to any international in the Netherlands, and they’ll all tell you the same — the struggle is real.

However, that’s certainly not to say all hope is lost and you’ll never find a job in the Netherlands.

There are plenty of Dutch companies that hire internationals. Expats become employed every single day, and some are even lucky enough to score a job the first time around.

It’s important to understand that finding a job in the Netherlands is difficult — but certainly not impossible.

2. You don’t always have to speak Dutch when working in the Netherlands

Struggling with Dutch and think you have no chance? No worries.

Naturally, being fluent in Dutch opens up many opportunities, but if you’re new to the Netherlands, you can still get a job.

Many international companies work only in English, and some companies even ask for other languages, such as French and German instead.

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It’s not essential to speak Dutch in the Netherlands, even while working — but it will make your life easier! Image: Pexels

So before you start breaking down in tears over that failed Duolingo attempt, start searching for those international jobs here in the Netherlands.

Now you can breathe a sigh of relief (in English)!

Want to find jobs in the Netherlands in English, German, French, or another language? On Undutchables, you can search by your preferred language to find your dream Dutch job. See open jobs now.

3. You don’t have to be living in the Netherlands to find a job (but it’s easier if you’re here!)

It’s not unheard of for an international to secure a Dutch job from overseas, particularly for roles in high demand, such as engineering, tech, management, and healthcare.

After all, interviews can be done online, or some companies will even fly you over on their own dime if they think that you’re a great fit.

If you’re not in an in-demand field, you may have a much harder time (or have to shell out for some plane tickets and a hotel to attend your interviews).

4. Some recruitment agencies in the Netherlands actively seek out internationals

What surprised me during my search for work was that some recruitment agencies exist purely to seek out internationals and help them find employment.

The recruiters then match you with companies in the Netherlands that are looking for your specific skillset. Sometimes, the company will offer you a contract directly, but often, the agency will place you in the workforce on an agency contract at first.

Usually, once your contract with the employment agency ends you can be directly employed by the company if you’re the perfect fit.

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There are many agencies in the Netherlands that seek out internationals! Image: Freepik

You don’t have to pay a fee for these recruitment services either, which makes it even better!

It all just makes sense — and with online recruitment, you can do it from the comfort of your own home and have many different jobs at your fingertips.

When applying through Undutchables Recruitment Agency, the same applies. If there isn’t a job out there for you, you can arrange for them to notify you when something relevant pops up, and then you can apply. A colleague’s partner got his current job when first arriving in the Netherlands through Undutchables and is still in the job years later!

5. You need to prepare well in advance

Preparing in advance is key if you’re planning on working and living in the Netherlands. Sorting out that work visa should be at the top of the list (if you’re an EU national, you can skip this step; you’re all good).

This, along with booking an appointment to register at your local municipality, keeps everything legal. 

Opening a bank account should be one of the next steps, and you have a couple of options when it comes to choosing a Dutch bank and opening a Dutch bank account so you can collect your new Dutch salary. 

You can even open a bank account before you arrive in the Netherlands!

Also, be aware that if you are working and living in the Netherlands, you must take out Dutch health insurance — this is compulsory.

photo-of-couple-moving-into-apartment-renting-amsterdam-while-looking-for-a-job-in-the-Netherlands
There’s a lot to do when moving to another country, but you shouldn’t skip these steps if you’re looking for a job in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos

We know what you’re thinking: there’s so much to organise.

We understand, but it’s worth it, and let’s help you set up! Here’s a checklist to get you started:

  • Arrange your visa/work permit
  • Find a place to live AND find a job (that’s easy, right?)
  • Register at your local municipality
  • Open a bank account
  • Sort your Dutch health insurance

6. The CV and interview process in the Netherlands may be different from what you’re used to

Scoring a job in the Netherlands by perfecting that CV or resume and attending that dreaded interview may be different from what you’re used to, depending on where you’re from.

