Hello Reader,

It’s tulip season and you’ll spot these beautiful blooms all around the city this month! You could also take a day trip outside Amsterdam to admire the flower sculptures in de Zilk and cycle past beautiful tulip fields. And of course there’s also plenty to do in the city this weekend, whether you want to enjoy a family concert together, visit a market or do some volunteering. Read on to discover our best tips!

Events Happening This Weekend

De Zilk Flower Mosaics – Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 April

This weekend you can cycle around de Zilk near Hillegom to admire the incredible flower sculptures and mosaics on display. The exact route​ will be published on Friday. As well as this display of sculptures, there will also be flower parades in nearby villages next weekend – check out the full list of events ​here​. There will probably be heavy traffic between Amsterdam and the tulip fields over the next few weekends, so why not opt to take your bikes on the train to Hillegom, for a less stressful and greener journey? Check the NS website​ for more details on bike transport on trains.

Clean up Vondelpark with Serve the City – Saturday 11 April

Vondelpark is a second home for many of us, with its fun playgrounds and cafés, paddling pool in summer and sometimes even snowball fights or ice-skating in winter. But sadly our beautiful park is often blighted by litter. Now you can give back and join a team of volunteers to help clean it up. Sign up on ​Serve the City’s website​.

Mundo Sonora at Podium Mozaïek – Sunday 12 April

Over 50 musicians perform a colourful repertoire from the Middle East, ranging from sweet love songs to infectious dance music.

This concert brings together two musical families: Orchestre Partout and Groot Excelsior. The latter have been making music in Amsterdam for generations, while the musicians of Orchestre Partout have recently moved to Amsterdam’s asylum seekers’ centre and they play together there every week.

Book your tickets on Podium Mozaïek’s website​.

Lolobaki in concert at Munganga – Sunday 12 April

Lolobaki tells the story of a stone that travels the world, encountering animals along the way who teach it lessons. This allows the stone to find itself through others.

Using songs, sounds and masks, children will be transported into a colourful fun-filled world!

Visit Munganga’s website​ to book your tickets.

Pure Markt at Amstelpark – Sunday 12 April

Amsterdam’s travelling Sunday market returns to Amstelpark this weekend with food and drink from around the world as well as vintage, designer and gift items. You can find out more on the Pure Markt website​.

Amstelpark also offers a mini-golf course, fairground rides and a train that travels a loop around the whole park, making it a fun day out for the whole family!

Please note that the main playground is currently closed for renovations, but the fairground rides are still accessible.

Upcoming and Ongoing Events

Visit Pampus Island – from 1 April onwards

Pampus is a historic fortified island, living fort museum, and sustainable adventure in the middle of the IJmeer.

Wander through gigantic fort spaces and long corridors, discover stories of the past via interactive routes, and see how Pampus Fort Island operates completely fossil-fuel free.

This intriguing artificial island is fun for all ages to visit. Get your tickets on the website​.

Tulip Festival all around Amsterdam – 1-30 April

At over 100 locations across the city, you can walk or cycle past colourful tulips in public spaces this April. Hundreds of thousands of tulips will brighten up streets, squares and bridges all over Amsterdam under the motto: “a tulip for every Amsterdammer”. Nemo Science Museum is also taking part with a beautiful display of sustainable blooms on the roof. Find out more on Nemo’s website​.

Spring Celebration at De Ceuvel – 18 April

On Saturday 18 April Café De Ceuvel is hosting a spring celebration! This seasonal celebration centres around food. Because as soon as everything starts sprouting and teeming with life again, the story behind what we eat begins too: from soil and seed to bee, plant and human. During the Spring Celebration, you can dive into that living food system through fun workshops, mini safaris, circular bites, talks, documentaries, music and theatre. Find out more on De Ceuvel’s website​.

BIoBlitz Nature Festival – 25 April in Noorderpark

Attention young explorers and nature lovers! On Saturday 25 April, Eco Kids and Stichting Spin are organising Bioblitz for Kids, a free nature festival for all children aged 4 to 12. We’ll be heading into Noorderpark together to explore, learn and above all, have lots of fun. From tiny creepy-crawlies to big green adventures, it’s all about wonder and connecting with nature. Learn more on Stichting Spin’s ​website​.

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Parents’ Corner

Ij-hallen Flea market – Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April

The Ij-Hallen market is taking place this weekend in Noord! You’ll find a vast array of vintage clothes, furniture, household items and more. Book your tickets​ for the biggest flea market in Europe!

Meeting Strangers at The School of Life – Sunday 12 April

A networking event to connect with new people and have meaningful conversations. During this afternoon, you’ll have multiple 10-minute conversations with a variety of people. Anyone can participate, regardless of age, relationship status or gender. The facilitator will give you surprising questions that ensure the conversations move beyond small talk, and that you really learn something special about the other person, and probably about yourself too! This is a recurring event held once a month. Find out more and book your ticket on The School of Life’s website​.

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We aim to include everyone and are happy to mention events connected to all special holidays, festivities and happenings. Please email us with events you’d like us to mention. AM will make the ultimate decision on what to publish.

A team of volunteers compiles this newsletter each week, and we would welcome some new colleagues on the team. Are you interested and do you have a few hours to spare every few weeks? Please contact Amsterdam Mamas for more information at info@amsterdam-mamas.nl

This Weekend Roundup was compiled by Dominique Broady.

The above information is given to the best of our knowledge, but please check the event links to confirm details. These are often events that the Amsterdam Mamas cannot personally recommend from experience but are provided as a starting point to help you find activities for your family. Thanks, and have a good weekend!

Follow us on ​​​​​​​​Facebook​​​​​​​​ and ​​​​​​​Instagram​​​​​​​​.

The post Amsterdam Mamas Weekend Roundup 9 April 2026 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

What’s Earth Overshoot Day?

Think of it like this: Planet Earth has an annual budget of natural goodies it can regenerate each year- clean air and water, forests, fish, fertile land, you name it. Earth Overshoot Day is the date when humanity, collectively, has used up that entire budget for the year. After that day, we’re basically dipping into next year’s resources and piling up waste like CO2. It’s calculated by comparing our global demand (our “Ecological Footprint”) with what the Earth can supply (its “biocapacity”).

May 5th? Already? The Dutch Overshoot Day

Here’s the surprising part: for 2025, the Netherlands’ Overshoot Day is estimated to be May 5th. That feels like it is early, right? Especially for a country known for being green and innovative. To put that into perspective, this implies that humanity’s consumption rate requires the resources of over 3 Earths to be sustainable for the year. It makes you wonder what’s going on behind the scenes in the Netherlands.

Why So Early for the Netherlands?

It’s a mix of things. Even with great green efforts, the average consumption level per person here is quite high. Plus, the Netherlands is a bustling, densely populated country on a relatively small piece of land. Historically, there’s been a reliance on fossil fuels (though the switch to renewables is happening!), and this is reflected in the footprint breakdown. The Carbon Footprint, mainly from burning fossil fuels for energy, transport, and industry, is the biggest chunk, making up about 60% of the total Dutch Ecological Footprint.

The large and intensive agricultural sector also plays a significant role. The Food Footprint (which includes cropland, grazing land for livestock, and fishing grounds) accounts for roughly 24% of the total footprint. High consumption of meat and dairy contributes significantly to this, and the country also faces challenges with high nitrogen emissions from agriculture. Also, in our globalised world, a lot of what we consume is linked to resources and production happening elsewhere.

