What is nazomeren?
You know the time! Summer is officially over. The stream of tourists along the canals is thinning out. Parents are loading their kids into bakfietsen Monday mornings once again, and couples pose on bridges for golden hour engagement photos. Weekends fill up with block parties and family reunions, where attendees soak up the last rays of evening sun, and boots and sandals sit side by side next to your door. In Dutch culture, this in between season has earned its own word: nazomer. And the act of enjoying this moment caught between seasons is nazomeren, which literally translates to “after-summering”.
Unlike an Indian summer or late summer, nazomer doesn’t simply refer to a weather event or time of year. It’s also a mentality— an invitation to slow down, give yourself space, and transition slowly before autumn and winter set in.
10 ways to nazomer in Amsterdam
Put on a sweater and sit outside for your morning bakkie (slang for cup of coffee).
Terrasje pakken (grabbing a terrace table) with friends for a final round of rosé or beer in the sun.
Attend a workshop at the community agriculture center Stadstuinderij NoordOogst.
Fietstochten (bike rides) along golden fields or through still-sunny dunes.
Get tickets to one of the many filmfestivals such as Camera Japan or the Filmfestival West Beach.
Parkwandelingen (park walks) in one of Amsterdam’s many parks as the first leaves start to turn.
Nazomer is the perfect time for an avondboottochtje (evening boat trip) on the canals.
Visit the ArtZuid, a big outdoor biennial sculpture exhibit on the tree-lined Apollolaan, where the art and colorful leaves will compete for your attention.
Host one last outdoor borrel (early evening drinks and snacks) before it gets too wet and windy.
Have a warm tea and enjoy the view from the rooftop of NEMO the science museum and architectural marvel on the Oosterdok harbor.
In a world that always seems to move too fast, nazomeren invites us to savour what’s left of the summer and slowly welcome autumn. So this year, don’t let the sun go without a fight. Nazomer it!
P.S. Nazomer is also the perfect time to get serious about learning Dutch. Take the first step by signing up for a trial Dutch lesson with Dutch Made Easy Dutch Courses.
