Wait… did that guy just say his name was Freek?! Yep, Dutch names can be Freek-ishly weird sometimes. 🤷🏻♀️
Whether you’re trying to name your own kindje (little kid) or are just curious about Dutch names in general, it can be a bit difficult to work through the double Dutch of naming conventions in the Netherlands.
We understand the pain, so we’ve compiled something to help: the ultimate guide to Dutch names! 🙌
The history of Dutch names
The oldest Dutch voornamen (first names) are primarily of Germanic origin, which is why you may notice that several of them have cousins in English (another Germanic language)!
In the Middle Ages, doopnamen (Christian names) gained popularity due to religious influence. Christian names, also known as baptismal names, are religious personal names assigned to children at birth.
However, after World War II, the Dutch grew far less religious. Naming conventions began to reflect this, with more first names of foreign origin being picked.
Names of foreign origin grew more popular to mark the Netherlands’ growing multicultural community. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Some names, such as those borrowed from French, underwent phono-semantic matching. This means that elements of the original names were Dutchified — like, for example, ‘Jacques’ becoming ‘Sjaak’.
The result of this evolutionary process? Some very interesting (if slightly bizarre) modern Dutch names!
Common boy names in the Netherlands
Grab yourself some tea and huddle around with your friends because we’re about to talk about Dutch boys — and we’re going to be naming names.
Dramatics aside, according to the Meertens Instituut, these are the most common boy names you’ll find millennials bearing in this gorgeous cheese-obsessed country!
Thomas
Kevin
Tim
Dennis
Jeroen
John
Tom
Robin
Nick
Niels
Traditional Dutch boy names
Looking for something a bit more old-fashioned? The Meertens Instituut also released a list of traditional Dutch boy names that have been popular for over a hundred years.
Let’s talk about some Dutch boy names that just ooze old-school cool. 😎
Johannes
Jan
Cornelis
Hendrik
Willem
Pieter
Gerrit
Petrus
Jacobus
Jacob
Common girl names in the Netherlands
If perhaps you’re called ‘Margo’ and are sick of Dutch people — with their guttural gs — pronouncing your name closer to ‘Marko’, then you may be considering a name change.
“Did you seriously just call me Marko again?!” 👀 Image: DepositPhotos.com
We hear you! Here are the most common girl names you’re likely to find millennials bearing in the Netherlands:
Laura
Lisa
Anne
Sanne
Iris
Michelle
Maria
Tessa
Melissa
Anna
Traditional Dutch girl names
You can always embrace a little traditionality with these conventional Dutch girl names that have seen over a century of use. 🙌
Maria
Johanna
Anna
Cornelia
Wilhelmina
Hendrika
Catharina
Elisabeth
Adriana
Jacoba
Dutch baby names
Choosing a little one’s voornaam (first name) can really be harder than only eating one bitterbal.
Choosing the perfect name for your kindje? It’s harder than it sounds! Image: DepositPhotos.com
To get some inspiration flowing, 24baby has dropped its lists of the most popular baby names in the Netherlands — as well as its predictions for names that are currently rising in popularity. 📈
Popular baby boy names in the Netherlands
These names have been topping the Dutch charts for the past year, so there’s a chance that any baby boys in your life might bear at least one of them!
Finn
Luca
Levi
Noud
Liam
Lucas
Luka
Daan
Milan
Milo
Trending Dutch boy names in recent years
Much like with Dutch fashion, Dutch names are no strangers to giving in to a new hype now and then. According to 24baby, these are some boy names that new parents in the Netherlands have been loving in recent years.
Seb
Jens
Naud
Dex
Levy
Riv
Bobbie
Abel
Joas
Loek
Popular baby girl names in the Netherlands
Do you feel like you know at least three Noras in the Netherlands? And three more couples who have just named their child Nora?
As far as we’re concerned, “popular” is a mark of widespread approval — like hagelslag on bread! Image: DepositPhotos.com
There’s a reason for that, as ‘Nora’ tops the list of the most popular baby girl names in the Netherlands, and she’s joined by:
Liv
Mae
Noor
Mila
Noa
Emma
Olivia
Juul
Luna
Trending Dutch girl names in recent years
As with the list of trending Dutch baby boy names, when it comes to Dutch girl names, the Netherlands dips a toe (or perhaps an entire foot with ‘Nine’ 👀) into the pool of all things hype.
“Ja hoor, we decided on ‘Feline’ because it’s so feminine and elegant!” Image: DepositPhotos.com
According to 24baby, these are the girl names that have been rising in popularity:
Fien
Nine
Mare
Nila
Lux
Vive
Lua
Millie
Jolie
Lizz
The Dutch roepnaam
“A roop-what?” we hear you ask.
Don’t worry, we aren’t roop-ing you into anything! A roepnaam is actually a name that many Dutch people use instead of their legal first name.
It’s a bit like a nickname, except a roepnaam carries a bit more weight and can be used on legal documents.
In fact, after the birth of a new child, it isn’t out of the ordinary to send out a card with a child’s official name and a line underneath mentioning their roepnaam. 👶🏼
Some names just won’t fly with the Dutch
Of course, it goes without saying that there are some names that you definitely shouldn’t saddle your kids with.
One reason why Dutch kids are so happy? They’re spared crazy names! Image: DepositPhotos.com
Generally, names that consist of offensive or embarrassing words or existing surnames are off the table and will be rejected by the Registrar.
However, even if the Registrar refuses to approve your child’s name, you’re still free to think up a new one before they choose a name for you (yes, they can do that).
So, if, like one Dutch father, you’d love to name your son after your favourite football club, you may need to hop over to Belgium to do it.
What the…?! Weird Dutch names
For every few Jeroens you come across, you’ve got a smattering of Tacos, Freeks, and Harms. Of course, we can’t talk about Dutch names without mentioning some of the most bizaar (bizarre) ones.
Fokje
Puck
Boudewijn
Floor
Joke
Reinder
Jet
Splinter
Greet
Sicco
(We also must mention that there’s a Dutch politician called Tiny Kox 🤭).
A lot of the perceived weirdness of these names actually stems from our shocking pronunciation of Dutch names, which our buitenlandse (foreign) ears often can’t make heads or tails of.
Pronouncing some Dutch names can be a skill in and of itself. Image: Magnific
For example, the girl’s name, ‘Joke’, initially sounds like some parents played a cruel… err, joke on their daughter. In Dutch, however, the name is pronounced similarly to ‘yo-kuh’.
Similarly, Dutch names have their own diminutives. Much like ‘Richard’ becoming ‘Dick’ in English, ‘Greet’ is actually a shortened form of ‘Greta’ or ‘Margaretha’.
Common Dutch surnames
Many Dutch surnames contain a tussenvoegsel (a sort of affix that goes along with their surname), such as the ‘van’ in ‘van Gogh’ and the ‘de’ in ‘de Vries’.
According to data from the Meertens Instituut, we see several of these tussenvoegsels in the list of the top ten surnames in the Netherlands:
De Jong
Jansen
De Vries
Van de/den/der Berg
Van Dijk
Bakker
Janssen
Visser
Smit
Meijer/Meyer
FAQ: Dutch names common questions
How can you change your surname in the Netherlands?
You can only apply for a change of surname in the Netherlands if you’re a Dutch national, stateless, or an asylum seeker.
Applicants must submit an application for a name change to the Justis (the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security). There’s even a handy dandy Name Change Brochure that you can leaf through for more information on the process and requirements.
Be aware, though, that a surname change in the Netherlands will set you back a whopping €835 for an adult and €1,670 for three or more minor children (excluding VAT). 💸
When can you use your Dutch partner’s surname?