You can check the Earth Overshoot days for others countries here:

https://overshoot.footprintnetwork.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/

Thinking Bigger: Planetary Boundaries

Earth Overshoot Day ties into a bigger idea called Planetary Boundaries. Scientists have identified nine key processes that keep our planet stable and liveable – things like climate stability, healthy biodiversity, and clean freshwater. These boundaries define a “safe zone” for us. Pushing past these limits increases the risk of major, potentially irreversible environmental changes. Sadly, we’ve already crossed several of these boundaries, which makes reducing our overshoot even more important.

Making a Difference, Amsterdam Style!

The good news? Living in Amsterdam gives us loads of great ways to help push that Overshoot Date back! We can all contribute in many ways:

• Embrace Dutch Transport: Getting around by bike, bakfiets, or public transport isn’t just practical here, it’s a powerful way to lower our carbon footprint.
• Tap into Great Water: Amsterdam’s tap water is excellent! Carrying a reusable bottle is such an easy win against single-use plastic.
• Eat Consciously: Shopping at local markets for seasonal produce and reducing meat consumption are tasty ways to be kinder to the planet.

For more ideas, check out the insights in the Amsterdam Mamas article, “The Circular Path to Sustainability” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/the-circular-path-to-sustainability/) and “Keeping it Cool” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/keeping-it-cool/).

A Nudge for Earth Day and Every Day

Earth Overshoot Day is like an annual check-up for our planet, reminding us of the goals we celebrate on Earth Day. It shows us where we’re overspending our natural budget. Caring for our planet isn’t just for April 22nd; it’s an everyday thing. The aim is to #MoveTheDate back, year by year.

The post It’s Earth day everyday appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Top Trees

Every year, the conversation around the most sustainable Christmas tree reignites. While artificial trees might seem environmentally friendly due to their reusability, the reality is more complex.

• A real tree, if disposed of responsibly (e.g., chipped for mulch or used as firewood), has a carbon footprint of about 3.5 kg of CO₂ over its lifecycle. If left to decompose in a landfill, this footprint jumps to 16 kg of CO₂ due to methane emissions.
• By contrast, an artificial tree’s production and disposal create a much higher footprint—around 40 kg of CO₂—requiring many years of use to rival the environmental impact of a real tree. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China and are made with plastic which is toxic and often ends up in landfills.

When sustainably grown (without pesticides) and recycled properly, real trees are the eco-friendlier option. Beyond their low environmental impact, tree plantations also provide habitats for various species.

In Amsterdam, the municipality makes it easy to dispose of Christmas trees sustainably. With 2,000 collection points across the city, residents can drop off their trees between December 27 and January 19. These are then turned into compost, closing the loop on tree waste. Find your nearest collection point on the municipality’s official website.

There are also even more sustainable ways to enjoy a Christmas tree:

1. Potted Trees: Purchase a living tree in a pot and reuse it every year. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but the tree continues to absorb CO₂ throughout its life.
2. Rent a Tree: Services like Kerstboom.nu allow you to rent a tree that is replanted after the holidays.
3. Adopt a Tree: Programs like Adopteer Een Kerstboom provide an option to “adopt” a tree for reuse, combining the joy of a real tree with sustainable practices.
4. Skip the Tree: Create a festive atmosphere using natural, reusable materials—garlands of greenery, handmade wreaths, or even a creative wall display.
5. Use a home plant you already have and decorate it!
6. Forage for an already fallen branch, bring it home and use it as tree. Post Christmas you can return it to the woods and use it again for Easter as an Easter tak.

(Don’t) Shop till you drop

The Holiday season (most often) comes with a frenzy of shopping, but a circular approach can bring meaning and sustainability to your celebrations. If you’re new to these ideas, check out our recent article on The Circular Path to Sustainability, which offers practical tips on adopting circular principles in everyday life. Applying these ideas during Christmas can make your celebrations more meaningful and eco-conscious:

• Second-Hand Items: Surveys show that nearly half of the respondents believe the stigma around second-hand gifting is fading, and that platforms like Marktplaats and thrift stores (kringloop winkels) in Amsterdam offer pre-loved treasures. This approach is also certainly budget friendlier..
• Experience Gifts: If second-hand gifting isn’t your style, consider tickets to a museum like the NEMO Science Museum or an ice-skating pass for the festive rink in Museumplein. An ‘experience gift’, can be shared together and create lasting memories without producing waste.
• Mindful Consumption: Avoid the “buy-now” trap. (Try the documentary The True Cost, to see how overconsumption has hidden environmental and social costs.)
• DIY Décor: Get creative with the kids! Use natural elements like pinecones, dried oranges, and paper chains to craft unique decorations.
• Recycled Lights: Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements next year.
• Second-Hand Ornaments: Hunt for unique, vintage ornaments in Amsterdam’s thrift stores or markets for make a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree this year!

By rethinking your Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and Christmas decorations, you can celebrate a Christmas that’s truly giving ‘joy to the world’.

The post I’m dreaming of a ‘green’ Christmas appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

If you are new to Amsterdam, you are likely shocked at the sheer volume of bikes everywhere. In fact, there are approximately 23 million bikes in the Netherlands which equates to an average of 1.3 bikes per person!

Although biking is the preferred method of transportation in Amsterdam, some newly arrived expats can be hesitant to get on a two-wheeler. I get it! Even as a Dane (I was basically born on a bike) who hadn’t biked for many years after moving to Amsterdam from London, it took me a fair amount of courage and a little practice to get back on the bike-lane. Now, there is not a single day that I don’t bike and I absolutely love it! For those who drive a car, it’s the same feeling of complete independence and ability to get on your own without relying on others.

I hope this short article will help newcomers to Amsterdam with a few practical tips on how to bike in a safe way and what to look out for.

Traffic hierarchy:

The hierarchy is as follows – Trams, bikes, pedestrians, moving vehicles (cars, buses). While cars will stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings, bikes often don’t. Legally they should, but in practice they often don’t. There is a pragmatic reason for this in the sense that the sheer volume of bikes would mean a constant stop to the flow of traffic. As a pedestrian you can easily stop walking, but if bikes have to stop at all crossings it would clog up the bike lanes and make it unsafe at times. As a cyclist you need to pay attention to zebra-crossings, try to signal or make eye contact with pedestrians in order to “agree” on who goes first. Personally, I always stop for elderly people, children and often tourists if easily identifiable (the ones who walk leisurely  in the bike lanes and cross any street only looking at the pretty surroundings… you know who I am talking about).

Helmet or no helmet?

It is shocking for many non-Dutch expats to see so many bikes, but no helmets, me included. In Denmark most cyclists wear a helmet, especially children and so for this reason I did too when I arrived in Amsterdam…but it didn’t last long. Biking is generally not considered dangerous here and therefore helmets are not mandatory or even encouraged. However it is a personal choice and if you want to wear a helmet to feel more comfortable, you should not hesitate doing it. With the rise in electric bikes I would not be surprised if we start seeing more cyclists in Amsterdam with helmets on.

How many people can you fit on a bike?

“A lot”, is the answer and there are no rules on how you carry them! I often wonder if I am at the circus or on my way to work when I see people standing at the back or front of someone else’s bike. It is quite an acrobatic skill to commute this way, but it is not illegal. However, children under the age of 8 must have a designated seat on a bike so please keep this in mind. Parents in Amsterdam often bike their children around in a bakfiets (cargo bike). Two-wheelers are preferred over three-wheelers as they take up less space on the bike lane. There are many places where you can test-bike bakfiets before buying one. Juizz Amsterdam is a good place to start.

Where is a good place to start?

If you are not yet ready for the bike-lanes of the city, but still want to practice, going to less busy areas or parks is a good way to start. Although tempting, avoid Vondelpark on a sunny weekend afternoon. It is complete carnage with runners, bikers, walkers, tourists, bike tours and all sorts of other people. Rembrandt park is lovely and more quiet. You can also go early in the morning (before 9am) to the 9 streets or the Jordaan or any of the inner canals. Take in the sights with minimal pedestrians or other cyclists.

