30 Fun Facts About the Netherlands & Dutch Culture You Probably Didn’t Know!

Last Updated on September 24, 2025

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Great choice! Before you hop on your bike and grab a stroopwafel, let’s dive into some quirky, surprising, and downright fun facts about Dutch culture that’ll help you get to know the country a little better. Enjoy!

1. Canals are kind of a big deal here

When people think of the Netherlands, iconic cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht often come to mind, and for good reason: their canals are stunning. But did you know that many other cities, like Delft and Leiden, are also crisscrossed by canals? They’re not just beautiful; they’re also steeped in history and perfect for a scenic stroll, canal tour, or Instagram-worthy snapshot.

2. No, it doesn’t always rain here

Yes, we get our fair share of rain. But no, it’s not a never-ending downpour. The Netherlands has four distinct seasons, and spring and summer can be absolutely lovely! Expect colorful tulip fields, long daylight hours, and even beach weather. So don’t forget to pack sunglasses along with your raincoat.

3. Amsterdam Is the Capital—But There’s So Much More

Sure, Amsterdam is our capital and it’s packed with museums, nightlife, and tourists. But it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Cities like Rotterdam, The Hague, and Groningen offer totally different vibes—from modern architecture to laid-back student culture. Don’t stop exploring at Amsterdam’s borders!

4. Kingsday = Orange Madness

Every April 27th, the country turns into one big party to celebrate our king’s birthday. Everyone wears orange (yes, even the pets!), and the streets are filled with live music, flea markets, and dancing. It’s a chaotic, joyful celebration you really have to experience to believe.

But what’s the story behind King’s Day? What should you wear? And what can you actually do on this wild orange holiday? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide to celebrating King’s Day like a true Dutchie! 🧡🇳🇱🎉

5. The Netherlands Has Lovely Beaches

Yes, beaches! On the west coast, we have the North Sea, with seaside towns like Scheveningen, Zandvoort, and Vlissingen. In summer, locals flock to the coast to relax in beach bars, swim, surf, and soak up the sun. It’s a totally different side of the Netherlands.

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6. Try Poffertjes—Tiny Pancakes of Joy

Poffertjes are fluffy, sweet mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar (and sometimes butter or syrup). You’ll find them at markets and festivals, and they’re a must-try for any pancake lover. Bonus: they smell amazing while cooking!

7. Our Mansions Are Straight Out of a Fairytale

Scattered across the country are historic mansions, castles, and country estates that look like they belong in a storybook. Some are museums or hotels, others private homes—but many can be admired on countryside walks or cycling routes.  We made a list of the twenty castles in the Netherlands that you should include in your itinerary if you are planning to visit The Netherlands!

9. Bikes Rule the Roads

There are more bikes than people in the Netherlands—really! With over 35,000 kilometers of bike paths, cycling is the easiest and most popular way to get around. Whether you’re in a city or out in nature, riding a bike is part of daily life here.

As a Dutch person I almost cycle my entire life and have seen just about anything carried on a bicycle; a few children, groceries, furniture, Christmas trees, suitcases, dogs, plants, etc. There are many reasons to use a bicycle in The Netherlands. In this post, I have listed ten reasons why cycling is great in the Netherlands.

10. We Eat Chocolate Sprinkles for Breakfast (Seriously)

Called hagelslag, these sprinkles are often eaten on buttered bread as breakfast or lunch. It’s a nostalgic comfort food for Dutch kids—and plenty of adults still love it too.

11. Clogs Are (Mostly) Just for Tourists Now

Those famous wooden shoes? While traditional clogs were once common workwear for farmers and laborers, you won’t see many people wearing them today—unless it’s for fun, farming, or dancing at a festival. But yes, you can still buy a pair as a souvenir! 😉

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14. Heineken Is a Dutch Beer Giant

Heineken started in Amsterdam and grew into one of the biggest beer brands worldwide. In Amsterdam, you can visit the original brewery and enjoy the interactive “Heineken Experience,” which includes history, branding fun, and beer tasting.