According to Justis, you can only use your partner’s last name if you’re legally married or in a registered partnership. (RIP to all the madlads that were hoping to nab ‘Fokker’ as a fabulous surname. 🥲)
After you’ve tied the knot or signed the paperwork with your schaatje, you’ll need to inform the Basisregistratie Personen (Personal Records Database) of the municipality you’re registered in of your surname change.
However, all official documents, such as passports, IDs, and driver’s licences, will still carry your own last name.
Where do Dutch surnames come from?
Like first names, Dutch surnames mainly tend to be of Germanic origin.
A handful of Dutch surnames are also patronymic (derived from an ancestor’s name) and, as such, contain a possessive form of a father or grandfather’s name. For example, ‘Pieterszoon’ would refer to a son of Pieter.
Others refer to occupations such as ‘Molenaar’ (miller), ‘Visser’ (fisher), and ‘Boer’ (farmer).
Dutch names can be weird, wonderful, and, much like biking in Amsterdam, need some getting used to. When you do, however, you won’t fail to realise how leuk they can be!
What’s one Dutch name that’s caught your eye? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
The summer school holidays in the Netherlands are the real ‘postcode’ lottery: everyone gets six weeks, nobody agrees on which six.
First of all, if you’re just here to check when you can finally take your kids to Italy: Regio Noord runs from July 4 to August 16 2026, Regio Zuid July 11 to August 23, and Regio Midden July 18 to August 30.
So while you’re still doing the school run in Utrecht, your friends in Groningen are posting campsite photos from the Dordogne.
It’s a system designed to stop the entire country hitting the A2 on the same Saturday morning. It’s admirable in theory but mildly infuriating when you’re trying to plan a family visit.
Here’s what you need to know before you book anything with kids during the Dutch summer vacation.
1. The country is split into three regions, and your school’s address decides which one you’re in
When your school has summer holidays, depends on where in the Netherlands it’s located. Image: Magnific
Nederland is carved into Noord, Midden and Zuid to spread out the holiday traffic. Sound sensible enough so far, right?
Well, the trouble starts when you look at a map. According to the Dutch government’s regional breakdown, Zuid-Holland sits in Regio Midden, all of Noord-Holland is in Regio Noord, and Gelderland is split between all three holiday regions depending on the municipality.
Flevoland is entirely Noord, apart from Zeewolde. Utrecht is entirely Midden, apart from Eemnes, and somewhere, a civil servant is very proud of this.
What counts is where the school is, not where you live. Send your child across a municipal border to school and you’ll be following that school’s calendar, which in a country this compact is an easy mistake to make.
2. Summer dates are fixed, and six weeks is shorter than you might expect
Some Dutch school holidays are adviesdata (advisory dates) that schools can shuffle around. However, the summer break is not one of them.
The government’s 2026 summer holiday page says the dates are fixed and schools may not deviate. Christmas and the May break are locked in too.
The autumn and spring breaks are only advisory, which explains why your neighbour’s kids are mysteriously free a week before yours in February. Our rundown of Dutch public and school holidays has the full calendar.
Every region gets six weeks. If you’re American, that’s a brisk little summer next to the ten or eleven you may remember, and your children will absolutely find out about this from the internet eventually.
The consolation is that Dutch kids get more breaks spread through the year, as anyone who’s tried to decode how the Dutch education system works will have noticed.
3. Slipping away early is actually illegal, and the fines are real
Here’s one thing that really catches out international parents: Leaving a few days early to beat the motorway crush is a breach of the Leerplichtwet (Compulsory Education Act), and you will get in trouble for it.
The Rijksoverheid puts it plainly: you may not take a school-age child on holiday outside the school holidays, and you can be fined for doing it.
The Dutch call it luxe verzuim, which translates to something like “luxury truancy”. Only in the Netherlands would skipping school to go to Portugal get its own bureaucratic category.
Schools log attendance daily and pass unexplained absences to the leerplichtambtenaar (the municipal compulsory education officer). Municipalities can issue fines for unauthorised absence, which can quickly run into hundreds of euros depending on the circumstances, and persistent cases may even end up before a judge.
Calling in sick won’t save you either. Some schools watch the days either side of a holiday like hawks, and a suspiciously timed tummy bug fools nobody.
The specific nature of your job must make it impossible to holiday during any school break that year, think seasonal work in tourism or agriculture, or being irreplaceable during peak periods
The leave can’t fall in the first two weeks after the summer holiday
Apply to the school director at least eight weeks ahead
The school director may grant up to 10 school days under this exemption, once per school year. Longer holiday leave is not permitted under the law
Employees are generally expected to provide a statement from their employer. Self-employed parents need to show they’d lose a significant part of their income by going away during the school holidays.
“Flights are cheaper in September” does not qualify, no matter how convincingly you say it.
There’s a separate route for major life events, known as a gewichtige omstandigheid (weighty circumstance). This covers things outside your control that can’t be rescheduled, such as a funeral.
However, if more than 10 days are needed, the request goes to the leerplichtambtenaar rather than the school director.
A grandparent’s funeral qualifies. A fortnight in Greece does not, however desperate you look while asking.
5. So what do working Dutch parents do for six weeks?
For working parents, you have three options. Image: Magnific
There are three basic strategies, and most families use all three in rotation:
Flee to France
The classic move is to torch a big chunk of annual leave and drive south. Loading up the car with a tent, a caravan and an alarming quantity of Dutch supermarket food is such a national ritual that we’ve written an entire guide to camping in France like a Dutchie.
Italy and Spain get a look in, but France is the motherland.
Find a good BSO
For the weeks nobody has leave left for, there’s buitenschoolse opvang (BSO, out-of-school care).
Families already using BSO can book extra holiday weeks, though the good spots vanish early and it costs more, which is why savvy parents sort this in March rather than the second week of July. Local summer camps mop up whatever’s left.
Forget about the screen time limits
Then there’s option three: a fortnight of working from the kitchen table while your children slowly fuse with the sofa and set new personal records for screen time. Not glamorous. Extremely popular.
This is happening as this article is being written (for God’s sake, how long can these kids binge-watch The Thundermans??)
6. There’s an upside to all this staggering
Because the regions don’t line up, you can visit friends or family elsewhere while their kids are still trapped in a classroom. Quieter beaches, cheaper campsites, and a shot at the Efteling without queueing for 90 minutes behind a school group.
Four of the six weeks overlap across all three regions, so family reunions are still perfectly doable. Just check the dates before you book anything you can’t refund.
Which region are you in, and did the staggered dates catch you out in your first Dutch summer? Tell us in the comments.
Dutch expressions can sound pretty crazy when you translate them into English. So we thought we’d have some fun explaining our top 10 Dutch sayings to you!
I was at the gym and heard a woman say helaas pindakaas. It was just so confusing, as I knew what helaas (unfortunately) meant and I knew what pindakaas (peanut butter) meant. Why would these be together? 🤔
Keep reading if you’d like to avoid the confusion I had to deal with that day (and many months after)!
1. Alsof er een engeltje over je tong piest
Direct English translation: “As if an angel pisses on your tongue.”
You can use this one the first time you’re asked, “What do you think about bitterballen?” or “Have you had stamppot yet? How was it?”. This answer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser if the crowd is Dutch.
D’you love the snacks at your office borrel? That’s the perfect time to drop this quirky Dutch phrase and impress your coworkers! 🙌 Image: DepositPhotos.com
This Dutch expression means you very much enjoyed your food. Even if that’s untrue, be nice — it doesn’t cost a thing. 😉
Just make sure not to order a stamppot again — but keep ordering bitterballen. They are heel lekker (very tasty)!
2. Met de deur in huis vallen
Direct English translation: “To fall with the door into the house.”
If you’re new to the Netherlands, you will soon hear about Dutch directness. Dutchies don’t mess around and won’t waste any time on your feelings or self-confidence.
