According to a new study, the number of international students enrolling in Dutch universities has fallen — for the first time since the pandemic’s initial dip.
Commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, DUO’s updated trend report highlights declining international enrolment in full-time Bachelor’s programmes for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Dutch is now a priority in higher education
Although the current academic year is seeing a decline, the report points out that the number of foreign students in the Netherlands doubled over the past ten years.
With a peak of nearly 30,000 foreign students per year from 2022-2024, the Dutch government has proposed several measures to better manage the surge, such as the Balanced Internationalisation Act.
Using tools such as a limit on the number of places for non-EEA students and a targeted numerus fixus (enrolment cap for study programmes), the proposed bill aims to provide more space for Dutch students amidst the influx.
The focus is now on strengthening Dutch-language education. Image: Depositphotos
According to the bill, the “principle of ‘Dutch, unless’ remains explicitly central” to higher education in the Netherlands, with a heavy emphasis on more Dutch-language education and fewer English-taught programmes.
The language of instruction also plays a bigger role
In contrast to five years ago, whether or not Dutch is the language of instruction now has an increasingly decisive influence on a student’s choice of BA programme.
For first-year students in the 2024/2025 academic year, roughly a quarter indicated that the fact their programme was taught in Dutch played “a major role” in their course selection.
In contrast to Dutch, the “role of the English language seems to be becoming less important.”
Only a quarter of the students surveyed indicated that English instruction was a factor in their course selection — compared to a little more than a third over five years ago.
Are you an international student in the Netherlands, or a concerned Dutch citizen? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
With winter holidays approaching faster than a Dutch cyclist, it’s time to start planning the travels we’ve been dreaming about all year long.
But where there are travel plans, there’s stress. How do you choose the most comfortable travel option that’s also affordable — and where do you even go?
Lucky for us, European Sleeper can take that stress off our hands. Their stunning route takes you from the Netherlands to some of the best-known and loved European destinations (as well as some unexpected hidden gems), all by night train.
So if you’re a solo traveller eager to meet fellow explorers, or a group of friends ready for your next adventure, here are six destinations you can reach by night train from the Netherlands this summer. 👇
1. Discover the unique culture of Berlin
There’s always something to do in Berlin. Image: Dreamstime
Reaching Berlin from the Netherlands with European Sleeper is as simple as closing your eyes and tucking in for a good night’s sleep.
Hop on board a little after 10 PM in Amsterdam Centraal, and you can sleep until you arrive in Berlin a little after 6 AM, ready for a busy day of exploring.
As a city formerly divided between East and West, Berlin has a unique vibe that offers something for everyone, from history buffs to culture enthusiasts.
Since you’re able to comfortably sleep while you travel, it’s very easy to make your trip to Berlin a short weekend trip.
Good news, because it’s needless to say, if you’re looking for a party, this is your place to go.
Tempted, but looking for a balance between comfort and affordability? European Sleeper’s couchette compartments may be the perfect fit for you.
Or are you a solo female traveller and the idea of sharing a sleeping compartment with random people is making you a bit nervous? No worries, European Sleeper offers women-only compartments as well. 😌
Tip! July and August are the highest tourist seasons, so travel in June to avoid the biggest crowds and snag the best deals.
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Just under eight hours.
💸 Couchette ticket price: Starting at €49.99
2. Relax in Bad Schandau
Those landscapes look like they’re straight from a fairytale. Image: Depositphotos
Bad what-now? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who hasn’t heard of this place before — making it the perfect destination if you’re looking to avoid heaps of people on your holiday.
You can even avoid the crowds at your starting destination if you’d like. With European Sleeper, you can start your journey not only from the bustling Amsterdam Centraal but also from Amersfoort, Deventer, The Hague, Rotterdam, or Roosendaal.
Whatever your starting point is, you can settle in for the night and arrive in Bad Schandau at around 9:20 AM.
Tip! For an even more relaxing journey, you can opt for a more comfortable five-person couchette compartment, where you get more space and air conditioning (you are travelling during the summer after all).
This small German town is home to one of the oldest health resorts in Europe. Sitting in the middle of a stunning national park, it has all the ingredients for a relaxing summer getaway.
