Road Trips in the Netherlands

Amsterdam is definitely the greatest treasure of the Netherlands and is considered one of the European pearls. It is here that you will find the famous canals that were constructed in the 17th century. The city centre will take you on a long journey back in time, and the lovers of art will clutch their heads in wonder when they see the number of art galleries available in the capital!

While exploring the Netherlands, you can't really miss a visit in the Hague, a royal city. The Hague offers countless options of spending free time - interesting museums and excellent entertainment venues. The city was an inspiration for numerous Dutch artists for their paintings and works of art. The scenic promenade, wide urban alleys, and elegant plazas - what else can you need?

While travelling from Amsterdam to the Hague, it's worth visiting Keukenhof, one of the biggest spring highlights of the country. Within the area of the garden, you'll find more than 7 million blossoming narcissus, crocuses, and tulips. It is the biggest garden of this type in the world.

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands located on the River Nieuwe Maas. It is also world's largest port. The most well-known resident of the city was, of course, the humanist Erasmus who was born here in 1467. Despite its very modern appearance, Rotterdam was established already in the Middle Ages and it was slowly gaining its status of a cultural and industrial hub.

Tourists searching for architectural sensations should direct their steps to Delft, one of Europe's main centres producing pottery ceramic products. The greatest treasures of the Old Town are a Renaissance town hall and a Gothic church. Travellers who are bored with the urban atmosphere should consider a visit in Kinderdijk, where you can admire an interesting system of windmills used for field drying. It is the largest attraction of this type in the country - you'll find here as many as 19 historic structures.

Green acres as well as dense forests and heathland are an ideal option for those holidaymakers who enjoy less frequented recesses. All of that and even more of open spaces can be found in the De Hoge Veluwe National Park. An additional asset of this place is the Kröller-Müller Museum, a combination of an art gallery and a sculpture park devoted to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh.

While moving around the Netherlands, you can't forget about the smaller towns which are as rich in terms of culture and history as the most popular Dutch metropolises. Utrecht offers visitors a plethora of landmarks from the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, whereas in Gouda, apart from exploring interesting highlights, you'll learn more on the secrets of cheese production.

The Netherlands may be a small country, but it packs a big punch when it comes to road trips. Here are three of the best road trips to take in the Netherlands:

• The Afsluitdijk: The Afsluitdijk is a 20-mile-long causeway that spans the distance between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. It is a man-made dam that was constructed to protect the low-lying areas of the Netherlands from flooding. The road offers stunning views of the Wadden Sea and is a popular spot for fishing, kite surfing, and birdwatching. The road trip can be combined with a visit to the historic town of Harlingen or the Frisian island of Terschelling.

• The Flower Route: The Netherlands is known for its flower fields, and the Flower Route is a great way to experience them. This road trip takes you through the flower-growing region of the country, including the famous Keukenhof Gardens. The best time to take this road trip is in the spring, when the tulips are in full bloom. Along the way, you can stop at small towns like Lisse and Hillegom, which are known for their beautiful flower displays.

• The Veluwe: The Veluwe is a national park located in the central part of the Netherlands. It is a beautiful area with heathlands, forests, and sand dunes. The road trip takes you through the heart of the park and offers the chance to see wildlife like deer, foxes, and wild boar. There are also plenty of hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as historic towns like Arnhem and Apeldoorn.

These road trips in the Netherlands offer the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you are interested in flowers, wildlife, or just a scenic drive, there is something for everyone in this small but charming country.

In the Netherlands, there exist many options of travelling from one place to another. However, a rental car will be the most convenient way of moving between selected cities. Most of the biggest highlights can be found only an hour away from Amsterdam.

Renting a car in the Netherlands is a piece of cake since most of the major Dutch cities can boast multiple car hire spots offering their services. What's more, there exists an option to rent a vehicle right at the airport, where you'll find a plethora of car hire companies offering a wide range of car makes with equipment that lives up to the expectations of the most demanding motorists.

When it comes to replenishing of fuel reserves, you won't have any problems with that. You'll find numerous petrol stations, where you will also be able to purchase snacks, beverages, and magazines which will make your journey more pleasant.

Unfortunately, those who count on free parking will be disappointed because most of Dutch cities have introduced parking fees for using outdoor and indoor parking lots. You can pay for leaving your rental vehicle with a credit or a debit card or with cash.

Owing to the fact that the Netherlands isn't a large country, you can reach many places in a relatively short period of time. It is even easier due to the fact that the country can boast impeccable road infrastructure and easy to follow road signs which translate into comfortable and safe driving experience. Most of the roads can be used free of charge. The only two toll spots are: Western Scheldt Tunnel and Dordtse Kil.