Thick skin is a must, and it has to be built if it ain’t there. Practice with your friends, because throwing insults at each other is the best way to maintain friendships.
You will know you have mastered this Dutch expression when, at the Monday morning meeting, you open with “Harry, you look terrible and have been under-performing for weeks” instead of “Good morning, everyone!”
3. Ben je van de trap gevallen?
Direct English translation: “Did you fall down the stairs?”
Given their extreme stair builds, it seems like a perfectly normal thing to say in the Netherlands.
Regrettably, this phrase doesn’t have an awful lot to do with actual stairs. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
However, stairs have nothing to do with it, as “ben je van de trap gevallen” is an appropriate Dutch expression when someone just got a haircut. Preferably, a pretty drastic one, not just a trim.
The original expression was hij is van de trap gevallen en heeft zijn haar gebroken —he fell down the stairs and broke his hair.
Where is the logic to this expression? We don’t know, but we’ll go with it!
4. Wie boter op zijn hoofd heeft, moet uit de zon blijven
Direct English translation: “He who has butter on his head should stay out of the sun.”
Here are two important lessons for all of us kids:
If you do, in fact, have butter on your head — wipe it off. That’s really weird
You should not judge others if you have your faults. Arguably, an even better lesson than number one — but I’m not sure.
This Dutch expression is comparable to the English counterpart: “people in glass houses should not throw stones”, meaning that those with obvious flaws shouldn’t draw attention to other people’s imperfections.
5. Een klap van de molen krijgen
Direct English translation: “To have been hit by the windmill.”
This phrase includes the most Dutch thing I’ve probably ever heard — although helaas pindakaas is up there.
This Dutch expression refers to acting dumb or crazy, and it’s pretty self-explanatory. It’s the opposite of doe normaal (which you should always do, by the way).
Is this the most Dutch phrase yet? 🤔 The jury’s still out on that one! Image: DepositPhotos.com
It’s probably something appropriate to tell your Dutch colleagues if you spot them having something warm for lunch — but hey, don’t quote me.
6. Als haringen in een ton zitten
Direct English translation: “To sit like herrings in a barrel.”
This is the perfect phrase for when you’re about to get on public transport during rush hour — or in Amsterdam, ever.
I imagine herrings in a barrel are uncomfortable, smell bad, and are probably dead. You will most probably feel the same while you’re packed in a train carriage full of other people.
(Oké, you may still be alive, but you may wish you weren’t for a moment there. 👀)
7. Nu komt de aap uit de mouw
Direct English translation: “Now the monkey comes out of the sleeve.”
This expression refers to the way you reveal a secret without intending to do so, the same way a cat comes out of the bag in English.
It’s never easy to learn that someone has spilled your secrets — but, hey, at least there’s a quirky Dutch phrase that applies to this scenario! Image: Magnific
As mentioned before in this article, (and probably in any other you’ll ever read about the Dutch?), people from the Netherlands are direct — and they don’t give a damn about it.
However, if Jan ever tells you he’s busy at work, and you spot him on the terrace with Marijke, you know what to say.
8. De kaas van je brood laten eten
Direct English translation: “To let the cheese on your bread be eaten.”
Now, if you’ve ever seen a typical Dutch lunch, it consists of 2 very important ingredients: bread and cheese. Obviously, the best part of this sophisticated meal is the cheese.
Letting someone else eat it means you’re probably too generous, which brings us to the real meaning of this expression: don’t let other people take advantage of you.
9. Eén zwaluw maakt nog geen zomer
Direct English translation: “One swallow doesn’t make summer.”
(FYI: we’re talking about the bird, not the throat action, friends. 😉)
It’ll take more than a flock of birds before we start believing in Dutch summer. 👀 Image: Magnific
This is a flexible one when it comes to Dutch expressions, and it refers to the fact that you generally need more than one clue to conclude that something’s true.
Feel free to add that 2, 3, 4 — or even 100 swallows don’t make summer since it’s usually true. God only knows what makes summer in the Netherlands last.
10. Dutch expressions: Je lult uit je nek
Direct English translation: “You’re d*cking out of your neck.”
No, not ducking. That’s right, we’re finishing in style.
Sometimes shortened to only je lult, this graceful Dutch expression means you’re calling out someone’s bullshit. The longer version is usually used to refer to a more serious spread of misinformation, especially on purpose.
The short version, however, is used in all sorts of contexts, even if you want to say “no way”, “can’t be true”, “can’t believe it”, and so on.
Till the next time, doe lekker normaal and speak like a pro-Dutchie!
What’s the weirdest Dutch phrase you have ever come across? Ever been left stunned by weird translations? Tell us in the comments!
The Netherlands is a land of art and museums. From the Frans Hals and Van Gogh Museums to the Rembrandt House, visitors come each year to admire their genius.
But how many of us ever pause to ask these questions: where are the works of female painters from the Dutch Renaissance and the Golden Age?
How come Dutch museums are only named after famous male painters, and why does nobody ever talk about these women?
An erased legacy displayed in today’s museums
The very first art critics in the (Dutch) Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras often made fun of female painters. “Women paint with their brushes between their toes,” one infamously said.
We are all often in awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling paintings, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, and Vermeer’s Milkmaid, but I’m sure that there aren’t many people who know the name of a single female painter from that era.
It’s almost as if their legacy has been completely erased from the history books.
Only 13% of art pieces displayed in today’s museums were made by a woman. Only 2% of the art market’s turnover is spent on artworks by female painters. And 10% of international galleries do not represent any women at all.
Alarming figures regularly crop up about the underrepresentation of women in art, and not much has been done to change things.
For centuries, women were excluded from the art world in all kinds of ways, yet a number of them managed to become highly esteemed painters, despite the many obstacles they encountered.
Female invisibility in a patriarchal society
A comment you often hear is: “If there are no famous female painters, maybe it’s because they were just not good enough.”
But, the reason why there are so few female painters doesn’t necessarily lie with women not being good enough, but with a patriarchal society that sought to shackle them with repressive social standards.
The difference between men and women was very clear in the Renaissance and Dutch Golden Age eras: men were allowed to get an education, chase careers, and be successful, while women were forced to stay at home.
This meant that women were actually not visible in society. They were mainly expected to stay indoors to take care of the household and the children.
Although male painters liked and regularly depicted women on their canvases, it was not socially acceptable for women to practice the profession themselves.
Everything was aimed at excluding them from painting as much as possible.
They had less access to education, were not allowed to study nude models to gain knowledge of human anatomy, and were banned from art schools.
This made it extremely difficult for women to learn to paint at a high level.
Against all odds
Considering all these obstacles, it is truly a miracle that there have been women who succeeded in becoming quality painters. This often had to do with the fact that they received a lot of support from their families.
Although the purpose was not for them to make a career, especially in the eclectic world of art, there were still parents who supported their daughters in developing their artistic talent.
Many of the well-known female painters had fathers who were painters, so they were lucky to learn the tricks of the trade from childhood by observing them in their studios.
Others came from well-to-do families and had the means to afford the costly affair of apprenticing to a painter.
As a result, women depended very much on the wealth and approval of their fathers or male guardians for their art education.
This explains why famous female painters in the Renaissance and Golden Age eras were so rare. The freedom and opportunity to develop as a painter belonged exclusively to privileged women.
Yet, their guts, talent, and perseverance must also be praised. By embarking on a career as a painter, these women went against the prevailing norms of how a woman was supposed to behave.
By taking the plunge and going for their passion, they lifted painting to a higher level.
Dutch women painters of the 17th century
In the Netherlands, female painters played an important role in the development of art. Still-life painting, a genre typical of the Low Countries, was mostly mastered by women of this era.
Three women painters stood out.
Maria van Oosterwijck
Maria van Oosterwijck (1630-1693) came from a family of painters but did not become an apprentice until she was thirty.