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Just under ten hours.
💸 Couchette ticket price: Starting at €59.99
3. Get lost in the charm of Prague
We wouldn’t mind getting lost here. Image: Dreamstime
From a hidden gem to a certified classic — and with its stunning historic architecture, the magnificent Vltava, and charming narrow streets, we get why.
This is the longest journey from the Netherlands, departing Amsterdam at around 10:30 PM, you’ll arrive in Prague around midday the next day — which means you can sleep in and arrive energised.
You can also include a breakfast in your booking and enjoy a hot drink, juice, yoghurt with granola, crackers with various toppings and a bun for an additional €14.
If you’re looking for a place to have a fun holiday, but Berlin-style techno clubs sound a bit intense, Prague is a great option for more relaxed nightlife.
Travelling solo? Sleeper trains are a fun way to meet people to go out with if you’re travelling alone or simply looking to expand your circle.
After all, what’s a night of partying when you’ve already spent a night together?
Tip! Prague is also famous for its delicious and affordable food. If you go, make sure to eat at least one honey cake per day (or drink one Czech beer if it’s that kind of holiday).
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Just under 13 hours.
💸 Couchette ticket price: Starting at €69.99
4. Take in the beauty of Dresden
Germany has some serious stuff to offer. Image: Depositphotos
Sometimes called ‘the Florence of the Elbe’, this German city is another treat for architecture lovers.
Travelling with a night train isn’t just about the destination you reach, though. The environment is comfortable, as well as sociable, so you can meet fellow travellers or simply decide to doze off during the night.
However, it doesn’t hurt if the destination you reach is also stunning — the train brings you to Dresden at around 8:20 AM.
Despite being bombed heavily during World War II, Dresden is home to some of the most beautiful baroque buildings in Germany.
But it doesn’t just look classy — it has the activities to go with it. Dresden is one of the best spots in Germany to enjoy opera, classical music, and theatre.
Want to travel to the opera in style? European Sleeper also offers luxury sleeper compartments that come with three comfortable beds, a table, and a complimentary breakfast.
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Just under ten hours.
💸 Couchette ticket price: Starting at €59.99
5. Get active in Dečín
Hike all the way up to this view. Image: Dreamstime
If you’re not just looking to relax, but also get active this summer, Dečín is a great choice.
You won’t get busy city streets or crowds of tourists here — but you will get gorgeous landscapes, loads of hiking spots, and rafting or canoeing on the Elbe.
Sounds like the perfect place to have a bike, right? Good thing European Sleeper allows you to bring yours on board.
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Just over eleven hours.
💸 Couchette ticket price: Starting at €59.99
6. Keep it simple and chic in Brussels
You don’t need to go far to see some serious beauty. Image: Depositphotos
Unfortunately, we sometimes don’t get to take a lot of time off during the summer and travel far. How lucky then, that the Netherlands is so close to the perfect weekend getaway spot — Brussels.
The journey won’t take long, so sleeping compartments aren’t always necessary. Thankfully, European Sleeper also offers cosy six-person seat compartments perfect for covering short distances.
Brussels is close (great), which means the journey is affordable (even more great), but it still has a lot to offer (will the greatness ever end?); you have everything from important EU institutions, to adorable flea markets, to the silly Manneken Pis.
Oh, and the waffles. Do not forget about the waffles.
🚂 Journey length from Amsterdam: Approximately three hours.
💸 Seat ticket price: Starting at €19.99
Time to make friends and memories. Image: European Sleeper/Supplied
If you’re ready to start planning your summer vacations, European Sleeper offers some amazing options for every traveller.
Travelling by night train means even far-away destinations are easier to reach, and the fun doesn’t start when you reach your destination — the journey is already part of the experience. ✨
Which of these destinations sounds the best to you? start your journey and check out tickets on European Sleeper.
Budget travellers rejoice! Even more international train services may be hitting Dutch tracks, and they promise to be way more affordable than NS International.
German travel company Flix, known for its cheerful lime-green FlixBuses and budget-friendly prices, is now expanding its high-speed rail travel network.