17. Raw Herring? Yes, We Eat That!

Raw herring with chopped onions and pickles is a traditional Dutch snack. You can grab it from fish stalls throughout the country. It might sound odd, but give it a try—you might be surprised! Personally I love it and it is definitely worth the try when you are visiting the Netherlands.

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22. Brave the ‘Nieuwjaarsduik’ (New Year’s Dive)

On January 1st, thousands of people jump into freezing water to start the year with a splash! From Scheveningen beach to smaller lakes and canals, this chilly tradition is surprisingly popular and loads of fun to watch—or join, if you’re feeling brave.

23. Tulips Are a Dutch Love Story

We’re famous for our tulips, and for good reason! Every spring, millions of these flowers bloom across the country. Visit Keukenhof Gardens or bike through the flower fields near Lisse for a true feast for the eyes. There are over 1.500 varieties and 80% of the world’s tulips come from the Netherlands. However, the tulip is not native to the Netherlands. It was imported from Turkey in the 16^th century.

25. Most Dutch People Speak English—Really Well

With about 87% of the population speaking English, communication is usually easy for visitors. You’ll find English menus, helpful signs, and friendly locals happy to help with directions.

26. We Celebrate Gay Pride Loud and Proud

Amsterdam’s Pride is one of the biggest in the world, featuring a canal parade and days of parties. The Netherlands was also the first country to legalize same-sex marriage (in 2001). We take LGBTQ+ rights seriously—and we celebrate them with style.

I have visited the Amsterdam Gay Pride Canal Parade several times and would love to share some useful tips with you. From prime viewing spots to embracing the vibrant atmosphere, these 10 essential tips will help you navigate and celebrate this incredible event to the fullest.

One of the best ways to show off your rainbow pride is to wear some LGBT hard enamel pins. In unfamiliar surroundings, they help you feel safe because they’re colorful but subtle enough for you not to worry. In addition, wearing an LGBTQ+ metal pin is an excellent way to gain attention and meet like-minded queer friends and allies! You can pin them on a coat, hat, scarf, or shoes to make them the perfect accessory for your parade.

27. ‘Stroopwafels = Heaven in a Snack

Stroopwafels are thin waffles filled with gooey caramel syrup. Eat them warm for maximum deliciousness—some people even place them on top of a hot cup of tea or coffee to soften the middle. You’re welcome.

28. We Love Our Coffee

The Dutch are among the biggest coffee drinkers in the world—averaging about three cups a day per person. Coffee culture here is cozy, simple, and very social. Don’t be surprised if someone offers you a “koffie en koekje” (coffee and a cookie) upon arrival.

If you enjoy my work, kindly consider supporting me by buying a coffee to keep me going. This is a virtual product, so you don’t get anything sent to your home (but I will send you a big hug).

29. We Eat a Lot of Liquorice

Dutch liquorice (drop) is a national obsession. It comes in all flavors and shapes, from super salty to sweet. The average Dutch person eats around two kilos per year. If you’re new to it, start mild—we warned you.

30. Say Cheese—We Make A Lot of It!

The Netherlands is one of the world’s largest cheese exporters. From Gouda to Edam to Leerdammer, we love our cheese. Visit a traditional cheese market or just try a slice with mustard—you won’t be disappointed.

Whether it’s at breakfast, on sandwiches, cut into cubes and served with mustard, or even deep-fried, as a Dutchie, I will always find an excuse to eat cheese any time of day. In this article, I’ve collected the 10 best places to try cheese in Amsterdam.

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Conclusion

Now that you’ve got a fun crash course in Dutch culture, you’re more than ready to explore the Netherlands. Got questions or want to know more about a specific topic? Drop them in the comments!

Author: Daphne

Save This Post for Later!

Planning your Dutch adventure soon—or just daydreaming for now? Don’t forget to save this post so you can come back to it anytime! Whether you’re making a Netherlands bucket list, looking for fun facts to impress your travel buddies, or planning your Kingsday outfit, this guide will come in handy.

Hit that save button and add it to your Travel Inspiration, Europe Bucket List, or Dutch Culture board.

Bonus tip: Create your own “Netherlands Bucket List” and include places, snacks, and experiences from this post—like biking through the tulip fields, trying poffertjes, or jumping into the sea on New Year’s Day!

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