In 1666, Maria moved to Amsterdam, where she became an assistant to still-life painter Willem van Aelst. At his studio, Maria developed into a painter of international repute.
She was best known for her highly detailed still-life flowers and often went to the Hortus Botanicus in search of rare flowers to immortalize.
Her works were highly sought after and sold to heads of state and noblemen, from King Louis XIV and Emperor Leopold I of Austria, to Cosimo de Medici and William III of England.
On December 28, 1667, the Florentine Prince, Cosimo III de Medici said that her still-lifes were just as good as those of the renowned Van Aelst.
When Cosimo III bought two paintings from her after his second trip to Holland in 1669, Maria became a household name in the art world.
While many painters in Amsterdam and elsewhere struggled to keep their heads above water between 1680 and 1690, Maria’s reputation and the general appreciation for her work remained high, even in the highest European circles.
In 1684, Jan III Sobieski, King of Poland, bought three paintings from her for the capital sum of 2,400 guilders.
When Johann Georg III, Elector of Saxony, visited The Hague on a trip in 1688 and saw three of her paintings, he was so impressed he bought them for 1,500 guilders.
Louis XIV (the Sun King) also had one of her paintings in his “art cabinet”.
Through Constantijn Huygens’ intervention, King-Stadtholder William III and his wife Maria Stuart acquired two paintings from Maria in 1689, one for the price of nine hundred guilders. Both paintings are still part of the English Royal Collection at Hampton Court in London.
Thanks to her art sales, Maria was able to buy a house on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht, where she trained other female painters, including her former maid Geertje Pieters and another very talented pupil of Willem van Aelst, Rachel Ruysch.
Constantijn Huygens wrote a poem about Maria in 1677, saying: “Maria van Oosterwijck stands at a rare height and has no equal.”
In 1690, at sixty years of age, Maria withdrew from the painting world.
She moved to Uitdam to live with her nephew Jacobus van Assendelft, who had become a preacher in 1688. She died three years after the move.
In the past two centuries, interest in her paintings has declined somewhat, but presently, her works are attracting more attention again and are sold for high prices.
Rachel Ruysch
Rachel Ruysch (1664-1750) grew up in a rather interesting family.
Her father was a well-known anatomist who owned a large collection of rare flora and fauna. Her mother’s family consisted of many painters, as a result of which she came into contact with painting as well as with animals and plants from an early age.
She showed so much talent as a still-life painter that her parents decided to send her to become an apprentice to Willem van Aelst. It is quite possible that her training was largely carried out by Maria van Oosterwijck.
Rachel preferred to paint woodland grounds and compositions with flowers. Because flowers were an immensely popular motive in the Netherlands during the Golden Age, her lively, colourful works soon started to draw attention.
Her paintings sold for such high prices that she could live comfortably by making only a few works per year.
In the summer of 1695, Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatinate, visited Frederik Ruysch’s museum. On that occasion, he doubtlessly also saw the paintings of Rachel, who was now married to the painter Jurriaan Pool.
She had just given birth to her first child, but motherhood did not prevent her from continuing her career as a painter.
At this point in her career, she had become very famous and successful, and in 1699, she was offered membership into the Confrerie Pictura in The Hague as recognition for her contributions to art.
She was the first woman to receive this honour. As a mother of ten children, she must have had a very busy life, but nevertheless, she continued to paint until her death at the proud age of 86.
Judith Leyster
Although women like Maria van Oosterwijck and Rachel Ruysch had a great influence in the painting world, there is one woman who managed to make an even bigger impression.
In 1633, Judith Leyster (1609-1660) was the first woman in the Western world to be recognized as a master painter.
It’s a mystery how she developed into a painter since she did not come from an artistic family.
At the age of nineteen, she was already known in her hometown of Haarlem as a highly talented young woman who could compete with the best male painters of her time.
In 1633, she was admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke of Artisans, making her the first woman to be recognised as a master painter.
Her style is very similar to that of Frans Hals, and some of her works were once wrongly assigned to him.
Since Judith signed her works with only the letter “J”, it was also rumoured that Frans Hals might have had an unknown brother by the name of Jan.
Leyster specialised in painting cheerful genre scenes. The people in her works often have vivid facial expressions and casual poses.
As far as we know, Judith Leyster is the only woman who made paintings of modern figures, instead of mythological and Biblical scenes.
Unfortunately, very few of her paintings have survived, probably because she only worked as a painter for a relatively short period of time.
In 1635, she married the painter Jan Molenaer, after which she left the art world. Eighteen paintings are attributed to her with certainty. These works largely date from the period 1628-1635.
In 2016, one of her self-portraits surfaced, probably dating from 1653. The painting was auctioned for half a million euros.
Leyster’s works can be found in the Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis, the National Gallery in London, the Frans Hals Museum, and Museum Boerhaave.
Passion for art and revolution
These female painters were a rarity in a world that left little room for women to develop their talents. They were not supposed to have had the careers they carved out for themselves.
Yet, some of them dared to take the revolutionary step towards an “unconventional” life as professional painters.
These women often found themselves in an environment where they were encouraged to develop themselves, such as progressive monasteries or a family that offered support.
The vast majority of these female painters have long disappeared from our history books, but thanks to feminist historical research, they are increasingly being “rediscovered” today.
The growing attention provides for new exhibitions that demonstrate the importance of these women for painting.
More museums in the Netherlands, Europe, and the world need to have exhibitions showcasing their paintings and telling the story of how much they have contributed to the art world.
I hope we get to a point where little children can learn about these wonderful women just as much as they are taught about van Gogh or Rembrandt.
And that museums are opened and named after them, and their genius works of art are displayed with pride for all to see, enjoy, and admire. They deserve to be celebrated and not forgotten.
Which female Dutch painter is your favourite? Have you ever seen their work in a museum? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.
The Dutch cabinet is preparing a ban on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, but enforcing it will be far harder than announcing it.
The problem boils down to the humble labels on imports, which currently give customs officers almost nothing to work with.
Which products are from where?
An investigation by the legal non-profit Global Echo analysed nearly 6,000 shipments of citrus, dates and tahini sent from Israel to Europe between 2017 and 2026.
Roughly one in five consignments arriving in the EU turned out to be grown in illegal settlements, despite carrying a “Product of Israel” label.
Activists are already warning customers about what not to buy. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
That mislabelling is exactly what the Raad van State (an independent body that advises the government on legislation) flagged when it reviewed the proposal.
Customs officials and importers, it warned, will struggle to prove where a piece of fruit actually grew.
What’s actually being banned?
According to NU.nl, less than you might assume. The measure the cabinet announced covers agricultural goods such as citrus, sesame, dates, avocados and pomegranates.
However, Israel’s heavyweight exports to Europe are medical equipment, weapons, chips, and services like software, cybersecurity and cloud computing. Those are almost entirely made inside Israel proper, so they’re untouched.
Thomas van Gool, spokesperson for the peace organisation PAX, tells NU.nl the ban is good, but won’t cause much harm.
“Physical agricultural products are only a small part of the trade between Israel and Europe,” he tells the outlet. “But even so, any form of trade is enough to keep a settlement economically afloat. However small, it contributes to its viability.”
He also points out that most shoppers aren’t inspecting origin labels in the vegetable aisle. “Most people buy it by accident, they don’t check labels on vegetables,” he says. “What matters is that a conversation starts, and that people become more aware of what they’re actually buying.”
“Every settlement product sitting on a shelf here is really one too many,” he continues.
Europe still can’t agree on a ban
The Netherlands is acting alone because Brussels hasn’t managed to. Last week the European Commission again put three options to member states: a licensing system, steep import tariffs, or a full ban.