Dubbing it a “new era of train travel in Germany and Europe” in a press release, the company hopes to make rail travel more accessible and sustainable — without the hefty price tag we’ve all come to expect from trains in the Netherlands.
Dutch routes and launch dates are still unknown
While the press release doesn’t mention any specific new routes that FlixTrain will operate in the Netherlands, the company’s expansion in the lowlands has been in the works for several years.
Flix first applied to the ACM (Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets) for permission to run a route between Oberhausen and Rotterdam in May 2023.
The proposed route was intended to serve various major stations along the way, such as Arnhem, Utrecht, Amsterdam Centraal, and The Hague.
Affordable prices and sustainable travel? Sign us right up! Image: FlixTrain
“We see FlixTrain as a European product,” CEO André Schwämmlein says in the new press release. “Starting from our home market, we also want to make the service available in other countries.”
Speaking to AD, Schwämmlein confirms that the Netherlands will be on that list of countries.
However, prices will stay low
“We’re generally considerably cheaper than other providers,” Schwämmlein tells AD, while promising that FlixTrain’s prices will stay wallet-friendly.
Currently, FlixTrain operates a limited number of connections to and from certain train stations in the Netherlands (supplemented by carriers such as Eurobahn and DB):
Arnhem
Enschede
Hengelo
Oldenzaal
Venlo
Zevenaar
With prices hovering around €60 for their Berlin to Enschede route, they’re a far cry from the €107.40 you could be paying with NS International.
What do you think of FlixTrain’s proposed expansion to the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
As of October 12, the Netherlands has started replacing traditional passport stamps with digital checks, following the EU’s new Entry and Exit System (EES) requirements.
Are you taking a short trip to the Netherlands from outside the European Union? Certain Dutch airports, train stations, and ports have now started implementing a new Entry and Exit System for non-EU citizens visiting Europe for short stays.
The EES is designed to counter illegal migration and make border control more efficient, but there are some important things for international travellers to know.
What’s changing at Dutch airports?
When you arrive at a Dutch airport, you may now be asked to register certain details at EES self-service kiosks.
Once you’ve submitted all of this information, you’ll be directed to one of two routes for passport control: either the eGates (self-service passport control) or staffed border control booths.
Taking off from or landing at Schiphol? Your check-in process is getting an upgrade. Image: Depositphotos
A similar routine applies if you’re leaving the Netherlands from a Dutch airport. Depending on whether you’re already registered in the EES database or not, your information will either be verified or added to the system.
Good to know: The new EES has currently been rolled out at De Kooy Airport in Den Helder, and will launch at Groningen Eelde and Rotterdam The Hague on October 27, 2025. A small scale launch will begin at Schiphol on November 3, 2025, and by April 10, 2026, there will be full implementation across all Dutch border crossing points.
What’s changing at Dutch train stations?
Similarly, both Amsterdam and Rotterdam Centraal stations will be getting EES updates from November 10, 2025, onwards.
If you’re leaving the Netherlands via train from either of these stations, your passport will be used to verify your data in the EES.
Not verified yet? You’ll need to register your:
Full name
Date of birth
Passport details
As the EES is currently being introduced in stages, you won’t yet be asked to register biometric information like fingerprints or a photo of your face.
If you’re officially entering the Schengen Area from Amsterdam or Rotterdam train stations, the EES will soon apply. Image: Depositphotos
Will you be entering the Schengen Area at either Amsterdam or Rotterdam Centraal station? The French border control authority will be conducting entry checks for trains bound to the EU at London St Pancras station from November 10 onwards.
You’ll have the option to use the eGates or French border control booths, where you’ll need to furnish the same details provided above (i.e. your full name, date of birth, and passport details).
What do you think of Europe’s new Entry and Exit System? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Having lived in the Netherlands as an Indian for the last two years, I am at that awkward phase of expatriation where I feel like a fish out of water everywhere.
I have picked up on things here, like being as straightforward as possible; but still stayed true to where I come from, like having a steaming cup of masala chai almost every day.
Living in the Netherlands hasn’t been the smoothest, mostly because of the culture shocks of just how expensive it is here, and the sun constantly playing hide-and-seek with you.