In the Netherlands, I learned that CVs should not be longer than two pages. You also don’t have to include your picture on your CV; however, many people still do this (insert awful passport-style photo here).

Photo-of-woman-in-wheelchair-shaking-hands-with-interviewer-at-job-interview-in-while-looking-for-a-job-in-the-Netherlands
Most Dutch workplaces want you to interview in person. Image: Depositphotos

The interviews are just as nerve-wracking as in other countries, but all follow a similar structure.

Dressing for an interview depends on the job you’re applying for, and dressing for interviews in the Netherlands is certainly lax compared to other countries.

For example, in the UK, you are generally expected to go full suit and tie with polished shoes. Whereas in the Netherlands, it’s important to look smart, but you don’t have to go overboard.

7. Working from home is common in the Netherlands

This article was brought to you by me, sitting in my bed with a cup of hot chocolate, and that’s not unusual — even before the pandemic years.

Working from home can be a common practice for some workplaces, and I personally love it.

The Dutch workplace is known for being less rigid when it comes to working. Generally, if you need to be at home, depending on your job, you can spend that one less day at the office and work from the confines of your own home instead.

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Yes, it is possible to work from home! Image: Pexels

The Dutch value their hard work, but also their spare time too. Working doesn’t have to be at the office and living doesn’t have to just involve work.

READ MORE | 7 ways a Dutch job is different

While in some countries, a shorter work week is nothing but a pipe dream, in the Netherlands, many people (especially women) work part-time and/or mainly or solely from home. So, if you like the idea of a home office, then you may have just gotten lucky. Gezellig!

8. You need to get your head around the tax system

The Netherlands is known for its notoriously high tax on almost everything.

Before you start working in the Netherlands, you need to be aware of what contributions you need to make, how much you’ll actually get paid, and what rights you have when working in the Netherlands. 

Many expats choose a tax accountant in the Netherlands to process their yearly tax return — it’s worth it!

❓ How much income tax will I pay in the Netherlands?

In 2026, the standard income tax rates are:

  • 35.82% up to €38,441
  • 37.48% between €38,441 and €76,817
  • 49.50% above €78,426. 

This will typically be deducted from your pay before it is paid out to you. You will also have to pay additional taxes if you are particularly wealthy and/or have a large amount of savings.

However, if you’re lucky enough to receive the 30% ruling, you won’t pay tax on up to 30% of your salary — nice!

9. Your travel costs are normally covered by your company

Most companies will reimburse you for your full travel costs monthly, so you don’t have to worry about a long commute eating up half of your wages.

Many other companies offer other reimbursements, such as paying a percentage of your gym or club memberships, to encourage their employees to stay physically and mentally healthy outside of the workplace.

woman-on-e-bike
Some workplaces will even help you buy a nice bike to ride to work with. Image: Depositphotos

Other companies offer bonus money if you don’t call in sick (not always great when you’re forcing yourself to go in and infecting everyone), but it encourages the workforce not to be tempted to call in sick for silly reasons.

In my experience, companies in the Netherlands treat their workforce very well, and you will be rewarded for your hard work. If not, it’s time to change that job of yours.

10. Borrelen makes everything worth it

Who doesn’t love a free beer and some bitterballen after all that “finding a job and starting a new job” stress? Well, this is something you’ll enjoy at many Dutch workplaces.

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Borrelen will only sometimes be as fancy as this. Image: DGLimages/Depositphotos

Usually, towards the end of the week, either once per week or per month, you and your colleagues will go borrelen.

This is where you’ll have an opportunity to stop working (always nice) and engage in awkward conversations with your coworkers over a beer and some bitterballen.

Great for reducing that work stress as, in general, it’s always good fun — not so good for that waistline, but at least all that cycling will help. Proost! 😉🍻

Are you looking for work in the Netherlands as an international? Or do you have tips? Share in the comments below!

