Is the winter a good time to visit the Netherlands? Yes! – My 5 things to do in the winter in the Netherlands

I have noticed that when international students are looking into doing a Dutch language course, they usually think about coming to the Netherlands in the summer. So the summer school is the number one choice.

Why would you visit the Netherlands in the winter, when it’s windy and grey?

And yes, winters in the Netherlands can be long and dark. But they can also be pretty nice with snow covered streets and bright skies. Here are some pictures from our winter school in 2019.

When it’s cold outside, that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to do. In fact, it gives the Dutch a good reason to make it gezellig! Students at the winter school are often surprised by this!

Maybe this comes as a surprise, but for some people, winter is the best season of the year. Besides the fact that we like to get together in warm bars or house parties, there are also other things to do.

In this list I will tell you my top 5 things to do in the Netherlands in the winter.

Ice skate on the frozen canals and lakes

Let’s start with one of my favourites, ice skating in the Netherlands. A very important tradition for the Dutch is when the temperature drops, people get their ice skates out.

And each year, there are some daredevils who go onto the ice too soon.

It’s important to note here is that you have to be rather lucky to go on natural frozen ice outdoors. Because the last few winters haven’t been that cold, every year it’s a surprise if we can find any ice. That’s part of the fun. The last time was the winter school of 2019, we had the chance to go skating!

This uncertainty is difficult for Dutch people, who like things to be clear. So that’s why an ice rink is often set up in the centre of town.

And if you are really, really lucky, you might experience the Elfstedentocht.

Watch the Elfstendentocht

The Elfstedentocht (eleven city tour) is an almost 200 km long skating tour on natural ice. Because of its distance and challenging nature, the Elfstedentocht is seen as one of the most important events in the Netherlands. The trip can only be organized if the condition of the ice allows it, and the most recent race took place back in 1997.

A long time ago!

In 2012 the whole nation hoped for an Elfstedentocht, but it was just a little bit to warm.

So you have to be very lucky to experience the Elfstedentocht. I can assure you, the next tip on my list is available every winter.

Do the Nieuwjaarsduik

A more recent tradition is one that is more for daredevils and people who aren’t afraid of cold, it’s called the Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s dive).

This involves taking a plunge into the sea (or a lake) on the first day of the new year. The New Year’s Dive has now grown into a true Dutch tradition with 10,000 participants in Scheveningen and more than 40,000 divers throughout the Netherlands. It is traditional for everyone to wear orange hats when entering the ice-cold water.

This is too cold for you? Well, for me it is. I prefer staying inside on the first of January. This brings me to number 4 of my list

Eat great Dutch winter food

Dutch food generates a lot of different opinions. Some think it’s fantastic, some think it’s not so great. But what people seem to agree on is the fact that there is some great winter food here.

Not only am I talking about stamppot and boerenkool. Or the tradition where is we eat snert after ice skating. I’m also referring to pannenkoeken, poffertjes en bitterballen. And with your tea you can have a typical Dutch stroopwafel!

Celebrate Sinterklaas AND Christmas

Sinterklaas is the typical Dutch tradition. If you don’t have a Dutch family, you can always visit the parade that happens in each city when Sinterklaas arrives.

In recent years Christmas has been gaining a lot of popularity. So you have the chance to celebrate both! At Christmas most people like to eat big dinners and have Christmas trees. Also there are a number of Christmas markets.

In the last few years these markets have grown into big events with a lot of things to do (and eat).

Want to visit the Dutch winter school?

All this made you interested to see how the Netherlands is in winter? Our winter school is a great excuse to go to the Netherlands!

Then check out our website for more information!