So here’s a list of things I wish I had known before I moved to this flat land of cheese!
Let’s start with one positive. I mean it, and seriously so!
Imagine knowing where exactly you stand with a person, knowing exactly what they want, and knowing that you can actually trust what they’re saying without having to take their intentions into account.
Friendships are much more genuine thanks to the (sometimes brutal) honesty. Image: Freepik
Coming from India, where being overly polite goes a long way, Dutch directness was one of the most refreshing things for me to experience.
Dutch weather: the original 50 Shades of Grey
When I say that the sun plays hide-and-seek with you, the statement does not take into account the number of days it was freezing cold, even when the sun was out.
The sun is like that flakey friend of yours who always cancels on you, but when you eventually get around to hanging out together, you end up having the best time.
On some days, the sun is out only for aesthetic purposes to get that perfect ‘gram.
To say Dutch weather is shitty does not do justice to the kind of winter blues you might feel here. Even if you’ve gotten used to the lifestyle, I still get tired of putting on layer upon layer just to go out for groceries.
I don’t want to give you the age-old advice of “you need to stay active! You shouldn’t let temperatures that stop you from feeling your face get you down!”.
Rain, fog, grey skies — yup, just another day in the Netherlands. Image: Depositphotos
It is good advice, but I am going to do you one better. Here is some practical advice for you so that it’s easier for you to actually stay active:
Have a hot drink before going out, or get one on the go. This will warm your body from the inside, and honestly, it’s like a warm hug in a cup.
Know where you’re going, and get there faster. Remember, you don’t want to take a contemplative stroll; you want to get out of the cold faster. Walking fast, or any physical activity (like cycling), will increase blood circulation and make you feel warmer.
If you don’t know where you’re going, and you have to use Google Maps to navigate, then you can download the route while you’re indoors and then use it offline. Just turn on the navigation, put on your earphones, and listen to what the voice is telling you. Google is your friend.
Indian food is not easy to make
And also, I’m terrible at cooking. Cooking is a useful skill to have for anybody.
The countless hours I have spent with my mum on the other line, telling me what exactly I need to do to get that smell in my kitchen to smell like something actually cooking.
Being an Indian and not having the patience to cook when I live abroad does not help at all.
Indian cuisine in restaurants is expensive, and usually not at all what you’d like it to be (putting copious amounts of chilli in a dish does not make it Indian). 🍛
Yes, Amma, if you’re reading this, I miss your cooking. Living in the Netherlands as an Indian is hard.
Try not to convert to your home currency
Especially if you don’t come from a First World country! Completely block that currency converter on your phone, because all that it’ll bring you is stress, stress, and even more stress.
I know not thinking about money is a luxury that not everyone has the privilege of doing.
At one point, I cut down on socialising altogether because I always felt like I was spending way too much money. Going out with friends felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford.
Make it rain with all those Indian rupees. You don’t have a choice. Image: Kavana Desai/Supplied
The Netherlands is an expensive country, but there are cheap ways for you to enjoy living here. What helped me a lot was learning how to cook, to shop the kortingen, and really cut down on unnecessary expenses.
Invite friends home for dinner instead of eating out, and go Dutch! Cook something from your country because everyone loves trying food from around the world.
Learn how to bike for your daily commute, and don’t hesitate to put on your walking shoes when you are too afraid of Dutch bike traffic.
You don’t even have to spend money every time you go out: be a nerd, grab a book or your laptop and find a library! They are the last public places where you can actually spend hours without being expected to spend money.
Become a master at time management
This one is paramount because being late does not bode well here at all. There are two kinds of Indians in my experience: the ones who arrive half an hour early, and the ones who arrive half an hour late.
Yes, not all Indians are late. I kid you not, my parents arrive at the airport almost 5 hours in advance for an international flight!
When you come from a country where you go to the bus stop and hope that the bus you have to catch comes in half an hour tops, you tend to start seeing time for what it really is: a social construct which doesn’t have to be taken seriously.
In the Netherlands, however, your average agenda looks a little like this. Image: Depositphotos
Or the opposite is true: it’s a social construct that has to be taken a little too seriously. This is something you will learn when living in the Netherlands as an Indian.