Dutch police receive threats online as footage of pregnant woman being thrown and dragged goes viral

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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13
Dutch police receive threats online as footage of pregnant woman being thrown and dragged goes viral

Video footage of a forceful arrest at an asylum seekers’ centre in Zeist has gone viral, prompting Dutch police to disable comments on their social media posts after a flood of threats and abuse.

The incident took place on May 19 at the azc (asylum seekers’ centre) on Kampweg in Zeist, at around 9:50 PM.

According to a press release by police, officers were called to reports of vandalism and threats involving a knife.

What followed was captured on video and has since spread widely across social media.

What the footage shows

The videos show multiple officers, a police dog, a man, and a woman. In one clip, an officer with a police dog pulls the woman’s arm forcefully, throwing her to the ground.

A man, who is confirmed to be her husband, then begins to fight with the officers. A second clip shows the woman being dragged by her clothing and hair while the man is pinned to the ground by several officers.

The woman is visibly heavily pregnant in the footage. She has since given birth to a premature daughter, she tells Al Jazeera.

Her husband, a 30-year-old man, was arrested during the incident but has since been released.

Al Jazeera reports that the man is a Palestinian refugee who had smashed a television after learning that a family member in Gaza had been killed. The police have not confirmed this detail in their press release.

Police say it’s “Only part of the story”

In the press release, the police acknowledge the footage, noting that it shows “part of the events.” The forceful arrest is being reviewed, which is standard practice after any arrest involving physical intervention.

According to the statement, officers “acted quickly in a dynamic situation to ensure the safety of those present and themselves.”

That post triggered a torrent of responses. Comments on both the Instagram and Facebook devolved into threats and insults, directed not just at police but between users themselves.

“Criticism and conversation are good and important, but all standards of decency were crossed,” a police spokesperson tells NOS.

According to the NOS, the police described some of the comments as “serious threats” and said it was too early to determine whether any were criminally punishable. Comments on both posts have since been disabled entirely.

What’s your take on how this situation was handled, both by the officers and online? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

You can now book a direct daily train from Amsterdam to Paris for just €19

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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You can now book a direct daily train from Amsterdam to Paris for just €19

Dutch budget rail operator GoVolta has opened ticket sales for a daily direct train between Amsterdam Centraal and Paris-Gare du Nord, launching on December 14, 2026.

The Breda-based rail operator that launched an Amsterdam to Berlin route for just €10 earlier this year is now taking on France.

As of May 29, tickets for their Paris packages are currently on sale on the GoVolta website.

Here’s what to know about the route, times, and stops

According to press information, the train will depart from Amsterdam Centraal at 07:46 AM and arrive at Paris-Gare du Nord by 2:54. Roughly, you’d be looking at a total journey time of approximately seven hours.

The return journey is a fair bit later; the train leaves Paris at 3:49 PM and pulls back into Amsterdam by 11:29 PM.

While you’re chugging along to Paris, the train will also serve nine intermediate stations:

  • Haarlem,
  • Den Haag HS,
  • Rotterdam Centraal,
  • Lage Zwaluwe,
  • Roosendaal,
  • Antwerpen-Centraal,
  • Gent-Sint-Pieters,
  • Arras,
  • and Longueau (near Amiens)
govolta-economy-couch-international-trains-from-the-netherlands
Seat with a view, anyone? Image: GoVolta

You’ll arrive at Paris-Gare du Nord in the 10th arrondissement (district). Metro lines 4 and 5 will connect you to the city centre in around ten minutes, or it’s a fifteen-minute walk to Le Marais or Canal Saint-Martin.

Boarding from Belgium is nearly half price

While tickets between the Netherlands and France start from €19, travelling from Belgium is even cheaper. If you’re boarding in Antwerp or Ghent from either side of the route, your journey will start from €10.

You’ll also stagger your travel time considerably:

  • From Antwerpen-Centraal, Paris is roughly four hours away.
  • From Gent-Sint-Pieters, the trip to Paris takes around three hours.

What’s included (and what costs extra)?

