Microsoft Flight Simulator City Update 14 celebrates the rich history and beautiful vistas of the Netherlands and Belgium. The release coincides with one of the world’s largest flight simulation conferences, FlightSimWeekend (FSWeekend), taking place in Lelystad in the Netherlands from 20 to 22 March, 2026. The update comprises ten areas of interest (AOIs) rendered in high-fidelity TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface texturing.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands is bordered by Germany on its east, Belgium on its south, and the North Sea to the northwest. Sometimes informally called Holland, the Netherlands is famous for its windmills, extensive waterway system, and diverse and vibrant economy. City Update 14 includes eight AOIs in the Netherlands: three in Amsterdam, and one each in Breukelen, Brielle, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.
Amsterdam: Founded in 1275 just inland of the North Sea, Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and the country’s most populous city. Intimately tied to maritime trade, Amsterdam blossomed as a global commercial hub during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Frequently called the “Venice of the North,” Amsterdam’s canal ring is recognized as a United Nations World Heritage Site. Amsterdam is also renowned for its picturesque brick canal houses and rich selection of art galleries. The city is home to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of the most important airports in Europe, and the Port of Amsterdam, one of Europe’s busiest ports. Amsterdam is also known as a global technology center and is famous for its progressive social policies and cycling culture.
Breukelen is a town located approximately 15 miles to the south-southeast of Amsterdam along the Vecht River. It is known for its 17th century estates and several castles, including the Nijenrode Castle. The town is the namesake for the New York City borough, Brooklyn.
Brielle is a seaport town in the western Netherlands just inland of the North Sea in the province of South Holland. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval structures and hundreds of national heritage sites and national monuments.
Eindhoven: Located in the province of North Brabant, in the southern part of the Netherlands, the city of Eindhoven is famed as a center of innovation and modern architecture. The electronics giant Philips was founded in Eindhoven in 1891, and the company’s manufacturing of light bulbs led to the city’s nickname “City of Lights.” Eindhoven continues to burnish its reputation as a center of technology in great part due to being home to several universities and technology companies. The city boasts several well-known works of architecture, including Philips Stadion, the Van Abbe Museum, and the flying saucer-shaped Evoluon conference center.
Rotterdam: Located just inland of the North Sea, Rotterdam is the second most populous city in the Netherlands and home to the largest seaport in Europe. Rotterdam traces its history to the construction of a dam on the river Rotte in 1270 (the name Rotterdam translates to ‘Dam on the River Rotte’). Rotterdam quickly grew as a fishing, trade, and maritime center in the ensuing centuries. Much of Rotterdam was destroyed by German bombing during World War II, and a post-war construction boom resulted in a wide array of stunning modern architectural works. Notable sights include the Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge, and the arch-shaped Markthal.
Utrecht is in the central Netherlands approximately 25 miles south-southeast of Amsterdam. With history dating to the construction of a Roman fort in approximately 50 AD, Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Utrecht grew into an important hub of trade and commerce in the centuries following its establishment, notably during the medieval era with its specialized wharf system. Today, the city is known for its beautifully preserved medieval city center, unique bi-level canals, and the famous Dom Tower, the Netherlands’ tallest church tower, which stands 368.5 feet tall.
Belgium
The central hub of power of the European Union, Belgium is divided into three primary regions, Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and Brussels, which is bilingual. The relatively small country borders France on its southwest, Luxembourg to the south, Germany on the east, and the Netherlands on its northeast. Like the Netherlands, Belgium is bordered on its northwest by the North Sea. Microsoft Flight Simulator City Update 14 includes two AOIs each in Belgium, Antwerp and Bruges.
Antwerp: Located in northern Belgium just inland of the North Sea, Antwerp is a renowned historic city that is today the second most populous in the country. Antwerp traces its origin to the 2nd century and became a major hub for trade in the 10th century. Today it is known as the “Diamond Capital of the World” as its Diamond Quarter handles a massive portion of world diamond trade. The city is also notable as the home of Europe’s second largest seaport, the Port of Antwerp Bruges.
Bruges: Lying just inland of the North Sea in northwestern Belgium, the city is recognized as a United Nations World Heritage Site for its well-preserved gothic and medieval architecture and features an extensive network of winding canals and cobbled streets. Founded in the 9th century, Bruges has flourished through the centuries due to its ties to the sea and maritime trade. Today, shipping and tourism rank as the two most important industries in Bruges.
Microsoft Flight Simulator City Update 14: The Netherlands and Belgium is available today FREE to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Ensure that you have the latest simulator version installed, download City Update 14, and explore the vast beauty above the Netherlands and Belgium! The sky is calling!
Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 are available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, Sony PlayStation 5, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator products, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial [twitter.com] on X (formerly Twitter) or visit www.flightsimulator.com.