But the point is, when everything around you works like time management actually matters, you should probably find a way to adapt. I mean, haven’t you heard about the infamous Dutch agendas?
So, remember that most of the time, if someone says you need to be somewhere at 9:05 am, they mean that to the minute! Alright, not to the minute. You can arrive at 9:01 am, and they won’t mind. 😉
I could go on and on about life as an Indian in the Netherlands, because there’s just so much to talk about! I haven’t even touched on discrimination. But I should stop now and ask about you.
Are you living in the Netherlands as an Indian? How are you dealing with your choice to move here?
Images of Amsterdam’s much-loved narrow and wonky canal houses have shaped the world’s perception of Dutch architecture. So how did we end up with the classic design of the canal house?
Even if you’ve never set foot in the Netherlands, you probably have an idea of what a classic Amsterdam house looks like.
That’s because, along with bicycles, weed, and tulips, the image of the Dutch canal house is probably one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the Netherlands.
From the extremely narrow structure to the death-defying staircases, why are these classic buildings so wonderfully weird? Here are the answers to all the questions you never knew you had.
Why are Amsterdam’s canal houses so narrow?
Perhaps the most striking feature of the classical Amsterdam canal house is the strangely narrow facade (front of the building).
Anyone new to the Netherlands may wonder how it is that you can carry out your day in an abode the width of a Volkswagen.
However, if you’re lucky enough to be invited in, you’ll find that to make up for their narrowness, the houses are usually very deep.
The longer you look, the more narrow they seem. Image: Depositphotos
So why is it that the Dutch went about creating such oddly proportioned houses? The answer is simple: they were cheaper to build. Back in the 16th century, Dutch citizens were taxed for many things, including the width of their houses.
Perhaps this feeds into the stereotype of the Dutch always looking for a bargain! Architects found a solution to the issue of taxation and simply made narrow but deep houses.
Dutch staircases: the price that must be paid
However, an extremely narrow house resulted in another architectural phenomenon that is often found in Dutch households: the narrow staircase.
Watch your step! Image: DutchReview
In my experience, the first time I faced culture shock wasn’t hearing the Dutch language, but when I found myself standing at the bottom of a very narrow and steep staircase with a heavy suitcase.
My brain couldn’t comprehend how both myself and my belongings could make it to the top unscathed.
However, for many Dutchies, the journey up and down such a treacherous feat of architecture is second nature because they start climbing narrow staircases from birth.
It makes sense; if you are to make your house narrow and tall, you have to make the staircase proportionately thin and steep.
I’m sure Dutch staircases have taken many victims throughout history, but it goes hand in hand with the awkwardly beautiful Dutch canal houses, so we can’t be too mad at it.
The hoisting hook: quintessential to the Amsterdam canal house
Apart from its hazardous nature, the second issue that many people have with narrow and steep staircases is when they are trying to move furniture in or out of the building.
Those of us who have lived in these houses know the struggle of finding furniture that is nice, cheap, and, most importantly — transportable. Sometimes, the only way an item of furniture is making it up the stairs is in pieces.
How did the Dutch manage in a time when furniture couldn’t be bought in flatpack form from IKEA? The answer is the hoisting hook.
Nowadays, they just use cranes. Image: Arch/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
You may have noticed these hooks on the side of Dutch houses during a stroll along the Amsterdam canals. “What on earth could this be for?” you may have wondered.
Well, the answer is tied to the narrow nature of these houses. If furniture or goods can’t fit up the stairs, they can be hoisted up from the outside of the building and brought in through the windows. It’s believed that this is also why Dutch windows are so large.
Why are Amsterdam’s canal houses so crooked?
You may have noticed that some buildings have a characteristic tilt to them. While it’s certainly charming, you might be wondering what this could mean for their structural integrity.
Believe it or not, if the house is leaning forward (Pisa style), this was completely intentional (unlike Pisa).
This relates back to the hoisting hook. As you can imagine, the act of heaving furniture up into a building is an awkward affair, so the buildings were made tilted forward to avoid structural damage during the process of lifting heavy furniture (no one wants a sofa crashing through the bedroom window).
