Blog | Balsternet

Fabrique des Lumières Amsterdam

Blog | Balsternet — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:21:13 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/uncategorized/fabrique-des-lumieres-amsterdam/
A visit to Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam — a stunning digital art center housed in the former gas factory at the iconic Westergasfabriek. ✨
Using cutting-edge projection technology and spatial audio, the venue transforms its walls, floors, and ceilings into massive dynamic canvases, bringing the works of iconic artists like Gustav Klimt, Vincent van Gogh, and Salvador Dalí to life in a breathtaking 360-degree environment. Instead of standing in front of static paintings, you are completely surrounded by moving visuals and music — a truly multisensory journey through art and imagination.
Exhibitions typically last around 45 to 60 minutes and the experience is suitable for all ages, making it a great outing for families too. After your visit, the surrounding Westergasfabriek creative district offers plenty of restaurants, galleries, and green spaces to explore.
One of the most unique and memorable things to do in Amsterdam! 🎨

Hiking Trough Kampina's Scenic Heathlands

Blog | Balsternet — Sun, 17 May 2026 18:09:54 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/hiking/hiking-through-kampinas-scenic-heathlands/
A hike through the beautiful Kampina nature reserve, nestled between Boxtel and Oisterwijk in North Brabant. This protected area is a true gem, offering a diverse mix of heathlands, forests, and wetlands — perfect for a peaceful escape into nature. 🌿
In late summer, the heathlands burst into a stunning sea of purple heather, making it one of the most scenic times to visit. Birdwatchers can spot skylarks and nightjars, while the wetlands attract herons and ducks. Keep an eye out too for deer grazing in the distance or wild boar tracks along the paths. 🦌
The reserve also has a rich history, with traces of ancient farmsteads and traditional land management techniques still visible along the trails — adding an extra layer of depth to the natural surroundings.
Kampina features a network of well-marked trails for hikers of all levels, with routes varying in length so you can go for a short stroll or a longer adventure. Whether you're going solo, with friends, or the whole family, it's a wonderful spot to reconnect with nature! 🌞

Huys te Haer

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:35:00 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/uncategorized/huys-te-haer/
A visit to Kasteel de Haar, also known as Huys te Haer — the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands, located near Utrecht. 🏰
The castle's story dates back to the 1300s, but what stands today is largely thanks to Baron Etienne van Zuylen van Nijevelt and his wife Baroness Hélène de Rothschild, who commissioned the famous architect Pierre Cuypers — also responsible for Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum — to restore the ruins in the late 19th century. The result is a breathtaking neo-Gothic masterpiece complete with towers, turrets, and ornate details.
Inside, the lavishly decorated rooms feature rich tapestries, intricate woodwork, and impressive art collections. Over the years the castle served as a glamorous retreat for the rich and famous, welcoming guests such as Coco Chanel, Brigitte Bardot, and Yves Saint Laurent.
Beyond the castle walls lies an equally stunning landscape of perfectly manicured gardens, sprawling parkland, and reflective ponds — perfect for a relaxing stroll. 🌹
A truly fairy-tale destination and a must-visit if you're ever near Utrecht!

Hiking in the wet forest of Leuvenumse Beek

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:47:21 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/hiking/hiking-in-the-wet-forest-of-leuvenumse-beek/
A peaceful hike through the beautiful and atmospheric Leuvenumse Beek — a gentle stream that winds its way through the forest, home to deer, foxes, and a wide variety of birds. Walking here truly feels like stepping into a quiet, magical world. 🌲
The area offers marked trails for all kinds of hikers, taking you through forests, across sandy paths, and alongside the stream. One of the highlights is the Leuvenumse Bos, a calm and shady forest that's perfect for a relaxing escape from busy everyday life.
Along the way you'll enjoy stunning scenery with sunlight filtering through the tall trees, sparkling water, and plenty of wildlife — making it a great spot for photography too! 📷
Whether you're looking for a short walk or a longer hike, Leuvenumsebeek is a wonderful place to recharge and connect with nature. 🦌

