typically.nl

Well it sure is not Nederlandsness. Really, we are not known for our proper manners. The more intriguing are these things called plaskruizen or ‘peeing crosses’. The photo says it all.

This peeing cross does what you think it does: it lends male bladder-pinching pedestrians relieve their pressure in a somewhat hygienic fashion. They are ubiquitous at events, but can also be spotted during the weekends in major cities.

How does one work?

1. It is assumed you are male and have an urgent need to pee
2. You approach a plaskruis and stand on the little ridge on either (free) side
3. Open your fly and pee in the hole. Sometimes, anti-stench tabs are present
4. Shake off, zip up and walk away.

The naieve visitor will take this all in with a sense of wonder and admiration. Free peeing crosses in the streets! These Nederlanders are god-like in their cleanliness! The truth is a little more nuanced though. There literally are no public bathrooms in Nederland. And if there are, they are filthy.

For women, this is a problem. So they use bathrooms in restaurants and hotels (which works great). Male Nederlanders in a pinch (har har) might be tempted, and often are, to use a tree, building, tourist or bicycle as urinal however. For these situations, the plaskruis is available.