Amsterdam’s canal houses can look a bit wonky sometimes. Image: Freepik
However, if you notice that certain houses appear to be leaning on each other for balance… that’s not intentional. Many historic Dutch houses, especially those in Amsterdam, were built on wooden poles that were sunk deep into the sandy marsh that was the Dutch landscape.
Over time, due to changes in water levels and general ageing, some of these poles began to rot, leading to some of the houses tilting sideways. When the metro line was built, houses on one particular street in Amsterdam began to sink due to its construction.
Renovations also play a role in this quirky tilting. If one house in a row undergoes structural changes, the supporting poles shift, which causes some canal houses to lean against each other.
This is why you may see poor corner houses struggling the most, as they don’t have a neighbour to lean on!
Amsterdam canal houses: a thing of beauty? Or highly impractical?
The classic Amsterdam canal house is definitely a thing of beauty, so much so that certain countries try to emulate it (for example, the Huis Ten Bosch in Japan!).
Whilst the classic image of cosy Amsterdam canal houses might make a snazzy addition to the Insta, there are certain elements to the canal houses that are purely impractical, especially in this day and age.
For example, a canal house may not age well in the future, given its wooden support beams, unless you’re willing to invest in a new foundation.
The ever-increasingly hot summers also make people aware of the issue of heat control. That said, we can’t quite imagine the Netherlands without these wonky wonders.
Have you enjoyed living in a canal house? Or are you a curious spectator? Tell us in the comments below!
“De Keukenhof is cool and all, but have you seen Utrecht’s cycle lanes during rush hour!?” Apparently, this is a conversation among many German tourists who visit the Netherlands nowadays.
Yep, forget idyllic canals and eating stroopwafels at markets, the new fad when visiting the Netherlands is to gawk at the chaos that is Utrecht’s cyclists.
Or more specifically, certain routes that they take.
Near Vredenburg, for example
One popular spot according to AD? The intersection of Lange Viestraat and Vredenburg.
Here, the paper spoke with two German tourists, Lea and Fiete, who came to Utrecht specifically to marvel at its cyclists.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before. I’m really surprised no one collides,” Lea tells them.
Mark Wagenbuur has amassed thousands upon thousands of views on his YouTube videos of the cycle scene in Utrecht, telling AD that “I’ve been called a one-man tourist office.”
He also offers some insight into the cycle-tourist hotspots: “intersections like Vredenburg-Lange Viestraat-Sint Jacobsstraat, where so many cyclists pass by on a green light, are where people really stand and watch, beaming.”
But also the parking!
However, it’s not just the cycle lanes that are drawing tourists in, but also the bicycle parking facility at the train station.
“The fact that we’ve invested so much money and effort into making it safe and easy to park your bike so you can continue your journey by train is incredible for many people. Being able to ride through it themselves and experience how big the facility is really moves and touches them,” he tells AD.
Did we expect this to be such an attraction? Not exactly, but when you think about it, Utrecht’s rush hour does often manage to leave your mouth hanging open.
Due to a defective track between the Delft Campus and Schiedam Centrum stations, the NS is currently running fewer trains to and from Rotterdam.
According to the NS travel information, the situation on the tracks is expected to be fixed by this Saturday, October 18.
However, a ProRail spokesperson reported to Rijnmond that repair work could very well last the entire weekend. In other words, get ready for some good ol’ Dutch rail chaos and prepare yourself for a hectic commute.
What routes are affected?
While Rotterdam will take the brunt of the annoyance, the disruption will also affect commuters catching trains from:
Den Haag Centraal,
Leiden Centraal, and
Dordrecht.
If you plan your trip using the NS travel planner, you can expect to see the modified timetable both online and in the app.
Dutch health authorities are now monitoring cases of a new COVID-19 variant, named XFG or ‘Stratus’.
According to the RIVM, XFG has been the most dominant strain of the virus since early July, accounting for 80-90% of the cases in recent weeks.
However, the RIVM also stresses that there’s no need to sound the alarm, as XFG is “virtually no different” from previous variants, at least in terms of symptoms.
What symptoms should I look out for?