Every GoVolta ticket includes a guaranteed reserved seat and two pieces of hand luggage:

  • one cabin-bag-sized piece (up to 55 × 40 × 25 cm),
  • and one smaller bag (up to 30 × 20 × 15 cm).

However, if you need extra space or a larger luggage allowance, it’ll cost you. Optional extras bookable at checkout include:

  • An XL Duo Seat upgrade, costing €20 per single trip per person (useful for two passengers who want the four-seat bay to themselves).
  • A large suitcase allowance, for €15 per single trip.
  • Seat selection, for €12.50 per single trip per person.
  • A Comfort Class upgrade, with general prices as yet unlisted.

On board, GoVolta runs ten refurbished carriages: nine Economy, one Comfort, and a restaurant car called the GoVolta Lounge, where breakfast, lunch, or dinner can be booked for the journey.

govolta-comfort-couch-international-affordable-trains-from-the-netherlands-to-berlin-and-paris
GoVolta will also be rolling out “Comfort Carriages”. Image: GoVolta

A valid travel document is required to board. If your plans shift after booking, some additional fees will apply:

  • Changing your departure date: €50 per ticket, plus any fare difference
  • Changing the passenger name: €70 per ticket

To avoid those fees, GoVolta offers two flexibility add-ons at €19 per person each; one covering unlimited date changes, one covering unlimited name changes. The good news is that, for a limited time at launch, the date-change option is available for just €1 instead of €19.

Tickets are available now for travel through December 2027, but GoVolta recommends booking early for weekends, public holidays, and peak travel dates, as each train has a fixed number of seats.

Would you take a seven-hour budget train to Paris, or is the Eurostar’s three-and-a-half-hour run worth paying more for? Tell us in the comments.

The Netherlands’ new €6 public transport pass is finally hitting shelves this week

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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The Netherlands’ new €6 public transport pass is finally hitting shelves this week

From today (May 29, 2026), the new Dutch public transport pass is on sale at physical stores across the Netherlands.

Transport operators and Translink have spent years building OVpay, the modern payment system behind the new pass, and until now, there was no physical shop to purchase the card. That changes today.

At around 550 Primera stores nationwide, you’ll now be able to purchase the Netherlands’ new transit pass: the OV-pas.

What is the OV-pas?

Like the OV-chipkaart, the OV-pas is a physical card you can use on Dutch public transport.

However, the main upgrade is that important information on your balance, travel history, and subscriptions is now stored on your account, rather than on the card itself.

According to OVpay, this results in three key benefits:

  • You can recharge your balance online or via their app, instead of at a ticket machine.
  • You have access to automatic recharge facilities.
  • Your card will now be valid for 5 years and costs €6 — making it cheaper than the OV chipkaart.
@dutchreview

A travel pass I can add to my Apple Wallet? Yes please.

♬ original sound – DutchReview

Who can use the new OV-pas straight away?

The OV-pas is currently available to all commuters who pay the standard fare on trains, buses, trams, and metros across the Netherlands. You can also use it if you use an age-related discount on buses, trams, and metros.

However, the following groups can’t yet transfer to the OV-pas:

  • Students with a student travel product
  • NS Flex subscribers
  • NS Business Card holders

If you’re in one of the three groups, you’ll be contacted by your carrier when the transfer becomes possible.

In addition to the subscriptions that are already compatible with OV-pas, more are being added throughout 2026 — so you won’t have long to wait for your card.

Not ready to switch, yet? There’s no rush

If you’re still reliant on your OV-chipkaart, you needn’t dash out and buy an OV-pas. That system isn’t going anywhere until the end of 2027, so there’s plenty of time to purchase the new transit pass.

And if you’ve been using your bank card since that option launched in 2023, that still works, too — though you won’t have access to any subscription discounts.

For anyone who’d rather not travel linked to a bank account at all, anonymous OV-pas cards are also available at Primera.

What do you think about the new OV-pas? Have you tried one? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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