The Commission prefers the outright prohibition, but it needs all 27 governments to agree, which makes it unlikely for now. Germany and Italy already blocked an earlier attempt by Belgium, Ireland, Slovenia and Spain to suspend the EU-Israel association agreement.
The legal backdrop hasn’t shifted, though. In 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled the occupation and settlements illegal, and said countries must avoid propping them up through trade or investment.
Still, some shops here will feel this ban. For example, The Israël Producten Centrum in Nijkerk, run by the Christian-Zionist group Christenen voor Israël, will have to pull products including Golan Heights wine from its shelves.
Its director describes the measure as symbolic to NU.nl — as does PAX, but for entirely opposite reasons.
Do you check where your fruit comes from, or is this the first time you’ve thought about it? Tell us in the comments.
Romantic weekends in Paris, celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich, or skiing in the French Alps: these 19 trains departing from Holland are guaranteed to bring you to dreamy destinations.
Sustainable, fast, AND comfortable, travelling with international trains from the Netherlands is an easy decision.
But are you still struggling to find your perfect destination? Strap in to find the ultimate getaway!
☀️ Direct international day trains from the Netherlands
One of the many beauties of the European continent is its extraordinary train network. It’s never been so easy to hop on a train and ride straight into an international adventure. 🚂
So, all aboard — and strap in for the best direct international connections from the Netherlands!
1. London, England 🏴
Believe it or not, the Channel Tunnel that connects France to England is only 50 kilometres long! Image: Magnetic
Ready to swap haringand stamppot for fish and chips? Or do you just want to enjoy an ice-cold beer at an authentic English pub? Well, London’s the place to be then — innit? 😉
Geen probleem (no problem), says Eurostar. In as little as 3 hours and 56 minutes, their high-speed train will bring you all the way across the North Sea and deliver you to London’s St. Pancras Station.
The direct train from Amsterdam to London, which also stops in Rotterdam, runs five times a day, and gives travellers a great variety of choices!
💸 Cost: Starting from €44 ⏰ Duration: From 3 hours 56 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal
2. Antwerp, Belgium 🇧🇪
Antwerp’s impressive ‘Cathedral of Our Lady’ is a UNESCO world heritage site! Image: Rolf Kranz/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0
Ah Belgium, the beloved (or is it?) little brother of the Netherlands. It’s no surprise that Antwerp made our list of international trains from the Netherlands. 🇧🇪
Just a short 1 hour 15 minutes Eurostar train journey away from Amsterdam, Antwerp is a great destination for a weekend away or a day trip. But pro tip: The journey’s cheaper (and only 30 minutes longer) if you opt for the Brussels InterCity.
What is there to do in Antwerp, you ask? Well, plenty! Antwerp is a river city with extraordinary architecture, an international culinary scene, hipster delights, and yet a charming historic centre. Museums, concerts, parks, shops — you name it, Antwerp’s got it!
💸 Cost: Starting from €15.50 ⏰ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal, Breda
3. Brussels, Belgium 🇧🇪
Brussels’ glorious Royal Palace is just one example of the city’s stunning architecture. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Fries, mussels, beer, and chocolate? SIGN US UP, because we can’t get enough of these Belgian delicacies. The best place to find them? In the Belgian capital, of course. 🧇🍟🍺
Brussels is a multicultural city with so much more than just great grub. It’s also got glorious architecture and a fascinating history — a city that truly has something to offer to everyone.
Curious to go see it for yourself? The IC Brussels will sweep you from Amsterdam to Brussels’ Manneken Pis in less than three hours.
💸 Cost: Starting from €19 ⏰ Duration: 2 hours 44 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal, Breda
4. Paris, France 🇫🇷
Ready to climb up the 1,665 steps to reach the top of the Eiffel Tower? 🏃 Image: DepositPhotos.com
Eating the freshest of French pastries, taking long walks down the Seine, hanging with Mona Lisa, and having a cheeky kiss with a sexy Parisian (or your significant other) in front of the Eiffel Tower: Ooh la la!
The answer is ‘oui’: you can get to Paris from Amsterdam by train — in as little as 3 hours and 20 minutes! 🇫🇷
Eurostar’s fast train scoops you up from Amsterdam’s Central Station and delivers you to Paris faster than you can say ‘croissant’. You even have multiple departures each day to choose from!
💸 Cost: Starting from €35 ⏰ Duration (from Amsterdam): 3 hours 33 minutes 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal
5. Düsseldorf, Germany 🇩🇪
A taste of the Netherlands in Germany: Düsseldorf’s marina hosts houseboats just like Amsterdam does! Image: Frank Vincentz/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
A short 2 hours and 12 minutes away from Amsterdam lies Düsseldorf — the fashion capital of Germany. It’s a super popular place for a short getaway among Nederlanders, and its easy accessibility by train is just one of the many reasons why.
Need travel inspo? Say no more. Climb the Rhine Tower to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the city, enjoy a German beer in the world’s longest bar street, go on a romantic walk along the Rhine promenade, and window shop in the lavish Königsallee.
Oh, and while you’re in Germany, don’t forget to stop by a bakery to have some real bread (because the Netherlands doesn’t have any). 😉
💸 Cost: Starting from €20 ⏰ Duration: 2 hours 12 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal
6. Cologne, Germany 🇩🇪
The Rhine flows all the way from Switzerland, through Germany, before flowing into the North Sea in Rotterdam. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Köln (Cologne) is one of those super underrated cities that should definitely be on your travel radar for this year!
From the magnificent Kölner Dom to the delicious chocolate museum, you are guaranteed to have a splendid time.
NS’s international Intercity will swoop you out of Amsterdam and bring you straight to Cologne in just over three hours.
💸 Cost: Starting from €20 ⏰ Duration: 3 hours 17 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal
7. Disneyland Paris, France 🇫🇷
Sure, Europe has many castles — but none of them is quite as cute (and pink) as Disney’s! 🏰 Image: DepositPhotos.com
Looking to escape reality for a wee while? Get those mouse ears on, because just a stone’s throw away from France’s capital lies Disney’s only European location: Disneyland Paris. Wat leuk!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adrenaline junkie or simply trying to relive your dearest childhood memories, Disney’s magical vibe will make your dreams come true. 🪄
Jump aboard the Eurostar in Amsterdam and bibbidi-bobbidi-boo: within three and a half hours, you’ll be standing eye to eye with Mickey and his friends. 🐭
💸 Cost: Starting from €35 ⏰ Duration: 3 hours 33 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal
8. Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
In Berlin, history and modernity exist side by side. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Do you want to shamelessly let out your inner hipster for a weekend? Or maybe learn about World War II? Berlin is the place for you. The German capital is a perfect getaway by train from the Netherlands.
With exceptional landmarks, a vibrant cultural scene, and some of the world’s best Döner Kebab, Berlin never ceases to amaze us.
Thanks to the InterCity between Amsterdam and Berlin, you can easily make your Berlin-dreams come true! The best part? The train’s five daily departures between 7 AM and 3 PM let you be heel flexible in your travels.
💸 Cost: Starting at €40 ⏰ Duration: 6 hours 25 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Hilversum, Amersfoort Centraal, Apeldoorn, Deventer, Almelo, Hengelo
🛌 International sleeper trains from Amsterdam and beyond
Fancy going to sleep in the Netherlands and waking up in another country? Geen problem!
The Netherlands has multiple overnight trains that can take you to different destinations around Europe — all while dreaming the sweetest dreams. 😴
This Swiss city on the Rhine river has plenty of reasons (and rich people 😉) to fall in love with — why not go see for yourself? It’s only a night’s train away!
Although it’s a small city, Basel won’t let you run out of things to do that easily. As the cultural capital of Switzerland, the city hosts countless museums and art galleries that will have any art lover swooning.