Since the introduction of the previous Omikron variant, most COVID-19 symptoms have been a sore throat, coughing, and sneezing.
Research finds that you can expect similar symptoms with XFG, along with the possibility of:
Other cold symptoms (such as a runny nose),
Shortness of breath,
Fever, and
A sudden loss of smell.
Less common symptoms are also possible, including vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit the RIVM’s webpage on COVID-19.
Feeling unwell? Keep an eye out for these symptoms and get tested as soon as possible.
Good to know: The Netherlands has launched a new COVID-19 vaccination round to combat a potential resurgence in cases this winter. If you belong to one of the risk groups, you can make an appointment with the GGD to receive your vaccination.
Believe it or not, the bustling Dutch capital is made for dogs! There are plenty of parks and dog-friendly spots around the city where you can go with your best friend.
If you are at the beginning of your dog journey or planning to move to Amsterdam with your furry friend, you’re going to need a lot of info about owning a dog in Amsterdam! Give us a paw, and let’s start at the beginning
🐶 How to adopt or buy a dog in Amsterdam
So let’s take it from the top. There are plenty of animal shelters in the Netherlands where you can look around to find the right dog for yourself.
Some of these shelters have open days, but you can visit most of them without an appointment. Don’t be surprised that most shelters will ask you to provide a few things for them to prove that you’ll be a worthy dog mama or papa. They might even ask for an appointment with you to see your apartment
You can change a doggie’s life by adopting them, so if you can, we definitely recommend you do it this way. It is also possible to get puppies from shelters, and you can find many purebred dogs if that’s an important factor for you.
Amsterdam offers many animal shelter options. Image: Unsplash
Note: If you would prefer to buy a dog, you can do that by contacting a verified breeder. There are many of them all over the country.
🦴 Dog pet stores in Amsterdam
It is wise to buy essential accessories before the big adoption day. Trust us; this will ensure that you and your apartment survive the terrible twos (first two weeks.)
Ok, so you’ve picked up your best friend: they’ve vomited on you, peed on your carpet, and torn up your favourite pair of shoes — now, the two of you need to figure out what to do with your new dog.
What paperwork do I need when I get a dog in Amsterdam?
Any seasoned international in the Netherlands knows that the Dutch love a bit of bureaucracy, and this is also the case when you own a dog.
He is probably more chill about the paperwork than you are! Image: Depositphotos
So, what loops should you expect yourself and your dog to jump through?
Dog passport: Your dog must have a European pet passport to be registered in the Netherlands officially and turn your doggo into a proper Dutch dog. It is most important while travelling because you must present it at the border. You can pick up your pet passports from your vet.
Chip: If the dog has no chip yet, you can (and must) organise for one to be implanted when you visit your vet.
Insurance: This is optional, but Dutch people are obsessed with insuring everything. There’s insurance for almost everything Dutch people own that’s more than €50, and dogs are no exception.
Having insurance can be handy if your dog has any medical concerns later on and you don’t like unpleasant surprises.
This is one of the companies that offer insurance for pets in the Netherlands:
Do I have to pay tax when I own a dog in Amsterdam? Good news! While in many cities in the Netherlands, you need to pay tax for having a dog, in Amsterdam, you don’t have to.
🚀 Travelling with your dog
The most important golden rules while travelling to the Netherlands is that your dog has to:
be at least 15 weeks old.
be vaccinated at 12 weeks old.
wait 21 days after vaccination before bringing it to the Netherlands.
be microchipped and have a pet passport
Travelling by plane with your dog
Flying would be a much more pleasant experience if all planes had puppies on board, right?
If you decide to fly with a dog, you must ensure that everything on the list above is ready and up to date before your flight.
You need to buy a ticket for your dog as well; the price depends on the size of your dog, the airline, and the flight itself.
Most bigger dogs have to fly next to your check-in luggage, while some airlines allow smaller dogs to travel with their owner in a closed box. It should make for a fun experience! (Unless your dog is a nervous flyer.)
Travelling by car with your dog
If you are driving to the Netherlands, they might ask for your dog’s passport if you are checked at a border. Make sure you’ve met all the relevant medical requirements!