Texting while biking: A personal story

Completely illegal! In fact, any distractions on your phone while biking is a traffic violation. Let me tell you a personal story to warn you of the dangers of distracted biking. A few weeks ago I was biking through Vondelpark on my bakfiets with one of my kids. I took my phone out of my pocket as I felt it vibrate. The moment I looked at my screen, two uniformed police officers appeared out of nowhere and signalled me to pull over. They asked for my ID and how long I had been living in the Netherlands. Naïve as I was, I thought maybe they were doing a random police survey, but when the police officer informed me that texting while biking was made illegal in the Netherlands two years ago, I realized I was in trouble and not taking part in a survey….

Of course I understand that it is common sense not to text while biking, I genuinely didn’t know that it was ILLEGAL. After all, it feels as though the general biking rules in the Netherlands are quite lax… am I right?!

Without any hesitation, the police officer asked for my address and said that a fine would be sent to me. I asked if a warning was not sufficient as this was my first ever traffic violation, but my efforts were in vain.

Alas, I did the crime and will accept the punishment. I asked the police officer how much the fine would be (thinking it would be around 40 EUR in line with a small speeding ticket). Oh boy, was I wrong. The fine was 169 EUR and arrived promptly the next day in my mailbox with a convenient link to pay via IDEAL.

Safe to say, my phone is now safely stored away in my backpack whenever I get on my bike. For clarification I should add that any phone activity while biking is illegal so whether you are looking at directions or changing a song on Spotify, just don’t do it. Get a phone holder instead which will keep you both safe and financially stable.

Biking is a fun, healthy, sustainable and a very inexpensive form of transport. It is a great way to discover Amsterdam at your own pace and an even better way to integrate into the true Dutch lifestyle. Take it easy in the beginning, and before you know it, you will be parading around Amsterdam without even touching your steering wheel! Good luck and happy fietsen!

The post Life on 2 wheels appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

When we are more open, we can change society’s views and save lives.  – Jennifer Marshall

According to The Hollands Times, “[While] the Netherlands enjoys a good reputation internationally when it comes to healthcare… one field in particular, psychiatric health care, is displaying worrying trends. New research conducted by the Vektis Care Information Centre has come to light, showing that the number of patients being treated for severe psychiatric disorders in the Netherlands has risen to over 220,000 [2017], an increase of 5000 from the previous year. Despite the growing number of patients suffering from this type of illness, reports further warn that many are not receiving the care they desperately need.”

Amsterdam Mamas wants to bring attention to mental health and provide some resources to help AM Community members who need them.

Jennifer Marshall – Pioneering a New Approach to Living with Mental Illness

Jennifer Marshall, an American wife, former corporate recruiter and mother of two (10 year-old boy and an 8 year-old girl) shares her views on motherhood and her bipolar illness, diagnosed in 2006. After being hospitalized no less than 5 times in her life as a result of severe manic episodes, she founded a non-profit organization to break the taboo surrounding mental illnesses.

In 2011, Jennifer ended her overly stressful recruiting career to follow her passion – writing – and soon started to blog about her mental illness. She did it at first anonymously, then a year and a half later under her real name.

Writing openly about her mental illness encouraged Jennifer to co-found a show in the summer of 2014 called This Is My Brave.  The participants, who all live successful lives despite mental illnesses or addictions, share their personal stories through creative story telling, with the aim of ending the stigma surrounding mental illnesses. This Is My Brave is celebrating its 5th anniversary this summer and has so far held 59 shows in 37 cities, spread all over the US.

What are your main challenges as a mum with bipolar and how important is it for you to take your medicines?

Jennifer: Very! I guess my biggest challenge, like any mum, is that I don’t have enough hours in the day (of course, this does not really have to do with my illness). My symptoms are very controlled with medicine. I also have to take very good care of myself; I have to get very good sleep, so I try to not stay up late if I can prevent it. I do yoga three or four times a week. Kids have their activities and their needs, but you also have to make time for yourself, otherwise you will burn out. For me, the yoga classes are my time to exercise and de-stress.

Is eating healthy also one of your tips?

Jennifer: Absolutely! When I first got sick, I was not eating very well and I don’t know why people don’t realise more that what we put into our bodies affects our brain. It’s something so easy to see; yet so many people eat so much processed food. It’s just not healthy for your body and your mind.

The first thing was to get the right medicine and that took a long year. When you’re depressed, you don’t want to exercise or do anything. But luckily, my husband was very supportive and he would encourage me to go outside. He was so great! If I didn’t have that, I would have struggled for a lot longer. 

What would you say to women who have a bipolar diagnosis and who want to have kids?

Jennifer: That you shouldn’t be afraid to pursue being a mum, just because of a mental illness or of bipolar. The first thing is to get to a stable place with your mental illness, so get to a place where you understand your symptoms and how to manage them effectively. 

If you’re planning to get pregnant, you have to be smart about it. You have to work with your doctor, because if you are already taking medication for your bipolar disorder, you don’t want to go off that medicine necessarily to have a baby. 

During my son’s pregnancy, I wasn’t on medicine. I took myself off it and I was working with a psychiatrist. But four weeks after he was born, I had a post-partum psychosis. That’s why the second time; I was intending to stay on medicine, but just not at the beginning when the heart is forming, because lithium has a heart defect risk. 

So I took myself off lithium when I found out I was 5 weeks pregnant with my second child. Within a week, I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited! But that lack of sleep turned on the mania. I had to go to the hospital and take a lot of antipsychotics to bring me down. I remember being in the hospital thinking that this baby was not going to survive all these medicines I was taking. But she did! I still had to take medicines all the way during that pregnancy. She luckily wasn’t affected. 

You have to weigh the pros and the cons, because the mother has to be healthy first and foremost. Luckily for me, my two are healthy.

Are you afraid that your children may one day be diagnosed bipolar?

How are you managing the Internet with your children in terms of their learning about bipolar? 

Jennifer: At the moment they are more interested in video games than randomly going on the Internet to search for different things. But I know that in the next year, we’ll be spending a lot more time talking about the reality versus things that are put out there, which are negative and not necessarily true. I think that having an open line of communication is the most important thing. 

It is clearly very important for you, as a parent, that our children live in a society where the stigma about mental illnesses is gone…

Jennifer: I think it’s the biggest issue facing our youth: how many we’re losing to suicide every day. I think mental health challenges are something every person is going to go through at some time in their life, whether they deal with a bout of depression or anxiety or more common issues. 

If there were more people around the world educated about mental health issues, they could recognise the signs to prevent tragedies and losses by suicide. They could get people to help, instead of just watch them suffer. Access to care is also very important, because in the US, we have a lack of access. You wouldn’t say to someone who has a heart attack, “We’ll get you in hospital in three weeks”.

The other problem is that psychiatric medicines actually take time to work. So why is it that, when we have someone into a psychiatric hospital, that we push them out in three to five days, when their medicine hasn’t really started working yet? It’s terrible! That’s why lots of people end up coming back to hospital. We don’t take good enough care of people that are going through these issues. 

Are you seeing a positive shift in mentality in the US with regards to mental illness? 

Jennifer: Sure! I’ve been doing this work for six years and it’s definitely more accepted today than it was six years ago. But there is still a long way to go, especially in the workplace and in our schools. So I’m grateful for being able to lead an organization that encourages people to be more open. Because when we are more open, we can change society’s views and save lives.

