The Unusual Detail About Dutch Sinks American Tourists Are Bound To Notice When Washing Their Hands

The Netherlands lie pretty far north, about the same latitude as Edmonton, Canada. Winters here are generally cold and dark, so it's no surprise that the Dutch like to embrace warm things: wool sweaters, routine bike rides, fully nude saunas, and so on. These are essential in a country where some months are so frigid, people can actually skate over the frozen canals.

But one part of Dutch life never gets warm, no matter what you do or how long you wait: bathroom sinks. As confirmed by a blog post on the website Dutch Review, one of the many quirks of Holland is that bathroom faucets routinely pour only cold water. (Actually, the water is described as "freezing cold.") For whatever reason, this is commonplace across the country; author Lyna Meyrer has no explanation for the peculiar plumbing, which affects both antique buildings and new construction alike. Even if you fastidiously manipulate the lever or knobs, warm water will never come out. If you're already traveling to Amsterdam alone and have no one to compare notes with, rest assured that you're not crazy.

Meanwhile, Meyrer asserts that Dutch sinks are also noticeably small, so you don't even have much room to rinse your hands. This is a common observation across the Internet, making the whole restroom experience feel claustrophobic and spartan. Some have proposed, half-seriously, that the Dutch reputation for frugality has led to both miniature porcelain basins and disconnected water-heaters, but an exact explanation remains elusive.

Don't get us wrong: cold water can be very pleasant in the hottest months, and Dutch summers are sometimes sweltering, given the right conditions. Indeed, Europeans flock to unexpected places like Scheveningen Beach for a relaxing time and the chance to cool off in the North Sea. When you inevitably retreat to the loo, cold water will feel refreshing on sweaty palms; contrary to popular belief, there is no confirmed hygienic benefit to washing hands with hot water. As for the (many) colder months in the Netherlands, you'll just have to get used to it.

But you may not have to travel as far as the restroom; another peculiarity of Dutch homes is having a sink in the bedroom. This unusual arrangement has a long history and was done out of practicality, when multiple generations were all crammed under the same roof. So, no matter which of the Rick Steves-approved destinations in the Netherlands you choose to visit, you can come prepared — both for a conveniently close tap and a chilly scrub.