Prefer to explore nature? Just take a dip in the Rhine (if you dare), or ride a bike over to Germany or France. 🚵♀️
💸 Cost: Starting at €50 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 9 hours 52 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal
10. Munich, Germany 🇩🇪
Heading to Munich? Don’t forget to pack those Lederhosen! 👖Image: DepositPhotos.com
Oktoberfest vibes year-round? Heck yeah, we’re here for it. Munich is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Germany — so it would be wrong not to include it on a list of the best places to get to by international train from the Netherlands.
If nibbling on a warm pretzel and sipping fresh German beer sounds like the perfect weekend for you, then what are you waiting for? 🥨
Nightjet’s sleeper train will take you from Amsterdam to Munich within 12 hours, and offer you a journey that’s much more manageable than driving on the Autobahn!
💸 Cost: Starting from €30 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 11 hours 40 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Tucked in the incredible landscape of the Austrian Alps, this small town will definitely leave you wanting more. 🏔️
💸 Cost: Starting at €30 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
12. Zurich, Switzerland 🇨🇭
Every year, Zürich finds itself in the top three of the most liveable cities in the world. Image: DepositPhotos.com
Move a little further into Switzerland, and you’ll find captivating Zurich, the biggest city of the country (but not its capital, nuh-uh!). 🇨🇭
Once you’ve arrived, swap out Dutch cheese for Swiss cheese and explore the colourful old town. Sounds good? Natuurlijk it does — and luckily, Nightjet’s sleeper train from Amsterdam can effortlessly get you there.
Step on in Amsterdam at 8.28 PM, fall asleep to the rhythmic chugging of the train, and open your eyes in Zurich at 8.05 AM, fully rested and ready bright and early to seize the day.
💸 Cost: Starting at €40 for a seat, €80 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 11 hours 37 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Arnhem Centraal
13. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹
Even the trams in Vienna look picturesque! 🚋 Image: DepositPhotos.com
Visiting Vienna is dangerous. The chances are REALLY high you’ll want to move there. After all, it’s been crowned the world’s most livable city MANY years in a row. 🇦🇹
But tourists enjoy Vienna just as much as locals do. After all, who wouldn’t love to enjoy a lekker Wiener Schnitzel surrounded by inspiring street art and lavish architecture?
Good news: getting from Amsterdam to Austria’s capital is easy as pie (or should we say Apfelstrudel?). With Nightjet’s sleeper, you’ll have crossed the 1,200-kilometre distance in just under 14 hours.
💸 Cost: Starting from €70 for a seat, €117 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
14. Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
Compared to Amsterdam, Prague is a really cheap city — especially when it comes to food and drinks. 🍻 Image: DepositPhotos.com
The sleeper train between Amsterdam and Prague was long anticipated and launched in March of 2024.
From visiting Prague’s many museums to roaming around the old town and tasting the delicious local cuisine, Prague is a true gem that should feature on anyone’s travel bucket list.
Thanks to European Sleeper, getting to the lovely capital of the Czech Republic is now as easy as falling asleep. 😴
💸 Cost: Starting from €79 for a seat, €99 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 12 hours 10 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Rosendaal, Rotterdam Centraal, Den Haag HS, Amsterdam Centraal, Amersfoort Centraal, Deventer
Going to sleep in flat ol’ Netherlands and waking up in a green mountain paradise? Yup, thanks to European Sleeper’s night train to Germany, it’s possible!
In so-called Saxon Switzerland, a national park located south of the city of Dresden, you’ll find breathtaking sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, deep canyons, lush valleys, and amazing lookout points. 🏔️
It’s a great place for an outdoorsy getaway. And the best part? It’s just a train ride away!
💸 Cost: Starting from €79 for a seat, €99 for a sleeping cot ⏰ Duration: 9 hours 55 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Rosendaal, Rotterdam Centraal, Den Haag HS, Amsterdam Centraal, Amersfoort Centraal, Deventer
🌦️ Seasonal international trains from the Netherlands
Train carriers just know how to cater to their clientèle, which is why Eurostar introduced two special seasonal train lines for the summer and winter, respectively. How leuk!
While Eurostar Sun will take you to the south of France, Eurostar Snow heads for the French Alps at a top speed of 300 kilometres an hour! 🚝
16. South of France 🇫🇷
So you’re telling us we can get here by TRAIN?! 😍 Image: DepositPhotos.com
If you’re anything like us, then the Netherlands has you dreaming of the Mediterranean sunshine. Lucky for all of us sun-chasers, Thalys is making these dreams MUCH more attainable. Oh mon Dieu ! ☀️
Forget traffic jams, high petrol prices and stressful pee-breaks, and think tanned Frenchmen, fresh seafood, and a blue, blue sea! With Eurostar’s seasonal Eurostar Sun line, travelling to the South of France is easy as ever.
This international train from the Netherlands rides to four French Mediterranean destinations in just eight hours: Valence, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Marseille.
💸 Cost: Starting from €49 ⏰ Duration: 13 hours 45 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal
17. French Alps 🇫🇷
Whether you’re a skier or a hiker, the French Alps will happily accommodate you! ⛷️ Image: DepositPhotos.com
Ah, the marvellous French Alps, what a sight for sore eyes! If you are (like the Dutchies), a fan of zooming down the slopes, and singing your heart out at après-ski parties, then jump aboard.
Every Saturday between December 2025 and April 2026, Eurostar Snow’s international train from the Netherlands can take you to some of the most marvellous ski resorts of the French Alps.
Stops along the way include Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne, Landry and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
💸 Cost: Starting from €65 ⏰ Duration: 8 hours 50 minutes (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal
🚝 More international trains from the Netherlands
So far, all the trains included in this article have been direct trains from the Netherlands to various European countries.
Of course, if you don’t mind some stops and transfers along the way, you can explore many other exciting destinations. The possibilities are (almost) endless!
Travelling to Italy by train? Certo (of course), it’s possible — all roads lead to Rome, after all!
Throw back one too many Aperols, and indulge in delicious Italian feasts (pizza and tiramisu, anyone?) while losing yourself in the history of one of the oldest cities of Europe. Or, if you’re up for it, get yourself a charming Italian lover to show you around on their Vespa. 😉
With as few as two transfers, you can get from Amsterdam Central to the Italian capital (without having to face crazy Italian drivers along the way), and enjoy all that la Bella Italia has to offer.
💸 Cost: Depends on the trip and amount of transfers —starting from around €110 ⏰ Duration: Around 21 hours (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal 🚏 Common transfer locations: Basel, Zürich, Milan
19. Luxembourg, Luxembourg 🇱🇺
Luxembourg’s unique city centre is divided into two levels: The ‘new town’ above, and the ‘old town’ below! Image: DepositPhotos.com
With the proximity of Luxembourg, it’s surprising that there is no direct international train from the Netherlands to this marvellous little country.
Nonetheless, Luxembourg is just a 6-hour journey away, if you don’t mind a quick transfer (or two, depending on what trip you book) along the way. And let us tell you: Lëtzebuerg is so worth it!
From swimming in lakes to exploring the modern capital or charming medieval towns, the country’s small size makes it easy to see it all within just a few days. The best part? Public transport is entirely free, so getting around will never be an issue.
💸 Cost: Depends on the trip and amount of transfers — starting from around €35 ⏰ Duration: Around 6 hours (from Amsterdam) 🚅 Get on at: Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal 🚏 Common transfer locations: Brussels, Arlon
🍿 Coming soon: more international trains and sleepers from the Netherlands
International train travel is becoming increasingly popular among passengers in the Netherlands. Naturally, train companies are responding by working on even more direct lines. Hoera!
And here is an exciting new confirmed plan! 👇
Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸
Park Guëll is one of Barcelona’s most famous tourist attractions — and we can see why! Image: DepositPhotos.com
If sunshine is calling, any Nederlander will answer. Well, good news for the Dutch: EuropeanSleeper has its eye on Barcelona!