Mental Health Support in the Netherlands:

A whitepaper released by GGZ Nederlands states that “in the course of the treatment of the two major mental health disorders – anxiety and depression – we may expect a 50% reduction in general practitioners’ and physiotherapists’ fees and costs involved in sick leave. Furthermore, full recovery from alcohol addiction, which, after anxiety and depression, is the most frequent mental health disorder and an important (hidden) cause of health care consumption and sick leave, is achieved in 30% of patients… Investing in the mental health of young people… may prevent unnecessary premature school leaving, criminal behaviour, long-term dependency on social benefits, or a high consumption of health care at adult age.”

Huisarts As soon as a newcomer is registered in Netherlands as a resident, the first thing you need to arrange is a huisarts (general practitioner, or GP). The first step is to speak with your huisarts who is able to refer you to various mental health professionals better suited to take the time to walk through what is often a harrowing time. Many companies with a large expat community have a company doctor who is also a valuable resource for help or referrals.

Psychologists/First Line Support If you find that you are struggling with mental health issues your GP will be able to refer you to a psychologist for a number of counselling sessions. The number is dependent on your health insurance package. Should you be suffering from a more serious diagnosis you’ll be referred to what is known as Second Line Support in a psychiatric hospital setting. The GP should always be your first port of call.

Online There are also online portals that provide anonymous support for mild mental or social problems (mild depression or anxiety). 

Crisis/Emergency In a crisis situation or an emergency, our usual coping mechanisms can break down. Your huisarts will have an emergency option (24/7) to access health support immediately—normally option 1 on their answering machine.

Health insurance Another important step when beginning life in the Netherlands is to arrange for health insurance. Mental health is covered by most health insurance policies.

Existing mental health conditions Those with existing mental health conditions would be strongly advised to ensure that they have up to date translated copies of medical files, treatment plans and medication lists before moving to the Netherlands. The impotance of having medical bracelets, a care card, and any information that could make it easier to transition into what will be an alien system should not be underestimated.

Specific Links in the Netherlands

Read more about accessing mental health resources for youth and children.

GGZ Nederland (Dutch Association of Mental Health and Addiction Care) is the organisation of specialist mental health and addiction care providers in the Netherlands. GGZ Nederland aims to ensure the availability of high quality, accessible, affordable and sustainable mental health care.

And article in the Dutch Review provides more information on mental health support in the Netherlands.

An Amsterdam Mamas compiled list of Amsterdam-based resources for mental health and well-being.

For suicide prevention:  (NL) 0900 – 0113

Immediate Help with Mental Health Issues

If you are experiencing serious psychological problems, including suicidal thoughts or tendencies, please know there is online help available 24/7 as well as the direct line (NL) 0900 – 0113. Are you or anyone in your family in a direct crisis? Crisis psychiatric help is always available through the emergency services of hospitals, referrals through your GP or huisenartpost, or outside of office hours by contacting Spoedeisende Psychiatrische Amsterdam at 020 5235433.

Pic credits: banner image photographed for The Washington Post by Amanda Voisard, bphope.com and Mental health in Amsterdam image by Audrey Coggins

The post Removing the Stigma of Mental Illness: A Conversation with Jennifer Marshall appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

The months of July and August—and in some cases September—are prime holiday periods with scores of people travelling to holiday destinations the world over.  Close your eyes and think about your dream holiday destination. I bet you see yourself surrounded by lush green forests or relaxing in a cabin on a mountain or lying on the beach with a refreshing drink in your hand. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

While we all enjoy going to our favourite destinations, do we truly consider the environmental and social impact of our travel habits?

Cost of Tourism

Last year while preparing for our much-anticipated trip to Santorini, I started thinking about the real cost of tourism to such dream-destinations. The sheer number of tourists visiting, whether for overnight stays or day visits, generate an incredible amount of waste, and can cause strain on local resources which may, for instance, cause water shortages.

While we enjoy going to our favourite destinations, how many of us stop to think about the environmental cost of such travel?

Tourism is indeed an essential source of income for the locals, but at what cost?  In a bid to conserve the local coral reefs, the picturesque Maya Bay on Phi Phi island in Thailand is closed till 2021.  A stretch of Bali in Indonesia was declared a “garbage emergency” when a diver’s film about swimming around plastic went viral. These are just two of many stories emerging to illustrate the ugly side of excessive tourism. So, as much as I love to travel, I ask myself, what can I do to change this destructive course?

Travel Carbon Footprint

Mode of Transport

I find carbon footprint calculators confusing, and I know most of us aren’t inclined to do the math all the time. But do consider this simplified take on CO2 emissions.

Air travel has the most significant carbon footprint but is often the most viable choice due to time, distance and budget constraints.  The alternative to flying is to travel by train. It may be more time consuming, but in most cases, has a lower carbon footprint and can be quite fun and relaxing. Many of us also choose to drive, and if we can make this journey in an electric or hybrid car, we cut down significantly on emissions. Unfortunately, these green cars are not yet the norm due to their cost and lack of infrastructure like regular charging points.  However, the flipside to this argument is that since flights and trains carry a lot more passengers than a fossil-fuel-powered car, the carbon emission per person is much less.

Sustainable Choices

Once at our destination, whether it be a hotel, a hostel, a holiday home, a campsite or bed and breakfast, I always try to think of ways to enjoy our stay in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Enjoying the luxury of a 5-star hotel is fun, I cannot argue that, but these rank low on sustainability because their priority is guest comfort and high standards of service. No matter how many times we reuse our bath towels or refuse ‘housekeeping’, running a luxury hotel equals waste and pollution; 24-hour air conditioning, immense amounts of laundry, excessive food production and waste and tonnes of plastic generated through single-use toiletries.

When I plan a  holiday in the Netherlands or even Germany, Belgium or France, I opt for rail travel. It’s cost-effective, low on carbon footprint and fun! I try and use public transport as far as possible when I’ve reached my destination,  instead of renting a car. If travelling by air, I try to pack light.    The heavier the load an aircraft is carrying, the more fuel it will need to make the journey. Same goes if you plan to drive. More weight equals more fuel used. I also look for flights on green and eco-friendly airlines where possible.

When looking for a place to stay,  comfort, cleanliness and location, as well as budget, are the obvious considerations. I also try to book a locally-run bed and breakfast, hotel or accommodation provider. It’s usually a cosy, homely stay, I support the local economy and I leave a smaller carbon footprint.

Destination Netherlands

The Conscious Hotel chain successfully combines luxury with sustainability and is Green Key Gold certified. These hotels only use LED lights, are powered by renewable resources and the tables in the rooms are made from recycled coffee cup holders.

The Amsterdam Farm Lodge is a new option for a “staycation” if you live in Amsterdam, or as a recommendation for out of town guests. They have 7 spacious apartments (6-8 people each) on the grounds of an urban farming project. No cars, a natural playground, pancake restaurant, and free-roaming farm animals!

Another Green Key Gold certified hotel group is the Mecure Hotel (part of Accor Hotels). It has a strong recycling policy, make an effort to reduce their CO2 emissions and only use local produce.

A few other Amsterdam based sustainable hotels are the Jakarta Hotel, the Element Hotel and the QO.

The Court Garden Hotel in the Hague is the first eco-designed hotel in the Netherlands.  It has a green picking garden and a polderdak (water storage system) and won the GAIA Green Award.

The Gingerbread Huis in Lieren is only an hour’s drive from Amsterdam and a destination in itself.

With 22 locations across the Netherlands, Stayokay Hostels offer a combination of sustainable and low-cost boarding.

The Natuurhuisje offers more than eight thousand cabins and rooms to rent, across Europe.  Its located in beautiful natural environments.  They plant a tree in locations where flora and fauna are damaged, with every booking made.