Bloemencorso Noordwijk 2023

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:44:53 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/uncategorized/a-blossoming-dutch-tradition-bloemencorso/
A visit to one of the most beloved Dutch traditions — the Bloemencorso! 🌷
The first Bloemencorso took place back in 1936 in the town of Zundert, inspired by the region's flourishing horticultural industry, making it the oldest flower parade in the Netherlands. Since then it has grown into a widespread tradition celebrated across many Dutch towns.
This video features the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek, one of the most famous flower parades in the country, which takes place every April during the height of the tulip blooming season. The route spans around 42 kilometers, passing through some of the most iconic bulb-growing towns in the Netherlands:
🌊 Noordwijk — a coastal town surrounded by stunning bulb fields, where the parade begins
🌷 Sassenheim — renowned for its bulb cultivation
🌸 Lisse — home to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens
🌼 Hillegom — another key location in the bulb-growing region
🏛️ Haarlem — the historic city where the parade concludes and the floats are displayed for the public
A truly colorful and uniquely Dutch spectacle! 🌺

Wheels to the Waves A Beautiful Ride to the Dutch Coast

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:14:08 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/cycling/wheels-to-the-waves-a-beautiful-ride-to-the-dutch-coast/
A sunny cycling ride from the city all the way to the Dutch coast, and the perfect occasion to test out some new Insta360 accessories — the ULANZI Dual Clamp Head and the Insta360 Heavy Duty Clamp, which together offer great mounting flexibility and stability on the selfie stick.
Along the way I made a spontaneous stop in The Hague at SMAK Food Store, a cozy Eastern European supermarket and café right in the city center. The menu features traditional dishes from Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Moldova — think pelmeni dumplings, vareniki, Ukrainian borscht, cottage cheese pancakes, and unique drinks like Georgian lemonades and kvas. A great little pit stop and a lovely culinary detour! 🥟
A beautiful day on the bike with great food and new gear to try out! 🌊

Selwo Aventura

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 22:10:47 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/uncategorized/tapas-tan-lines-and-tranquillo-an-andalusian-adventure/
During our holiday in Andalusia we visited Selwo Aventura, a captivating wildlife and adventure park nestled in Estepona on the Costa del Sol. 🦒
The park spans over 100 hectares and offers an immersive safari experience where you can get up close with a diverse range of animals in settings designed to mimic their natural habitats. It is divided into several themed zones, each representing different regions of the world — from the African Plains to the Madagascar Territory and Bird Canyon.
But it's not just about the animals! The park also offers exciting activities such as zip-lining, archery, and rope bridges, making it a great day out for visitors of all ages.
🌍 A wild and wonderful experience on the Costa del Sol!

Exploring the Dutch Veluwe My First Bike Holiday

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:44:36 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/cycling/from-preparation-to-pedaling-my-first-bike-holiday/
My very first bike holiday — a 7-day solo cycling adventure through the Dutch Veluwe and surrounding regions, from home all the way to Schiedam and back! 🚴
What started with a forgotten food bag, a navigation app glitch, and rain right out of the gate turned into one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Here's the day-by-day rundown:
🗓️ Day 1 – Lage Vuursche: ~100KM on the first day, cycling in the rain with a last-minute selfie stick to start filming the aftermovie.
🗓️ Day 2 – Lunteren: A rough night, a heavy storm, a tarp setup, and a 20KM route cut — but lessons were learned about time management!
🗓️ Day 3 – Doorwerth: Sunny and beautiful! A diverse route through forests, countryside, and estates — including the best apple pie ever, fresh from the oven at a farm shop. Also passed the historic Grebbe Line defensive fortification.
🗓️ Day 4 – Wilp: A favorite day on the bike through the stunning municipality of Rheden — almost forgetting this was the Netherlands. Ended the evening with a well-deserved dinner at Van der Valk. 🍷
🗓️ Day 5 – Hattemerbroek: The wettest day of the trip. Rode an hour without seeing a single person, and met an inspiring older Belgian couple on their own bike holiday.
🗓️ Day 6 – Lage Vuursche: Fresh herring in Putten, a Gin & Tonic in Baarn, and a memorable encounter with a very enthusiastic religious cyclist along the way.
🗓️ Day 7 – Home: The final stretch back to Schiedam. Made a new friend — a fellow cyclist heading all the way back to Switzerland.
An unforgettable first bike holiday, rain and all! 💪

