Experiencing the Netherlands’ Rare Snowfall
By Samir Mammadov
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news, you probably heard that Europe went through a cold and snowy week recently. The Netherlands especially felt the chill, with a level of snowfall the country hasn’t experienced in years. It felt like time had stopped for a brief moment, snowflakes covering the surface. You might wonder – what is it like to be in the Netherlands, especially in Wageningen, during the snow? How does life here unravel? Let me share some insight with you!
Snowy Weather in the Netherlands
Snowfall in the Netherlands is not a typical winter weather but rather a rare case. Because of the impact of the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, winter temperatures are usually moderate. Instead of cold and dry air, it gets rather humid, which leads to rain. Even if it snows, usually it’s light, and it does not stay on the ground much because of the mild maritime climate.
However, last week’s snowfall in the Netherlands was unusual because it wasn’t just a light dusting. Last week, a cold front and low-pressure system settled over the Netherlands, keeping temperatures low and bringing plenty of moisture. On 7 January 2026, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) reported that snow fell across much of the country all day, with many areas seeing 5 to 15 centimetres of accumulation. This type of snow happens typically once every five years – the last time it was 2021 when snowstorm Darcy covered large parts of the territory.
The snow may have turned the Netherlands into a winter wonderland, but it also caused plenty of headaches. Early January saw code orange warnings as snow kept piling up, bringing chaos to travel, services, and daily life. For instance, there were days when public transport was not functioning properly, and some flights were cancelled. For most residents, this was a level of winter intensity they hadn’t experienced in years.
Last week in Wageningen
From personal experience, it really did feel like time slowed down. One day, the snow fell so heavily that buses stopped running, classes were cancelled, and the whole town was blanketed in soft, white paint. Despite the disruption, it was cosy to see kids and students outside, laughing as they had snowball fights, built snowmen, and made snow angels. There was something magical about seeing the entire town come alive in the snow; it felt like the whole world had paused just for a winter day of fun.
What should you do when heavy snow hits Wageningen? Here are a few handy tips to help you make the most of it.
- Check the Dutch weather apps, such as Buienradar, for concrete information. Also, check the KNMI app for official weather warnings and an accurate forecast.
- Check the myWUR app to see the latest updates about the impact of the snow. If it snows heavily, it’s most likely that mandatory attendance is cancelled so students and teachers don’t need to travel.
- Biking is risky! It’s usually advised not to bike during a snowstorm because of the roads being icy and slippery. However, you will see brave Dutchies out there biking that beat the odds. If I were you, I would simply walk and not risk falling off the bike.
- If you want to enjoy the snow and the view, walk to the Park Noordwest or Wageningse Berg. If you are not a snow person, you can simply enjoy staying cosy at home with a cup of tea!
Ending
Whether you love the snow or prefer to watch it from a warm corner, there’s something special about seeing Wageningen transform into a winter wonderland. From snowball fights to quiet snowy walks, these rare moments remind us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of nature, even if it comes with a little chaos. It’s always nice to make the most of the magical winter xx
Cheers,
Samir