I also like to use travel providers such as Book it Green and Book Different to help me plan a green and sustainable vacation no matter where I go!

Destination Europe

Looking to travel to another country in Europe?  EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence Network) offers many options and these are only a few suggestions, which I am keen to explore.

Durbuy, Belgium is home to cobbled streets, stone houses, and lush green forests and meadows.

Naturpark Flusslandschaft, Peenatal in Germany, boasts an Ice Age river landscape. The Peene Valley is 10,000 years old and home to white-tailed eagles and beavers.

Tervete Nature Park in Latvia is the largest fairytale park in northern Europe and covers 1200 hectares of forested hills full of stories and magic.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do”. – Edward Everett Hale

No matter what our dream vacation looks like or where we travel to, we will inevitably leave a carbon footprint. We even do it at home, going about our regular lives, but I now know I can minimise my carbon footprint by following these top green travel tips:

• Travel to nearby destinations.
• Choose the most carbon-efficient mode of transport.
• Pack light.
• Stay at a locally owned hotel or accommodation.
• Carry own supply of toiletries.
• Use only reusable water bottles.
• Buy local and handmade souvenirs.
• Respect the local culture and support the local economy.

These seemingly small, simple things can make a huge difference. Happy travels!

Photo credit:
Main banner is a composite of images from Freepik, designed by Audrey Coggins
Hotel toiletries image by Pixabay
Other images: Freepik

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Throw the light switch on, and the gloom of short winter days and endless nights is gone. Extreme temperatures outside? No problem, step inside into the air conditioning. Televisions, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, lighting, heating and cooling, wifi etc. – everything seemingly works at the flip of a switch and life without these ‘amenities’ is unthinkable for most of us.

Yet how often do we think about where our utilities—electricity, gas and water—come from? As long as there are 24 hours of running water, power in the electric sockets and a continuous supply of gas for the cooker, most of us don’t think much about the origins and how our utilities… beyond perhaps hunting for a good deal on them.

Electricity and Gas

To begin, let’s look at where electricity comes from. At its most basic, electricity exists in the form of currents. These currents are all around us, for example, in the fantastic displays of lightning during thunderstorms. But most of this ‘natural electricity’ cannot be harnessed to use as a power source in our homes and industry. What we can use is produced in power plants, mostly from burning fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) and converting the thermal energy produced into electricity.

The Netherlands is a land rich in natural gas and this resource has been harvested in the past to produce the majority of electric power. Natural gas is also supplied directly to homes for cooking and heating. However, like coal, natural gas is a non-renewable resource and its usage causes pollution. The Dutch government has decided to close down natural gas extraction from the largest plant in Groningen by 2030 and replace it with a nitrogen plant where imported gas will be converted into fuel in a sustainable way. Furthermore, according to the Energiagenda policy document published in 2016, gas heating and cooking will be phased out by 2050. This means that there will be no new gas connections to private houses and no new gas infrastructure will be developed. Instead, focus will be on providing green power through sustainable sources like windmills, geothermal energy etc.

There are many electricity providers (stroom leveranciers) in the Netherlands from which to choose, including green companies like Nuon/Vattenfall, Essent, Enco, Green Choice, and Easy Energy. While some of these companies, like Nuon/Vattenfall have invested in offshore wind energy, most fall short of their promises in terms of how green their electricity really is. So, while it’s quite uncomplicated to change your utilities supplier in the Netherlands and sites like Easy Switch and energievergelijken give you an overview of providers and costs, it pays to keep tabs on the sustainability factor too. Here is a comprehensive rating of energy suppliers in terms of sustainability as of 2018.

Thanks to strong initiatives and incentives by the Dutch government, solar energy has gained popularity in the Netherlands in the past few years. Homeowners can get tax subsidies and loans for installing solar panels (PV panels short for photovoltaic cell) on the roof of their houses. According to a study by Utrecht University, an estimated 2.5 million households will be on solar power by 2023. More information on existing Net metering and what it means can be found on the links provided.

Water Supply

We are extremely lucky to be living in a country where the tap water is of a very superior quality. Tap water in Amsterdam is of the highest quality in the country and the safest and cleanest in the whole of Europe. The government credits this to proper maintenance of pipelines and the fact that no chlorine or fluoride is added to the water supply. In fact, drinking tap water in the Netherlands is safer than drinking bottled water because tap water goes through much stricter quality checks than bottled water. It is also much better for the environment. The water supplier Waternet recently installed free water fountains all over Amsterdam in an effort to make clean drinking water available to people and reduce use of single-use plastic bottles.

60% of the drinking water in The Netherlands comes from groundwater and 40% from surface water sources. Currently there are 10 drinking water supply companies in the Netherlands. Which company supplies your water depends on where you live. While we take the supply of high quality water for granted, it is our responsibility to minimise polluting the waste water with chemicals.

Amsterdam continues to explore ways in which our household refuse can be recycled sustainably and responsibly. Medicines and household chemicals should never be disposed off in the general waste, drained down the sink or flushed down the toilet. Unused medicines can be taken back to the local pharmacy. All other chemicals such as paint, oil, toner, cleaning agents can be taken to the recycling station. Check out the points in your area here. 

Amsterdam is now even recycling cooking fat and used frying oil for biofuel at specific supermarkets, schools, sports clubs and children’s farms!

Out and About – Green Transport

In a commendable effort to battle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, the Dutch government has been actively supporting the switch to plug-in electric commercial and private vehicles through exemption of registration fees and road taxes since 2015. The Dutch government has made a commitment to phase out all new cars that are run on non-renewable fuel by 2030. While there has been a substantial increase in the number of electric plug-in vehicles in the Netherlands in the past few years, the market share of alternative fuel-based cars is only around 7% as opposed to 75% of petrol cars. It’s also worth considering that while electric vehicles help reduce carbon emissions, unless the electricity used to power these vehicles is green, the problem is far from solved.

Another sustainable transport option for those who do not use cars on a regular basis and for whom owning a car does not make economical sense are the car sharing services now available in Amsterdam. These services are based on a business model similar to Airbnb.

The Netherlands is one of the most well connected countries in terms of public transport in the world. With trains, trams, and buses forming a network of connectivity throughout the cities and provinces, travel by public transport is convenient and time saving. Most of the trams and trains currently run on electricity and there are plans by the government to switch to 100% emission free buses by 2025. While all these changes may seem to be some time away, one has to consider the cost and planning that goes into making these changes. Travelling by public transport as it stands today is one of the most eco-friendly ways to get out and about. Another benefit is that one des not have to look for and pay hefty fees for parking.

Sustainable living is a choice that we can make every day, whether it is choosing our energy supplier, turning down the heat, recycling household waste, using reusable bags/containers, opting for electric/hybrid cars, or travelling by public transport. Every choice makes a difference. We didn’t arrive at the brink of irreversible climate change in a day, or even a year and it’s naive to hope the solution will happen overnight. With that in mind, in the words of Wayne Dyer:

“If you change the way you look at things, the things yoou look at change.”

Photo credit: Bar chart created by Audrey Coggins via imgflip Chart Maker, banner image by Freepik, water image by Freepik

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In keeping with my healthy lifestyle, I do yoga and get to the gym. I don my yoga pants or super comfy, super stretchy tights for these active-lifestyle activities, because that’s just what you wear to these events. Unfortunately I discovered that the very thing making me comfortable is non-biodegradable and is just a different form of plastic. Aaargh! So in my drive to use less plastic in my family life, I find I have to learn about plastics in retail and fashion too. 