Public transport with your dog in Amsterdam 🚟
While travelling with a dog on public transport in some big cities might paint a pretty picture of your wildest nightmare, this is not the case in Amsterdam.
In the Dutch capital, you can use the metro and the tram without having to buy a separate ticket for your dog, and they don’t even have to wear any muzzles.
This is how we go to the park! Image: Mihály Droppa/DutchReview
🚲 Cycling with dogs in Amsterdam
This is the cutest thing about living in Amsterdam with your dog — but no, sorry to disappoint; the dogs of Amsterdam don’t know how to cycle.
That being said, the people of Amsterdam sure learned how to cycle with their pet pooches throughout the city. There’s even an Instagram account that collects pictures of all the doggies on bikes!
It takes a village! Sometimes, you might need a helping paw in your dog journey in Amsterdam. Here are some of them:
Vets in Amsterdam
There are many vets in Amsterdam, and most of them also speak perfect English, so you don’t need to practice your Nederlands in their office (unless you want to, in which case, go you!)
At some point, you will need a hand (and a leg — and perhaps the rest of the body) to walk your dog when you’re busy.
This help can come from a friend or a neighbour, but if you have no one around you who can walk your dog, that’s when dog walking services come in handy.
One of the most popular options in the Netherlands is Pawshake. It’s an app where you can find your perfect verified dog walker to help you during those busy times.
Daycares for dogs in Amsterdam
Taking your dog to daycare might be a good option if you’re away for a few days. There are several options for this one; however, some take the “day” part more seriously than others.
Many services offer a 24/7 service so you can leave your best friend there for a few days. Sounds cruel, right? It’s not.
The following are some of the best daycares in Amsterdam:
Amsterdam has many parks all over the city, so finding one close to your place to bring your dog for a W-A-L-K (or a zoom) won’t be a problem.
Can we swim now? Image: MIhály Droppa/DutchReview
Most of them allow doggies to enter; here are a few that we’d recommend:
Vondelpark
It’s the biggest park in Amsterdam, so it’s always packed with tourists. If you are with your dog, it’s wiser to go to the dog area of the park straight away! (Yes, there is one!)
You can find the dog field in the west part of the park.
Beatrix park
Beatrix park is one of the most beautiful parks in Amsterdam, with a vast meadow in the middle.
In this park, the game rules are more or less written; if the weather is nice, the field will be full of picnicking people. But if not (and let’s be honest, this is most of the time), the doggos can take over the area!
Sarphatipark
If you live in De Pijp, this will be a handy one! While it is not the biggest park in the city, it has a whole dog area next to the climbing park. Yes, you heard it right! 😉
Het Amsterdamse Bos
The Amsterdam forest is great for long walks with your dog. The area is way bigger than any of the parks in Amsterdam, so you can just walk for hours and hours. There is also a big lake in the middle of the forest, where dogs love to swim!
The forest is fun! Image: Mihály Droppa/DutchReview
Beach in Haarlem
While this one is clearly not in Amsterdam, it is surprisingly close to it! Dogs love to gallop in the North sea, even if it might be too cold for swimming most of the year.
This is also a place for long walks, but if you go with your dog, make sure that you choose one of the “hond vriendelijk” (dog-friendly)areas, where you are allowed to walk your four-legged friend.
If none of these parks is close to your neighbourhood, here are some extra dog-friendly parks in Amsterdam:
Oosterpark
Westerpark
Erasmuspark
Rembrandtpark
Martin Luther King park
👨🏽🎓 Dog schools in Amsterdam (in English)
If your dog is destroying all of your books at home, they most likely needs to have some education!
Unless you’re willing to learn Dutch with your dog, plenty of dog schools in the city offer English training with several methods and group sizes. Here are some of the best ones:
Having a dog is a huge responsibility, but Amsterdam can be an awesome place for it! Most of the cafes and malls are dog friendly, there are plenty of parks, and you don’t even need to pay tax after your furry friend! 🙃
So if you’re looking for a reason not to get a dog in Amsterdam, sorry schat, you came to the wrong place (now go get yourself one!)
Do you have a dog in Amsterdam? Tell us your experiences in the comments!