Taking passengers from several stations in the Netherlands to Spain’s picturesque heart, the sleeper is projected to get here by 2027. 💃
⚖️ Pros and cons of travelling with international trains from the Netherlands
Whether travelling by international train is the right thing for you is up to you to decide. Nonetheless, we’ve compiled some pros and cons to help you make up your mind.
Pros
It’s super eco-friendly!
It’s a lot faster than travelling by bus.
During your journey, you can easily work or relax.
You can avoid traffic jams.
It’s a great option for people who are afraid of flying.
Cons
It can be pricey.
Most of the time, it’s slower than flying.
Trains can be crowded and noisy. (Noise-cancelling headphones can help!)
You might be less flexible once you arrive at your destination (but the same goes for flying).
Trains can be unreliable.
🎟️ How to buy tickets for international trains from the Netherlands
Most international train tickets from the Netherlands can be conveniently ordered on NS International’s website or at a physical NS counter at a train station.
However, if you want to save some bucks, it may be worth checking the websites of the respective train carriers first (for example, Eurostar, European Sleeper and Nightjet). They sometimes offer better deals or specials.
👌 Tips for international train journeys from the Netherlands
While international trains from the Netherlands are A-MAZING in themselves, here are some tips to follow that will make your trip even more pleasant.
If you’re trying to secure cheap tickets (because why wouldn’t you?), book early. If you book far enough in advance, tickets can be up to €100 to €200 cheaper.
Always book your journey from your actual departure station, rather than using your own OV-chipcard for the Dutch part of the trip. This is cheaper and saves you the hassle of checking in twice.
If you’re looking to go away for a long weekend, it’s cheaper to go from Saturday to Monday than from Friday to Sunday.
When travelling on an international train from the Netherlands, remember to bring your ID or passport, and residence permit (if you have one). Even if you don’t go through a security check, your documents could be checked at customs.
Don’t forget to take out some cash before leaving the Netherlands. While the Netherlands likes to do everything by bankpas, other countries might not.
If tickets for your desired destinations are not available yet, make sure to set yourself a reminder in your calendar. Remember: The early bird catches the worm.
Now, what are you waiting for? Time to book that train journey to the destination of your dreams!
Hopefully, these international trains from the Netherlands will make travelling as easy-breezy as the Dutch coast.
Do you prefer to travel internationally by train, car, or plane? Tell us in the comments below!
🙋♀️ FAQs: International trains and sleepers from the Netherlands
Which countries can I go to from the Netherlands by train?
Technically, with enough transfers, international trains from the Netherlands could get you to most countries in Europe! But if you don’t feel like endless transfers, direct international trains from the Netherlands can take you to France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and England.
Are there international trains from the Netherlands?
Yes! People living in, or visiting the Netherlands are lucky to have several international trains available to them. The great connections make it easy to get around Europe.
What companies operate international trains from the Netherlands?
Depending on their destinations, international trains from the Netherlands are operated by different companies. The leading operators are Thalys, Eurostar, Nightjet and NS.
How many sleeper trains does the Netherlands have?
In total, there are five sleeper trains from the Netherlands to cities in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
When can I book international train tickets in the Netherlands?
When tickets for international trains go on sale largely depends on the destination of your choice and the company that carries it.
Here’s a list of when different companies start selling their tickets.👇
Thalys (Paris, Disney, Brussels and Antwerpen): 4 months before departure
IC Brussels, and other (indirect) destinations in Belgium: around 11 months before departure
German destinations: 180 days before departure
Eurostar (London): 180 days before departure
What new international trains are coming to the Netherlands?
In an effort to make international travel more sustainable, many more train lines between the Netherlands and other countries are in the works. Confirmed destinations include Barcelona and Milan.
Can I travel from the Netherlands to Italy by train?
Unfortunately, there are no direct international trains from the Netherlands to Italy just yet. However, if you don’t mind a few transfers, then you can easily get to Italy via Switzerland.
Is there a train from the Netherlands to the UK?
Jazeker! Eurostar’s direct can take you from Amsterdam (or Rotterdam) through the chunnel, and deliver you at London’s St. Pancras station in under four hours.
What countries are close to Amsterdam by train?
The neighbouring counties of the Netherlands are Germany and Belgium. These are most easily accessible by international train from Amsterdam.
Weeks of drought have tipped the Netherlands into an official water shortage, with regional watering bans and other measures on the table.
The condition is so severe that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management moved the country up from “impending water shortage” (level 1) to a feitelijk watertekort (actual water shortage; level 2).
Despite sounding the alarm, the Ministry stresses that there’s no need to panic: your tap water is safe. Rijkswaterstaat, the government agency that manages the country’s water, has been working with regional water boards for weeks to “retain water and distribute it as effectively as possible.”
However, with less water to go around, authorities are now making careful choices about where it flows. Depending on where you live and what you do, a few things could be changing.
Local watering bans may be coming
Authorities have outlined restrictions on pulling water from the ground, streams, and ditches — and where those bans apply, watering is off the table.
While these bans hit farmers the hardest, if you’ve got a garden, those same local bans can apply to you too.
As the rules are set locally, by one of the country’s 21 waterschappen (regional water authorities), what applies in one area won’t necessarily apply next door. To find yours, pop your postcode into this lookup tool, then check that authority’s website for the current rules.
How did things get this bad?
The Netherlands gets its fresh water from two sources: rainfall and the Rhine and Meuse rivers flowing in from abroad. Lately, both have been running low, with a hot, dry summer sending demand soaring.
And, as river levels drop, salt water from the sea pushes further upstream, threatening already dwindling freshwater sources that farms and wildlife rely on.
Is the Netherlands in crisis?
Not yet, according to the experts. Level 2 means the water shortage is being actively managed, with one step still above it: level 3, a national crisis, last declared in 2003.
The real question is whether summers like this become the norm. For now, the guidance is what water companies advise every year; use water sparingly, shortage or not.
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You truly never know what headline you’ll read next. A Canadian woman has been caught at Schiphol trying to smuggle a ball python onto a plane.
Thankfully, before Schiphol passengers could experience a real life version of “Snakes on a plane”, the woman was caught.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), the snake was discovered during a safety check, RTL Nieuws reports.
How did she attempt to hide the animal? By stuffing it into her bra… Unfortunately for her, it seems that the cupsize wasn’t enough to disguise a living snake.
Claims to have found it at Amsterdam hotel
The woman apparently told the BOAs that she found the python at her Amsterdam hotel, however, understandably, the NVWA are sceptical of this.
That being said, the NVWA took to social media to clarify that “you are not allowed to simply take protected animals with you on a trip. Not even if you found them on the street.” Especially not if said animal is a python and you’re about to board a plane, if you ask us.
They also report that the snake is now in an animal shelter.
Figuring out punishment
What about the inventive smuggler? While this is a bit of a unique case, the NVWA tells RTL Nieuws that “attempting to smuggle a protected animal will likely not go unpunished.”
A report has been filed to the Public Prosecution Service. They will then determine whether the woman receives a fine.
Ever thought about taking yourself on a Dutch safari? You’d be surprised by the kind of wildlife you can find in the Netherlands!
Embark on this journey and have a gander; we guarantee you’ll soon be able to sort poezen from pluimvee (poultry) and ezels (donkeys) from the eenden (ducks) easily in no time.
Just stay away from any shady swan, which is all of them.
Parakeets fluttering through Amsterdam 🦜
If you’ve walked or rode through Vondelpark and caught a glimpse of what you think is a rose-ringed parakeet, chances are it’s not your imagination (or the shrooms you ingested).
These cheeky little birds are rumoured to have made Amsterdam their home after being accidentally released from an aviary at the zoo in the 1980s.
