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For those who really want to discover the Netherlands, the driving routes in the Netherlands are the key to hidden landscapes and local gems. These routes are more than just a collection of roads. Experts have carefully put them together to let you experience the diversity of the Dutch landscape. Think rolling hills in the south and prehistoric monuments in the north. Forget the motorway and let yourself be guided along the places you would otherwise miss.
Prepared for the road: a good start is half the journey
A successful road trip starts with good preparation. Plan your route before you start the car. That is a smart move. Special signs indicate many well-known routes, but also download a GPX file (a digital route file for your sat nav). That gives you extra peace of mind. Also check your car and tailor your trip to the season. Blossom in the Betuwe is at its most exuberant in spring, while the heathland on the Veluwe turns purple in late summer.
‘ With a length of around 110 kilometres, this route winds through a landscape you would not immediately associate with the Netherlands. ’
Iconic routes all across the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a surprisingly rich range of themed driving routes. Each route has its own character and shows you a unique part of the country. Below you will find a selection of the most special routes that are perfect for a day trip or a weekend away.
The Mergellandroute: un-Dutch hills in Limburg
The Mergellandroute in South Limburg is the best known of them all. With a length of around 110 kilometres, this route winds through a landscape you would not immediately associate with the Netherlands. You drive over rolling hills, through deep valleys and past charming half-timbered villages such as Epen, Slenaken and Eijsden. The roads are sometimes narrow and challenging, with hairpin bends that put your driving skills to the test. Allow enough time for stops, because the view from the plateaus tempts you at every bend. A slice of Limburg vlaai (fruit tart) in a local café completes the experience. The route shows its strengths all year round, but in spring and summer the green landscape is at its very best.
The Delta Route: an ode to water and engineering in Zeeland
The Delta Route is an impressive trip of almost 400 kilometres through the landscapes of Zeeland and South Holland. This route is entirely devoted to the battle against the water. You drive over and alongside the world-famous Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers that protect the Netherlands from the sea. The Oosterscheldekering is one of the highlights. The route connects the islands and introduces you to the wide-open polders, dunes and the North Sea. Along the way you pass cosy harbour towns and fishing villages where you can sample fresh fish and mussels. Although summer is the most popular season, the route also has its charm in autumn and winter, when the wind and the water show their power.
The Veluwe routes: roaming through forest and heath
The Veluwe is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands and offers several options for an impressive drive. The South Veluwe Route (around 87 kilometres) and the routes through De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Veluwezoom are favourites. Here you drive through extensive forests, over gently undulating heathland and past sand drifts. A highlight is the Posbank near Rheden, which in particular in August and September offers views over kilometres of flowering purple heath. A stop at the Kröller-Müller Museum is highly recommended for art lovers. Right in the middle of the park you experience art and nature as one. The chance of spotting wildlife makes a drive across the Veluwe extra special: along the way you may see red deer or wild boar.
The Hunebed Highway (N34): a journey back in time
For a dive into prehistory, follow the Hunebed Highway in Drenthe. This route follows the provincial road N34, which runs from Zuidlaren to Coevorden. Along this road lie 47 of the 52 Dutch dolmens. These 5,000-year-old burial monuments are often visible from the road and very easy to visit. A stop at the Hunebedcentrum in Borger is well worthwhile. The centre gives you a clear picture of the people who built these impressive stone structures. The route itself is not only historically interesting, but also takes you through the characteristic Drenthe landscape with forests, heathland and traditional esdorpen (green villages). Take the time for a short walk in nature reserves such as De Drentsche Aa.
The Eleven Cities Route: Friesland at its best
The Eleven Cities Route is world-famous for the skating tour, but it is at least as impressive by car. The route covers more than 200 kilometres. It links the eleven historic Frisian towns and takes you through the open, water-rich landscape of Friesland. Each town has its own unique atmosphere, from the lively canals in Sneek to the historic city centre of Dokkum. The route lets you experience the peace and space of the Frisian countryside, with sweeping views over lakes and meadows. It is an ideal route to drive over a weekend, so you can get out in each town for a walk.
Practical tips for the best experience
Get the most out of your road trip by keeping a few things in mind. Signs mark many routes clearly, but a sat nav or app helps you drive more relaxed.
- Route and navigation: Hexagonal red and white signs indicate most tourist routes. Download a GPX file (a digital route file) in advance. It is a handy extra.
- Best time to travel: Each route has its own ideal season. The Flower Bulb Region route is at its richest in bloom in April and May, while the Veluwe is in bloom in late summer. River routes such as the Lek and Linge route offer spectacular vistas during the blossom period in spring.
- Stops and overnight stays: Experts have designed the routes so that there is plenty to see and do along the way. Plan your stops for a walk, a local dish or a place of interest. Most routes are perfect for a full day out, but are also ideal for a weekend away.
These routes are only the beginning. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more inspiration for your next road trip. There you will discover detailed route descriptions, packing tips and advice on regulations abroad. Discover more and plan your trip down to the last detail.
Frequently asked questions
The Mergellandroute offers rolling hills and half-timbered villages, while the Delta Route showcases impressive waterworks and wide sea views. For forests and heathland, the South Veluwe Route is ideal, and the Flower Bulb Region route is perfect for flower fields in spring. The Lek and Linge route offers rivers, windmills and orchards, and the Frisian Lakes route features water-rich landscapes and picturesque villages.
You can plan a driving route in the Netherlands by choosing from popular routes such as the Mergellandroute or the Delta Route, depending on your preferences for landscape and activities. Use apps such as those from the ANWB or download GPX files for route guidance and combine your route with cycling or walking stop-offs. For overnight stays and places to eat, you can stop at local farms for snacks or sample mussels in Yerseke along the Delta Route. Avoid busy weekends and check roadworks via the ANWB for a smooth journey.
To avoid crowds on popular driving routes in the Netherlands and still see all the highlights, plan your trip outside weekends and rush hours. Start early in the morning, especially at places such as the Flower Bulb Region during blooming season, and check seasonal advice for the best times (for example spring for blossom, summer/autumn for the Veluwe). Use apps such as Waze for real-time traffic information to dodge traffic jams and consider electric cars for more sustainable travel.
For a carefree road trip in the Netherlands, detailed route planning via apps and avoiding rush hour are essential, including checking in advance for roadworks. Travellers with electric cars should plan charging stops carefully for a smooth journey. With children on board, it is advisable to plan family-friendly stops with play areas or educational sights. Also consider sustainable choices such as stopping at local farms for snacks.
Yes, the Netherlands has various themed driving routes that focus on culture, history and nature. Examples include the Mergellandroute through rolling hills and half-timbered villages, the Delta Route along the impressive Delta Works and the South Veluwe Route through forests and heathland. In addition, there are routes such as the Lek and Linge route with windmills and orchards, and the Flower Bulb Region route that leads past flower fields, ideal for specific natural phenomena. These routes are often signposted and offer specific highlights and tips for an optimal travel experience.