The Problem

The apparel industry makes up 10% of global carbon emissions and is the second largest industrial polluter. Clothes containing Lycra, Spandex or polyester – all of which are made from petrochemicals – release plastic microfibers into the water every time they are washed. These microfibers pass unfiltered through most sewage treatment plants and end up in the water supply and in the sea. This plastic is ingested by fish, who may, in turn, be eaten by humans. So the microplastic enters our body and can have negative effects on our health.

Fast fashion utilises fabrics like Lycra and polyester over natural fibres because of the cost; however, these synthetic fabrics have a short life so one is forced to keep buying new clothes to replace the old. While the use of Lycra or spandex is understandable if done sparingly, their addition to virtually every garment is putting unprecedented pressure on landfills as it is virtually non-biodegradable and releases harmful greenhouse gases like methane as it breaks down. The 2015 Netflix documentary True Cost highlights the environmental issues surrounding fast fashion.

What You Can Do

Choose fabric wisely. While there are pros and cons to every type of fabric, going for natural, organic fabric is a safe bet.

Repurposing. Instead of binning your old garments (Lycra, polyester, cotton or any other), repurpose them!  Old t-shirts make for excellent dusters, cleaning rags and shoe shines. The soft fabric is ideal for storing bags and shoes. You could even repurpose them into cute doggy costumes! In the Netherlands, what is not suitable for repurposing can be recycled; every gemeente (municipality) has its own textile recycling stations. The Salvation Army (Leger des Heils) has textile and shoe collection containers all over the country.

Swap! A new and very innovative idea to minimise buying/use of fast fashion is a ‘clothes library’–shops where you can borrow clothes and swap them for new ones. This innovative idea was put into practise in Amsterdam in 2014 by a Dutch startup called Lena.

Buy sustainable brands. If borrowing clothes is not your thing, there are many up-and-coming boutiques in Amsterdam that offer a variety of international brands with sustainably produced clothes and accessories:

• Studio Jux
• Geitenwollenwinkel
• G-star Raw
• Nukuhiva
• Charlie & Mary
• Hoodlamb
• The Impact Shop
• Nou-Menon

Vegan leather. The idea here is that fashion should not be harmful to the environment. Consider leather goods. Can we genuinely say they’re harmless? From the animals themselves, to the local bodies of water which the tannery pollutes, to people working in the tannery exposed to toxic chemicals, the mass production of leather leaves no one unharmed. To meet rising demand, manufacturers adopt quicker and often unethical shortcuts. Dog leather (yes, you read that right!) is often used as a substitute for cow hide leather. There’s no easy way to tell once the product is made and being sold in shops.

Luckily, there are many brands who are saying no animal leather and going vegan instead. Dutch fashion brands like Vega life, Osier, Levi Jones and Denise Roobol are game changers in the leather goods industry. Other include Matt & Nat, Stella McCartney,  Freitag, O My Bag and Rains.

Household Retail

Our parent’s and their parents’ generation used to furnish their homes with longevity and practicality in mind. With increased buying capacity and availability of mass produced – and therefore, cheaper – furniture, fast fashion has seeped into home furnishings. Living spaces must keep up to date with rapidly changing trends; old gets discarded for the new–often as regularly as twice a year! This puts unprecedented pressure on manufacturers of leather, wood and synthetic fabrics: animals reared just for their skin and non-food cash crops replacing food crops. Production and transport of these goods leave a carbon footprint much bigger than your living room! It’s a disastrous and unsustainable trend.

In landfills, discarded home furnishings and furniture release chemicals like formaldehyde, flame retardants, and fiberglass, permeating the surrounding soil and any nearby water.

Understandably, reading through the above makes it look like we are entering apocalyptic times, but losing hope is not the way to go. There is a lot that we can do, one step at a time. The first one always being Reduce. Honestly, life is going to go on just as well without following every fashion trend that is out there. Let that couch or table or bed be! If you are bored with it, spruce it up with new cushion covers or a throw. If you feel the furniture isn’t YOU anymore, be kind and donate it so someone else can use it. There are many second hand shops (Kringloopwinkels) in every locality. Most will collect heavy items from your house.

There are many stores in and around Amsterdam that sell sustainably sourced furniture and accessories. The concept of refurbishing/repurposing is an old one but it is being used in a new and innovative way by Concept stores like Gekaapt, Restored, Raw Materials, Stylesis and Het Fair Oosten leading the way in sustainable retail.

Sustainable Inside and Out

In closing, let’s not forget food retail! The first article in this series covered the pervasiveness of single-use plastic in grocery stores, but luckily for those of us in the Netherlands, we have plenty of opportunity to shop for groceries that are locally and sustainably produced from local markets and bulk stores that do not use mountains of plastic packaging. Fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meat, oil, tea, coffee, soaps, etc can be bought at open markets and bulk stores such as Biologische Noordermarkt, Linderngrachtmarkt in Jordaan, Pure Markt in Amstelpark, Amserdamsebos and Frankendael Park, Albertcuyp Markt, Sunday Market Westergasfabriek, Westerpark, Simon Levelt, Oil & Vinegar, Delicious Food and De Markt Van Amstelveen. You can bring along your own containers and reusable bags to these to avoid use of plastic packaging.

If we each take responsibility in shifting our own behaviour, we can trigger the type of change that is necessary to achieve sustainability for our race or this planet. We change our planet, our environment, our humanity every day, every year, every decade and every millenia. – Yehuda Berg

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Living Sustainably

What does it mean to live “sustainably”? Let’s begin by defining sustainability, or “duurzaamheid” in Dutch. The Cambridge dictionary defines sustainability as: “the idea that goods and services should be produced in ways that do not use resources that cannot be replaced and that do not damage the environment”. 

Living sustainably means trying to minimise one’s carbon footprint by altering lifestyle to honor the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the Earth’s natural ecology. Following this premise can help one live relatively sustainably almost anywhere in the world, but it isn’t always easy to know where to begin. Our goal with this series is to help raise awareness of the issue of sustainability, as well as share tips and resources that make it easier for all of us to do our part. Let’s begin!

What Are “Single Use Plastics”?

One of the biggest obstacles in the struggle to live in a green and sustainable manner is single-use plastic. This category includes items such as plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers, beverage bottles, and food wrapping. It’s everywhere, it’s nearly impossible to escape, and it’s so easy to get pulled into the convenience trap it offers. However, with a little thought and effort it’s relatively easy to escape excessive use of single-use plastic. Here are some simple measures that can be taken to avoid using single-use plastics, as well as where to find sustainable alternatives.

A Moment on the Lips … A Lifetime on the Earth

Who doesn’t love iced tea, smoothies, iced drinks, cocktails, and juices? Especially on a hot summer’s day or, if you are like me, year round. While we get to enjoy the use of plastic straws and cups for the 10-15 minutes that we are slurping on the drink, the plastic waste will inevitably end up in a landfill or in the ocean. A single straw may not seem like much but if you look at the numbers, the picture is quite grim. Three and a half million straws are given out by McDonald’s every single day in the UK alone and the Netherlands consumes a whopping 1.1 billion straws each year! That straw you used when you were 10 years old? It’s still around and will be for hundreds of years! Ditch the single-use plastic straw and encourage your children, friends, and colleagues to give it up too. Explain to them why and they’ll be right on board with you. For those who can’t do without straws, of course, there are reusable silicone straws and stainless steel straws available online or even paper straws which are available at your local Hema and Albert Heijn. Check out the this website for even more alternatives.