True to their nature, they took to flight, and it is now estimated there are roughly 3,700 living the city life plus another 10,000 throughout the Netherlands.
Pigeons can’t compete… you have to feel sorry for nature’s D student. Image:Pixabay
Their vibrant plumage and ability to mimic human speech are what make them so unique. They’re also considerably more appealing to look at when compared to pigeons.
If parakeets were cars, they’d be a Bentley, and those pigeons, an unremarkable Fiat. Sorry, not sorry, pigeons, but you didn’t make the “wildlife in the Netherlands” list today.
Seals off the island of Texel 🦭
Ahhh, don’t you love seals? Their inquisitive nature and portly figure make them ripe for enjoyment.
We always found that most of their appeal stems from how they go from being so clumsy on land to graceful and fluid as they move through the water.
If you’re thinking of searching through the Dutch wildlife, and want to catch a glimpse of these sea hounds, then low tide off the coast of Texel is your best bet.
Here you’ll find the aptly named “seal banks” in the Wadden Sea.
If dogs had flippers. Image: Pixabay
Watch them raise their offspring, play with friends or soak up the sun as they lay about on these exposed sand bars.
Fun fact: the Wadden Sea is the world’s largest unbroken system of inter-tidal sand and mudflats! (Feel free to whip that out when you have visitors you want to impress.)
Badgers hiding out in Friesland 🦡
Don’t bother getting up early if you’re looking to do a bit of badger spotting whilst on a Dutch safari, as badgers are nocturnal by nature.
They can, however, be spotted at dusk and night in the Hoge Veluwe or the forests of Limburg, Friesland, Drenthe and Overijssel. But let op! Badgers are vicious when provoked.
Their diet is relatively healthy. Fruit, nuts, and a little bit of protein, such as mice, or even worms, are on their menu for dinner.
“Honey Badgers don’t care. Honey Badgers don’t give a sh*t!” Image: Depositphotos
Until 1980, badger populations in the Netherlands decreased at an alarming rate. This can be attributed to poaching, large-scale land consolidation and sett-digging.
Luckily for the bulky-bodied and beady-eyed badger, in 1984, the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries outlined a conservation plan to protect them.
Since then, they have recovered and now enjoy a pleasant life meandering through the Dutch countryside at night, looking to pick up a quick meal or a badger girlfriend/boyfriend.
Foxes in the dunes of Scheveningen 🦊
Many of you probably already know this, but The Hague was originally built on dunes, so you can find such picturesque scenery just outside of the city limits near the coast.
It’s well worth venturing out of Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Den Haag on a Dutch Safari to take in the view, but the probability of a chance encounter with nature’s most mischievous omnivorous mammal makes it even more special.
Foxes are truly remarkable, and it’s believed that their hearing is so good they can hear a watch ticking from 40 yards away.
So, if you decide to take a cycle past their dunes, stay as quiet as possible and keep your eyes peeled.
Also, don’t tell your Dutch friends from the countryside you’re going fox spotting, as farmers love foxes about as much as Geert Wilders loves the Koran.
Good to know: Remember to keep your distance when observing animals in their natural habitat.
Did we miss any wildlife animals on this list? Tell us in the comments below! 👇
The pilgrims in Leiden were a religious group that escaped from England and came to live in the Netherlands. From there, they would sail to the New World and become a crucial group in the history of the US.
Before the pilgrims came to Leiden, the city already had a history of diverse inhabitants.
Before the pilgrims arrived
Before they were expelled at the beginning of the 80 Years’ War, the streets of Leiden housed the Catholic Spaniards. After the Spaniards were forced to leave, French-speaking refugees took their place.
All of this led to a massive increase in population: between the late 16th century and the mid-17th century, the population of the city grew from 15,000 to 45,000.
Then, the pilgrims arrived. Anyone familiar with the founding story of the United States will have heard about them before: the tiny group of people who sailed to America aboard the Mayflower to become the founders of the Colony of Plymouth in New England.
Another association you’ll have with the pilgrims is, of course, Thanksgiving.
Fleeing from England
So how did the pilgrims end up in Leiden? Well, prior to their move to the Netherlands, many of the pilgrims lived in a farming village called Scrooby, close to northern Nottinghamshire.
Because of the beliefs they held, they had irreconcilable differences with the Church of England, so the group had to leave the country.
Queen Elizabeth I was a real threat to the pilgrim’s lives. Image: Anonymous/WikimediaCommons/Public Domain
By the early 1600s, Queen Elizabeth I was persecuting the pilgrims, an example that her successor, James I, followed.
Elizabeth made it illegal to attend the services of an unofficial church. Disobeying meant fines, imprisonment, or execution.
Leiden: the pilgrims’ home away from home
Like anyone sensible, the pilgrims didn’t love the idea of dying for their beliefs.
So, they left England in 1608. They held high hopes that they would establish a city somewhere that would allow them to keep their religious beliefs and identity.
First, the pilgrims arrived in the largest city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Amsterdam was already home to many separatist groups, as well as people following religions other than Christianity, so the pilgrims decided to settle in Leiden instead.
Leiden was the second biggest city in the Netherlands at the time and had a thriving industrial centre with a lot of job opportunities in the textile and brewing sectors.
These industries allowed the pilgrims to find work without Dutch language skills.
The plaque that remembers the Pilgrim Fathers in Leiden. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
In the permission letter from the city for their relocation, pastor Robinson wrote that Leiden “refuses no honest people free entry to live in the city, as long as they behave honestly and obey all the laws and ordinances, and under those conditions, the applicants’ arrival here would be pleasing and welcome.”
The pilgrims settled on land close to St. Pieterskerk. In a short amount of time, the number of Pilgrims in the city increased to 300 from the initial 100.
One of the houses that the Pilgrims in Leiden lived in. Now home to the American Pilgrim Museum. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/ Supplied
Pilgrims in Leiden
For pilgrim families who moved to Leiden from bigger cities, adjusting to city life was not such a big deal. However, for those who came from farming backgrounds, the adjustment was more difficult.
Apart from a few, like William Brewster, who eventually took a job as an English teacher, and John Robinson, who enrolled at the University of Leiden for a doctorate, many of the pilgrims worked at demanding jobs six days a week.
In addition, they lived in small, one-roomed houses. Parents would sometimes teach their kids how to read and write at home, and they would then help out around the house from age eight and up.
Leiden on a summer’s day. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Times of hardship
Life in this newfound city was not easy. At first they accepted it, but as the years went by and many of the original pilgrims got older, they started to find their living conditions intolerable.
Many of them had little to no educational background. That, and the language barrier, made going about daily life difficult.
You can sense Leiden’s history as you walk around it. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Additionally, their now grown-up children were learning Dutch, refusing the “old ways”, and yearning for a different way of life. Their parents feared that their legacy was approaching extinction.
At the same time, the political state of the Netherlands was becoming more unstable. There was a military coup, and the number of riots, military restrictions, and instances of censorship had increased dramatically.
Journey into the unknown
Afraid of losing their identity, the pilgrims of Leiden decided to leave behind the harsh conditions of Leiden in search of a new home. They didn’t want to assimilate or be punished for their beliefs. In the end, they decided to sail to America.
Historical buildings fill the streets of Leiden. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
At first, only a few of the pilgrims made the journey to America. These were the youngest and fittest pilgrims from Leiden. Moreover, each of them had essential skills that would be crucial for their lives in the New World.
The rest of the Leiden pilgrims were supposed to join them later — but some of them didn’t make it over.
As the years went on, the pilgrims who stayed in the Netherlands became part of the Dutch culture and the Calvinist church. Some even changed their names.
The Pilgrims and their story is an important part of the Dutch-American culture, which shaped the national identity shared by millions today.
Did we miss any important facts about the pilgrims’ lives here? Tell us in the comments below!
