Scenic Drives in the Netherlands

Amsterdam is undoubtedly the Netherlands' greatest treasure and is considered one of Europe's pearls. Here you will find the famous canals created in the 17th century. The city center will take you on a long journey back in time, and art lovers will turn their heads in amazement when they see how many art galleries there are in the capital!

While exploring the Netherlands, a visit to The Hague, a royal city, should not really be missed. The Hague offers numerous opportunities for recreational activities - interesting museums and excellent entertainment venues. The city served as a source of inspiration for many Dutch artists for their paintings and artwork. Its picturesque promenade, wide streets and elegant squares - what more could you want?

While driving from Amsterdam to The Hague, it is worth visiting the Keukenhof, one of the country's greatest spring highlights. On the grounds of the garden you will find more than 7 million flowering daffodils, crocuses and tulips. It is the largest garden of its kind in the world.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is located on the Nieuwe Maas River. It is also the largest port in the world. The city's most famous resident was, of course, the humanist Erasmus, who was born here in 1467. Despite its very modern appearance, Rotterdam originated in the Middle Ages and gradually gained its status as a cultural and industrial center.

Tourists looking for architectural thrills should go to Delft, one of the most important centers of pottery production in Europe. The old city's greatest treasures are a Renaissance town hall and a Gothic church. Travelers bored with the urban atmosphere can visit Kinderdijk, where one can admire an interesting system of windmills used to dry fields. It is the largest attraction of its kind in the country - you will find no fewer than 19 historic structures here.

Green fields, as well as dense forests and moors, are an ideal option for vacationers who like less frequented niches. All this and more open spaces can be found in National Park De Hoge Veluwe. Another plus of this place is the Kröller-Müller Museum, a combination art gallery and sculpture park dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.

While traveling through the Netherlands, don't forget the smaller cities, which are as rich in culture and history as the most popular Dutch metropolises. Utrecht offers visitors a wealth of sights from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, while in Gouda you'll learn more about the secrets of cheese-making in addition to interesting highlights.

There are many ways to travel from one place to another in the Netherlands. However, renting a car is the most convenient way to travel between selected cities. Most of the biggest highlights are just an hour's drive from Amsterdam.

Renting a car in the Netherlands is a piece of cake, as most major Dutch cities have several car rental companies offering their services. There is also an option to rent a car directly at the airport, where you will find a wide variety of car rental companies offering a wide range of car brands with equipment that will meet the expectations of the most demanding motorists.

When it comes to replenishing fuel reserves, you'll have no problem with that. You'll find plenty of gas stations where you can also buy snacks, drinks and magazines to make your trip more comfortable.

Those who opt for free parking will unfortunately be disappointed, as most Dutch cities have introduced parking fees for the use of indoor and outdoor parking spaces. You can pay for your rental car by credit card, debit card or cash.

Because the Netherlands is not a large country, you can reach many places in a relatively short time. It's even easier because the country boasts impeccable road infrastructure and easy-to-follow road signs that translate into comfortable and safe driving. Most roads are free to use. The only two toll booths are: Westerschelde Tunnel and Dordtse Kil.

In built-up areas you can drive at 30-50 km / h, in rural areas at 80 km / h and on highways at easily 100-130 km / h. It is important to remember that some highways have special speed monitoring systems that track your average speed on a particular stretch of road. Therefore, it pays to follow the traffic rules to save yourself additional costs such as parking tickets.

The Dutch are very conscientious about obeying the traffic rules - talking on the phone while driving, exceeding the speed limit or drinking and driving are severely punished. The allowable blood alcohol level is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for drivers who have less than five years of experience behind the wheel.

The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for drivers who have less than five years of experience behind the wheel.

When driving on Dutch roads, it is important to remember the mandatory car equipment. This includes a warning triangle and a safety vest. These two elements should be used in case of a vehicle breakdown in the middle of the road. Other useful items include: a set of spare lamps, a first aid kit and a flashlight.

In the event of a car accident, it is best to call 112 immediately. This number allows you to contact the responsible authorities. It is also important to remember that for safety reasons it is forbidden to cross the highway, even in a traffic accident.