In built-up areas, you can drive at a speed of 30-50 km/h, in rural areas at a speed of 80 km/h, and on motorways you can easily drive as fast as 100-130 km/h. It's vital to remember that some of the motorways have special speed enforcement systems which track your average speed at a given road section. Keeping that in mind, it's worth following the traffic rules in order to spare yourself additional costs, such as speeding tickets.

The Dutch are very diligent at observing traffic rules - talking on the phone while driving, exceeding speed limits, or drinking and driving are severely punished. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for motorists who have less than five years of experience behind the wheel.

While driving along the Dutch roads, it's important to remember about obligatory car equipment. It includes a warning triangle and a reflective vest. These two elements have to be used in case of a vehicle breakdown in the middle of the road. Other useful elements include: a set of spare bulbs, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.

In case of a car accident, it's best to call 112 right away. This number will allow you to reach appropriate authorities. It's also important to remember that it's forbidden to cross the motorway for safety reasons, even in the event of a road accident.

When taking a road trip in the Netherlands, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some important things to be aware of:

• Driving on the right side: Like most of Europe, the Netherlands drives on the right-hand side of the road. This might take some getting used to if you come from a country that drives on the left-hand side.

• Road rules and signage: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the local road rules, signs, and regulations, especially if you're not used to driving in Europe. The speed limit on highways is usually 100 km/h, and there are strict rules on using mobile phones while driving.

• Bicycles: The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture, so be aware of cyclists and bike lanes, especially in cities like Amsterdam. Cyclists have priority over cars, and there are often separate bike lanes that you should avoid driving in.

• Parking: Parking in cities can be challenging and expensive, so it's important to plan ahead. Look for public parking garages or consider staying in a hotel with parking facilities.

• Toll roads: There are no toll roads in the Netherlands, but there is a congestion charge in the city center of Amsterdam that applies to certain vehicles during specific hours.

• Weather: The weather in the Netherlands can be unpredictable, with rain and strong winds common. Check the forecast and be prepared for changing conditions.

• Trams and buses: In cities like Amsterdam, there are trams and buses that share the road with cars. Make sure to watch out for them and avoid driving in tram lanes.

By keeping these things in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable road trip in the Netherlands.

The best time of year to take a road trip in the Netherlands would be during the spring and summer months, from April to September. During this time, the weather is generally warmer and drier, making it easier to travel around and enjoy the country's attractions. However, it is worth noting that the peak tourist season is during July and August, so it can be more crowded and expensive during these months.

The cost of a road trip in the Netherlands can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of accommodation, transportation, food and activities. However, here are some estimated costs:

• Accommodation: A budget hotel or hostel can cost around €50-€80 per night, while a mid-range hotel can cost around €100-€150 per night.

• Transportation: Renting a car can cost around €30-€60 per day, depending on the type of car and the rental company. Gasoline costs around €1.80-€2.00 per liter. Alternatively, public transportation is a cheaper option, with a single ticket costing around €3-€4.

• Food and drink: A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around €15-€20, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €25-€40. A beer at a bar can cost around €3-€5.

• Activities: Many museums and attractions offer free admission or reduced fees for students and seniors. However, some popular attractions can cost around €10-€20 per person.

Overall, a road trip in the Netherlands can cost around €50-€100 per day for budget travelers, €100-€150 per day for mid-range travelers, and upwards of €200 per day for luxury travelers.

It's worth noting that the cost can also vary depending on the time of year, with peak tourist season being more expensive than the off-season.

Here are some guidebooks and road maps for a road trip in the Netherlands:

• Lonely Planet Netherlands (Travel Guide): This comprehensive guidebook includes information on the top attractions, road trip itineraries, and insider tips for travelers.

• Michelin Netherlands Map 715 (Maps/Country (Michelin)): This detailed map includes all the major roads and highways, as well as points of interest and tourist attractions.

• Netherlands Road Map (AA Road Map Europe): This road map is great for planning your route and includes information on tolls, parking, and road conditions.

• Rick Steves Netherlands: This guidebook includes recommendations for the best road trip routes, local restaurants and bars, and cultural experiences.

• Insight Guides Netherlands (Travel Guide with Free eBook): This guidebook includes detailed information on the history, culture, and geography of the Netherlands, as well as practical advice for road trippers.

• Marco Polo Netherlands (Marco Polo Travel Guides): This compact guidebook includes recommendations for the top attractions, scenic routes, and local cuisine.

• National Geographic: Netherlands Adventure Map: This map is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Netherlands by car, with detailed information on hiking and biking trails, as well as waterways for canoeing and kayaking.

Overall, these guidebooks and maps will help you plan a memorable and enjoyable road trip through the Netherlands.