Close on the heels of single-use plastic straws are single-use plastic cups and lids. Styrofoam cups, plastic-lined paper cups, plastic cups–no matter what form–are all non-biodegradable and contribute to polluting our land and oceans; just like straws. If you can’t bring yourself to give up your take-out beverages, get yourself a reusable takeaway cup with lid made from all natural, sustainable bamboo fibre. It checks all the boxes–sustainable, biodegradable, and fashionable. Love Starbucks coffee? Then make the most of their special discount for those who bring in the Starbucks reusable cup. Be sustainable and save money while you’re at it!

While water is the elixir of life, your daily intake of six to nine glasses of water should not mean the creation of unnecessary waste via single-use plastic water bottles. While it’s great to recycle the plastic bottles you do end up using, the key is to reduce your overall usage. Get a spill-proof, reusable water bottle/fruit infuser from Hema, de Bijenkorf or your local Albert Heijn.

Plastic and Food – Time to Part Ways

The Dutch government placed a ban on free plastic bags in January 2016, implementing an EU directive of the preceding year; retail customers, with some exceptions, now have to pay if they want plastic bags for their shopping. Invest in a good foldable, reusable bag and make a habit of keeping it with you at all times. Hema and Ikea are amongst many other retail stores that sell these. Consider grocery shopping at Ecoplaza, Europe’s first supermarket to offer a plastic free aisle although its alternative packaging is not without its critics. Wherever you choose to shop, use cotton shopper bags instead of buying a new plastic bag every time. Pick one up from your local grocery store or reuse one you already have. You can also use cotton mesh produce bags to carry your fruits and veggies instead of the clear plastic bags that most supermarkets provide. (Hint: Amazon.de offers a huge variety of options and ships for free to the Netherlands!) Supermarkets, including Albert Heijn are happy to let you use these. And unless you are buying 20 of something, you can also just skip the bag and place the individual fruits/veggies directly onto the conveyor belt. Easy!

Plastic cling film is another form of single-use plastic that is totally avoidable. Replace cling film with a beeswax wrap (available at bol.com  and Greenjump). Beeswax wraps are hygienic, biodegradable, washable, reusable, smell great, and come in pretty colors. You can use them to wrap sandwiches or left over fruit or to seal a container.

There are many other big and small plastic things that we use daily (earbuds, toothbrushes, yoghurt bottles, etc.) without giving them another thought. While some, like regular cotton earbuds and toothbrushes are easily replaced with biodegradable bamboo cotton buds and bamboo toothbrushes, others like take-out containers are trickier to replace with sustainable, green options. However, independent retailers and market stalls can often be persuaded to fill your own, reusable container brought from home, while Ecoplaza sells milk and yoghurt in returnable glass bottles. Change is happening. Some from the bottom up as consumers put pressure on retailers to change their ways; some from the top down as the EU seeks to legislate against single-use plastics. 

Living sustainably can seem daunting initially, but once you change your mindset, you realise that the power to make a difference lies with each and every one of us. Even the smallest change in lifestyle and habits can lead to effective sustainable living. The idea is not to go to extremes and give up all the conveniences of life, but rather to do whatever we can, whenever we can, because every little thing helps.

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Ireland

Burren Glamping: Glamp in style in a converted horse cart which can sleep up to five people (two double beds, one single) on a sustainable family pig farm on the west coast of Ireland, along with ducks, chickens, cats, dogs, donkeys, and a small herd of cattle. The closest village of Kilfenora has restaurants and a small grocery store.(*Available through Booking.com)

Amenities: Bathroom with shower, kitchenette, and fireplace. Homemade full Irish breakfast available for additional cost. Sheets and towels provided. No wifi.

Need a Car?: Yes. Dublin airport is a three-hour drive.

Cost: Moderate. €120/night.

Why We Loved It: Hosts Eva and Stephen will make your stay on their pig farm absolutely delightful. (Don’t let the pigs scare you off – you won’t smell anything unpleasant as it’s free-range.) Since it’s a one horse-cart show, you’ll be the only guests, allowing you to fully enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the area. It won’t be long before your kids are trailing after Stephen, mini farmers-in-training, to help feed the animals. The farm is located in an area called The Burren, which together with the nearby Cliffs of Moher, form what’s called an UNESCO Geopark, promoting sustainability, agrotourism, local gastronomy, cultural heritage, and the preservation of natural landmarks. The area is full of ancient ringforts and megaliths (one ringfort is adjacent to the farm), hikes and bike trails, miles of rugged coastline, castle ruins, and of course, plenty of pubs (complete with a thriving music scene). There’s even a rumored haunted house down the road. Most people pass through the Burren in a day – we spent four days exploring the area and loved it.

 It won’t be long before your kids are trailing after Stephen, mini farmers-in-training, to help feed the animals …

Poland

Piotrowice Nyskie/Prince-Bishop of Wroclaw’s Palace: Call a palace home, in private apartments in partially-restored 14th century palace in Poland’s rural Silesia. The palace is undergoing renovations; so the furnishings are eclectic and basic. The charm is in the palace itself. (*Available through Booking.com)

Amenities: Family suites are large with one to two bedrooms, free wifi, kitchen, wood-burning fireplace, and modern bathroom, each with room for four to six people (or more, they are really flexible). Available family supplies include cots, cribs, high chairs, books, and toys. We were allowed to use their laundry facilities as well, so just ask for what you need.

Need a Car?: Helpful. It’s possible to arrive via train (transfers available), but if you want to explore the countryside you’ll need a car. Nearest airport is Wroclaw (one hour).

Helpful Info: Pets are welcome, extra charges apply. The palace is located in a tiny village with no amenities. Nearest grocery store is ten minutes by car. The property has plenty to occupy: gardens, grass tennis courts, a swimming pond, and various animals, but there’s also lots to explore in this off-the-beaten track area of Poland (and the Czech Republic is just a few kilometers away). Be aware that, unlike the well-worn tourist spots in Europe, cushy amenities such as information in English and viable eating options will be few and far between. The charm and lack of crowds will more than make up for it.

Cost: Moderate. €118/night for two adults/two children (per AirBnB). Costs may vary based on room selection and number of people.

Why We Loved It: The property is a children’s haven. Hosts Jim and Anna live in part of the palace with their adorable and large multilingual British/Polish family. Your kids will instantly be best friends with their children and will happily run around the property, shooing away the cockerels, and playing in their fairy gardens and old barns. Jim and Anna are gracious hosts and will be happy to show you around the palace and property, enthusiastic to share information and stories. Our favorite part of staying here is that no part of the palace is off limits (at your own risk, beware of construction areas). We were free to explore and wander to our hearts’ content. This is a place you won’t forget.

Portugal

Aldeia da Pedralva: Select from one of 31 adobes in a restored village-hotel at the ‘end of the world’ in the Algarve. Painstaking restoration has transformed the former rural Vila do Bispo into Aldeia da Pedralva (the rebuilt village). These 31 adobes range from one to three bedrooms. (*Available through Booking.com)

Amenities: All rooms feature a kitchenette, living area, a TV (for DVDs only), heat (but no AC), toiletries, and include daily housekeeping. Extra (for cost) services include a breakfast buffet, gourmet grocery service, babysitting, laundry, and massage appointments. Child cots available on request.

Need a Car?: Helpful, to get there and to explore the region. Airport transfer service available for a fee.

Helpful Info: Pets allowed for an extra fee, except for July and August. There are two restaurants available in the village and an outdoor swimming pool. Wifi is available in the main lobby only, where you can also check out games and books.

Cost: Moderate to pricey, depending on room.

Why We Loved It: This village feels worlds away from the soulless resort strips of the Algarve yet is just a short drive away from many of the most beautiful spots in the area. So, you’re away from it all but with plenty to do – lunch in the adorable fishing village of Sagres, a visit to the lighthouse on the most Southwestern tip of Portugal, or sunbathing on your choice of beaches. If the temperature is moderate enough, there is plenty for nature lovers and adventure seekers, including horseback riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and surfing lessons. The village itself is clean and cheerful. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that you can get possibly the world’s best chocolate mousse at the popular pizza place in the center of the village (reservations required).

