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Amsterdam Centraal station’s ornate facade.

A train station that makes flying seem far less convenient

Planes have revolutionised modern travel, but this experience is so efficient and stress-free that it almost makes flying seem archaic.

  • Jenny Hewett

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Cherry blossoms around Museumsplein.

The Dutch town that inspired van Gogh’s ‘best’ painting

Amsterdam’s van Gogh museum is booked out, so we plan a jaunt to Van Gogh Village, Nuenen, where the master perfected his technique.

  • Catherine Marshall
Donald Trump threatened new tariffs on European nations starting February 1.

‘Blackmail’: Europe lashes out at Trump over latest move to get Greenland

A 10 per cent tariff would start on February 1, the US president said, as he targeted Denmark and seven other countries that sent troops to the Danish territory.

  • Michael Koziol
A postwoman delivers the mail in Lumsden, Scotland, on Tuesday.

Europe snow causes mass flight cancellations, Paris traffic jams reach record 1000km

One airline said it was the most extreme weather it had experienced in years, with the cold snap that has brought snow to London expected to worsen in coming days.

  • Bart H. Meijer and Charlotte Van Campenhout
FILE - Singer Yuval Raphael, from Israel, holds the national flag during a dress rehearsal for the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, May 16, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

SBS backs Eurovision as other countries pull out after Israel cleared to compete

Israel was cleared to enter the 2026 song contest, prompting Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland and Slovenia to follow through on their threats to withdraw over the Gaza war.

  • Louise Rugendyke, Klaus Lauer and Olivia Le Poidevin
Amsterdam doesn’t have the obvious tourist sites of other cities.

After 15 years in this European city, I can say it’s the world’s best

I agreed with the view Amsterdam is too expensive, too crowded, and has too many tourists. Then I broke my leg and my whole perspective changed.

  • Ben Coates
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Rob Jetten

How an always-smiling train manager just stopped the hard right in its tracks

His high-stakes win has set up the Netherlands for a wedding that will make headlines. And Rob Jetten could have Anthony Albanese to thank.

  • David Crowe
Melbourne United centre Jesse Edwards and his wife Quirine Edwards-Comans, middle, with their families after their wedding this year.

Meet the NBA centre who got married the day before flying to Australia

Jesse Edwards made his NBA debut and got married in the past year, and both went quicker than he would have liked. He hopes his time in the NBL will set the platform for a long NBA career.

  • Roy Ward
Bikes and windows in Amsterdam.

Ten things we’ll never understand about the Dutch

An indifference to privacy, uncanny cycling abilities and a cringeworthy Christmas tradition are just some of the Netherlands’ cultural quirks.

  • Brian Johnston
The glass pyramid was designed to handle 4 million entries a year. But the Louvre now regularly draws more than twice that figure.

The best of Europe

Its compact size means you can pack a huge amount into a holiday. Our guide will help you make the most of your time.