The Most Scenic Road Trips in the Netherlands You Need to Take!

Have you ever thought the Netherlands is a hidden gem for road trips? It has flat land and easy routes. You can see amazing landscapes and cute towns. It’s perfect for nature lovers, history fans, or foodies.

Netherlands scenic road trips are unforgettable. You can see flower fields in spring and coastal views all year. There are endless options for beautiful drives.

This article will show you six amazing road trip routes. You’ll see the beauty and culture of Dutch landscapes. You’ll visit historical sites and cute villages. Driving here will be a special part of your memories. So, fill up your tank and start your scenic journey!

Key Takeaways

• The Netherlands offers six distinct road trip routes perfect for exploring scenic landscapes.
• Regions such as Groningen, Limburg, and Friesland provide a variety of attractions and experiences.
• Friesland’s rich history is highlighted by over fifty castles and manor houses.
• Convenient parking options are available, enhancing the road trip experience.
• Summer temperatures average 17°C, making it an ideal time for road trips.
• Renting a car in the Netherlands is easy, with rentals available for drivers 18 and older.

Exploring the Dutch Coastal Route

The Dutch Coastal Route takes you on a beautiful trip through Zeeland. You’ll see nature and amazing engineering. The Delta Works is a big highlight. It’s a system of dams and barriers that keep the Netherlands safe from floods.

Understand the Beauty of Zeeland’s Delta Works

The Delta Works show how smart humans can be. They protect Zeeland’s low areas. On the Dutch Coastal Route, you can see this amazing system and the beautiful land around it.

The Delta Works are not just useful. They are also very pretty. They fit right in with the beautiful coast.

Visit Charming Fishing Villages and Port Towns

There are lovely fishing villages and old port towns to visit along the way. Places like Goes have a strong sea culture. They offer fresh seafood and a friendly feel.

Every place on the Dutch Coastal Route has its own story. It’s about the fishing history of the area. Visitors can check out local markets and try foods made from the sea.

Through the Bulb Fields: A Colorful Journey

The trip from Haarlem to Leiden is a feast for the eyes. It takes you through fields full of colorful flowers and sweet smells. You’ll see tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as spring comes alive. This makes the journey a colorful journey that everyone loves.

Route Highlights: Haarlem to Leiden

This route shows off the beauty of the Bollenstreek area. You’ll see the best parts of it. Here are some top spots:

• Keukenhof Gardens: This garden has over seven million bulbs. It’s full of colors and draws people from all over the world.
• Local Towns: Visit charming towns like Lisse and Hillegom. They add to the area’s gardening history.
• Photo Opportunities: Photographers will find many beautiful places to take pictures of flowers.

Best Times to Visit for Blooming Flowers

The best time to see tulips is from mid-March to mid-May. If you want to see dahlias, go from mid-August to mid-October. The timing is key to seeing the flowers in full bloom.

The Dutch Cheese Route: A Culinary Adventure

The Dutch Cheese Route is a fun trip through the Netherlands’ famous cheese towns. It’s 126 kilometers long. It lets visitors taste the rich flavors and traditions of Gouda and Alkmaar.

Gouda to Alkmaar: Cheese Towns Explored

In Gouda, cheese lovers can enjoy the lively cheese markets in spring and summer. The town square gets busy with the traditional cheese trade. This sets the stage for a trip to Edam and Alkmaar, each with its own charm.

Edam is known for its round cheeses and beautiful canals. Moving on to Alkmaar, you’ll find another busy cheese market. Here, you can taste local cheeses and see how they’re made.

Experience Cheese Markets and Tastings

On the Dutch Cheese Route, you’ll find many tastings. You can try everything from creamy Goudas to tangy Edams. Cheese markets are a big deal here, not just for buying but for tasting too.

Plan to spend one to two days on this food adventure. You can join guided tours or explore on your own. The Dutch Cheese Route is a treat for cheese fans.

Hanseatic League Route: A Historical Walkthrough

The Hanseatic League Route takes you on a journey through the Netherlands’ history. It goes along the IJssel River and visits nine medieval cities. Each city has its own charm and history.

These towns show us the old trade network from the 11th century. It’s a trip back in time.

Medieval Cities Along the IJssel River

Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Doesburg, Harderwijk, Elburg, Zutphen, Hattem, and Hasselt are the cities on this route. They have historical sites, small city centers, and cultural spots. You can easily get to cities like Zwolle and Kampen by train.

Must-See Landmarks on This Route

There are many historical landmarks to see. The old weighing house in Doesburg and the Gothic buildings in Zutphen are must-sees. You can also see street murals by famous Dutch artists.

And don’t forget to try the local seafood and Michelin-starred restaurants. It makes the trip unforgettable.

Netherlands Scenic Road Trips: Following Van Gogh’s Footsteps

Start an artistic trip tracing Vincent van Gogh’s life from Zundert to Hoge Veluwe National Park. This 195-kilometer route takes you through places that shaped Van Gogh’s art. You’ll see natural beauty and cultural spots that show his influence.

Artistic Highlights from Zundert to Hoge Veluwe

Start in Zundert, where Van Gogh was born. You’ll see charming brick houses and colorful flowers. The Vincent van Gogh Huis museum is where he grew up, with a garden that inspired him.

Then, go to Etten-Leur, where Van Gogh started his art in 1881. The Van Gogh Church is now a gallery with exhibits about his life. You’ll also see a wall with his letters and drawings. And don’t miss the Heemkundekring Jan Uten Houte, a 19th-century Brabant peasant house that inspired many of his paintings.

End your trip at Hoge Veluwe, with the Kröller-Müller Museum. It has a big collection of Van Gogh’s work. The museum is set in a beautiful national park, just like the landscapes Van Gogh painted.

Exploring the Kröller-Müller Museum

The Kröller-Müller Museum is a great end to your journey. It has lots of Van Gogh’s art, showing his growth as an artist. You can see his early sketches and vibrant paintings. It’s a place to feel the atmosphere that inspired Van Gogh and see his amazing art.

Conclusion

Going on scenic road trips in the Netherlands is a great way to see beautiful places and learn about culture. You’ll see things like bulb fields and cute towns on the Dutch Cheese Route. Each place shows off the country’s history and traditions.

When planning your trip, think about taking a 7 to 14-day trip. This lets you see cities like Amsterdam and Brussels, and also the countryside. Don’t miss the spring when tulips make everything look amazing.

There are many things to do, like visiting old sites, trying new foods, or just enjoying the views. Every trip shows you a different side of the Netherlands. It’s a great way to learn about art, culture, and history.