Romania

The Prince of Wales’s Guesthouse: Rejuvenate in royal style in a remote Transylvanian hillside setting. The Prince of Wales stays there once a year to retreat to nature. It’s luxurious but with a rustic flair – “roughing it” for the royals. The property is a former estate, impressively restored, with multiple houses and buildings providing seven rooms for guests. Most rooms will accommodate one to three people plus an extra child’s cot.

Amenities: The all-inclusive package provides all meals, and daily nature excursions with guides. Standard amenities are similar to any hotel: housekeeping, tea and coffee provisions, etc. Extra (for cost) amenities include laundry services, bicycle hire, and bear watching excursions (yes, bears!). There is no wifi – by design – and very poor cell coverage. Guests are encouraged to unplug.

Need a Car?: No. This is a very remote location, but various transfer options are available (though not cheap). Upon arrival, you will likely not use your car again.

Helpful Info: Children and families are welcome, but not exactly catered to. We recommend this for ages five and older. Meals are late, communal, and somewhat formal, but the staff are very accommodating (if also a bit standoffish). Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. The Guesthouse is located on the edge of a village, with sparse grocery options. If your kids are picky or get hungry between meals, bring an ample supply of snacks.

Cost: Pricey, but good value for an all-inclusive. Children under 14 stay at half-price.

Why We Loved It: The number one thing we loved was that it was all-inclusive (no thinking about meals whatsoever!). The number two thing we loved was the emphasis on nature and simplicity. Instead of kid’s clubs and mini-golf and indoor pools to keep busy, the objective here is to escape busy-ness: play in a stream, read in a hammock (bring books!), animal-gaze, star-gaze, navel-gaze … you get the picture. The shining star of this guesthouse is its setting, the gorgeous foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, and the order of each day is just to enjoy it. Once the (only slightly painful) detox from their devices was over, our kids loved every minute of this holiday and swore to live in the country forever. Plus, if you’re into the British royal family, there’s the opportunity to stay in Prince Charles’s own room or at least take a peek.

Netherlands

Stayokay Domburg: Stay in a hostel-style accommodation in a 13th century castle. Budget meets medieval splendor. (*Available through Booking.com) 

Amenities: Rates for private family rooms Include breakfast, linens (make your own bed), and wifi. No toiletries are provided and towels cost extra. Baby cots available on request. Bikes are available to rent, and there is a bar and restaurant on location.

Need a Car?: Helpful. Public transportation in Zeeland is not as extensive as the rest of the Netherlands. Helpful info: This is a hostel, which means single beds and putting on your own sheets. Pets not allowed.

Cost: Budget.

Why We Loved It: Bunk beds and a buffet breakfast win my children over every time. This family-friendly hostel is a short bike ride through a nature reserve to the beach. It’s also located next to the Terra Maris museum, a nature museum complete with a made-for-kids outdoor space. Zeeland is a beautiful, tucked-away province of the Netherlands, and we enjoyed exploring the little villages of Domburg and Oostkapelle. You’ll have plenty to do here. Also, what is not to love about staying in a castle just minutes away from the beach?

The rolling hills were a small shock to the system compared to Amsterdam cycling; however, we also enjoyed the challenge and loved coming home to our cozy gite after adventurous treks on our bikes.

France

Breton Bikes: Take a fully-equipped cycling holiday in Britanny. From May through September, you can choose between hotel or campsite cycle tours (cycling to a different location each day). There is also a self-catering gite-based option available year-round (stay in one place and take day trips).

Amenities: Depends on the type of lodging. All bike equipment is provided by Breton Bikes. You’re not likely to have wifi.

Need a Car?: Depends. The base location is deep in Brittany, but once you arrive there is no need for a car unless you do the self-catering option. It’s possible to arrange a transfer from the local train station for a fee.

Helpful Info: This is a super family-friendly holiday outfitter. Owners Geoff and Kate are parents themselves and enthusiastically accommodate cyclists of all ages. Bike options include a variety of kid-friendly choices: from baby and child seats, to trailers, to tandem bikes, to electric bikes. Holiday options are Saturday-Saturday or Friday-Friday. The website has all the information you need – there’s a lot of info to take in but it’s all there.

Cost: Budget (for a cycling holiday), ranges from 260-710 euro/adult/week. Rates are reduced for children under 17. Includes bikes, maps, and lodging (except campsite fees). Meals not included.

Why We Loved It: We did a Breton Bikes holiday during their off-season, and stayed in one of the self-catering gites for a week with full use of their supplied bikes and routes for day trips. Our kids were on the young side (ages four to nine), so we figured they wouldn’t do as well in a group cycling tour, and we wanted to take advantage of their off-season rates. This meant that the weather was a bit cold and dreary in Brittany (which we kind of loved) and operating business hours were a bit fast and loose (which we did not love as much). The rolling hills were a small shock to the system compared to Amsterdam cycling; however, we also enjoyed the challenge and loved coming home to our cozy gite after adventurous treks on our bikes. The countryside is beautiful and Geoff and Kate are incredibly helpful. Overall, it was one of our more exhausting yet enjoyable holidays. Oh, and Brittany is the birthplace of crȇpes. Need we say more?

Slovenia

For hiking enthusiasts, go breathtakingly rustic in Slovenia’s Julian Alps.

Triglav National Park: Basic and rustic huts, part of the Triglav National park system in Slovenia. Similar to hostels, with shared and private rooms available.

Need a Car?: YES, and be warned, the roads are some of the windiest in the world! There are also tour buses, and the occasional city bus, for those with stomachs of steel.

Amenities: Basic beds, shared bathrooms and showers. Bring your own sheets, they supply blankets and pillows. Shared kitchen facilities or breakfast available in some cases.

Helpful Info: Advanced reservations are required. A great route is to drive from Kranjska Gora to Lake Jasna, then stay at one of the cabins along route 206, before descending down the other side. True outdoor adventurists can also hike from one hut to another in the mountains. Signs and maps available at the tourist office in Kranjska Gora. Click here for more information about hiking in Slovenia.

Cost: Budget

Why We Loved It: Super affordable! The Julian Alps are breathtaking – one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. We loved mingling with locals in such an incredible natural setting. It’s a real Slovenian experience!

Norway

More hiking and camping in the mountains of Norway.

DNT Hut System: Spend your nights in beautifully kept rustic cabins, beautifully kept.

Need a Car?: You can take public transportation or a car to the trailheads, but you will have to hike to all huts.

Amenities: Bunk beds, food in pantry (pay on your honor), shared kitchen, outhouses. Huts provide duvets, pillows, and firewood. Like a hostel, bring your own sheets.

Cost: Budget (for Norway)

Helpful Info: Before you go, you’ll need to get a pass and the key for the huts from any DNT office. Here’s a quick video showing you “everything you need to know”. Some cabins have shared out-houses and no running water, others are staffed, provide hot meals, and have hot showers. All the information you need is on their very well-organized website

Why We Loved It: We love hiking, staying in beautiful, remote places, and sharing that experience with our children. And Norway is one of the most amazing places to do all that.

Looking for family-friendly accommodation in Europe? Book your stay via booking.com/amsterdammamas and we’ll receive a portion of the reservation value. Find the perfect accommodation for your family and support Amsterdam Mamas at the same time!

Photo credits: Donna Bardsley (Portugal, Poland, Romania, Netherlands, France); Brooke Lowry (Norway)

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