Cycling Through Giethoorn The Venice of the North

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 21:41:54 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/cycling/cycling-through-giethoorn-the-venice-of-the-north/
A cycling tour through the Kop van Overijssel — one of the most beautiful regions in the Netherlands! With clear skies, a pleasant 22°C, and a gentle breeze, the conditions were perfect for a day on two wheels.
The highlight of the route was Giethoorn, the so-called "Venice of the North." This picturesque village in the province of Overijssel is famous for its idyllic canals, thatched-roof cottages, and car-free old village center — where the only way to get around is by boat, bike, or on foot. Founded in the 13th century by peat farmers, it's a truly unique place!
The route also passed through some other great spots:
🌿 De Weerribben-Wieden National Park — One of the most important wetland areas in Europe, shaped by centuries of peat harvesting and now a haven for birds, rare plants, and cyclists.
⚓ Blokzijl — A charming historic harbor town that played a key role in the 17th-century peat trade, with a beautiful harbor and old merchant houses perfect for a short break.
With a total ascent of about 208 meters, the ride was gently varied without being too challenging — making it one of the most memorable rides of the summer! 🚴

Bollenstreek by Bike A Floral Journey Through the Dutch Countryside

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:40:46 GMT

An Andalusian Adventure

Blog | Balsternet — Thu, 14 May 2026 20:37:16 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/uncategorized/tapas-tan-lines-and-tranquillo-an-andalusian-adventure/
A summer adventure through Andalusia, Spain! We flew from Rotterdam to Málaga and based ourselves in the charming coastal town of Manilva — a laid-back municipality on the border of Málaga and Cádiz, known for its whitewashed buildings, vineyards, and stunning coastline.
During the trip we explored plenty of highlights:
🏛️ Málaga — We wandered through the vibrant Mercado Atarazanas, visited the stunning Cathedral known as "La Manquita", and even stopped by the OXO Video Game Museum for a nostalgic trip through gaming history.
🦅 Gibraltar — We took the cable car up the iconic Rock, soaked in breathtaking views over the Mediterranean, and encountered the famous Barbary macaques up close!
🏖️ Marbella & Estepona — Sun, beaches, cobblestone streets, and some delicious paella on the beach.
🌉 Ronda — A dramatic hilltop town perched above a deep gorge, with the iconic Puente Nuevo bridge, the historic Plaza de Toros bullring, and a visit to La Casa del Rey Moro with its fascinating Moorish mine.
🦒 Selwo Aventura — A huge wildlife and adventure park in Estepona spanning over 100 hectares, with safari experiences, zip-lining, and animals from around the world.
¡Qué aventura! 🌞

Kalmthoutse Heide

Blog | Balsternet — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:30:45 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/cycling/kalmthoutse-heide/
A bike ride through the Kalmthoutse Heide, a stunning transboundary nature reserve on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. Once two separate parks, they have since merged into one beautiful area covering approximately 37.5 square kilometers of forests and sand dunes — perfect for hiking or cycling!
Along the route we also pass by Fort Stabroek, a historical military fortification in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Built between 1902 and 1907, it was part of the Antwerp Fortified Position — a network of forts designed to defend the city of Antwerp.
🚴 A great ride through nature and history!

Ukrainian Food Festival Amsterdam

Blog | Balsternet — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:11:00 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/food/ukrainian-food-festival-amsterdam/
I visited the Ukrainian community at Thomaskerk in Amsterdam, where they hosted a wonderful food festival combining great cuisine with charity — supporting both local and international causes.
The moment we stepped inside, the air was filled with the aromas of freshly cooked Ukrainian dishes, all beautifully displayed so you could see exactly what you were about to try. Volunteers worked tirelessly to make the event a success, from preparing the food to setting up the market stalls.
It was a 2-day festival with different ticket options, including an exclusive afterparty at IJland in Amsterdam-Noord — though we had to skip that one since the Netherlands were playing Turkey in the Euro 2024 quarter finals! ⚽
💙💛 A fantastic event celebrating Ukrainian culture and community!

Insta 360 first impressions

Blog | Balsternet — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:06:15 GMT

📖 Source: https://blog.balsternet.nl/technology/capturing-the-world-in-360/
After editing my first bike holiday video with an iPhone 13 and a cheap selfie stick, I got hooked on creating content — and started looking for an upgrade. My choice? The Insta360 X4!
In this video I talk about why I chose this camera and what makes it such an exciting tool for capturing adventures. Think 8K 360° video, 60MP photos, FlowState stabilization, an invisible selfie stick effect, waterproofing up to 10 meters, AI-powered editing, and so much more.
I'm not doing a deep-dive review — just sharing my excitement about all the possibilities this little camera opens up!