Things to know when driving Netherlands
The Netherlands may be small but it is packed with great cities, wonderful countryside and friendly, relaxed people. It makes a great destination for touring around by car.
You’ll find it’s very flat, which makes for relaxed driving. And the roads are of a high standard too. The motorways and trunk roads are particularly well maintained. It’s an easy country to drive in – the only particular thing to look out for is a large number of cyclists in the cities.
The country is compact but heavily populated so there are lots of roads, including a good network of motorways. These include the A1, connecting Amsterdam with the German border to the east, and the A2, from Amsterdam south to Maastricht.
Note that many major Dutch roads like these continue into the neighboring countries of Germany and Belgium. Because of this, they display two road numbers, one (like the A1) is the Dutch road name; the other (E30), is the European name that stays the same whatever country it passes through.
You’ll find that traffic drives on the right in the Netherlands and most regulations are similar to the rest of mainland Europe.
Speed limits are 31mph in built-up areas, 62mph on open roads and 80mph on motorways. You must give way to buses pulling away from bus stops in urban areas and you mustn’t use your horn at night.
Note that Dutch police can issue on-the-spot fines for breaking driving laws, even for parking in the wrong place. For more information about the driving rules in The Netherlands visit this page.
More About Traveling Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a very appealing combination of traditional and modern attractions. Alongside the beautiful canals, windmills, and tulip fields, you’ll spot trendy urban cafés, modern art galleries and pieces of stunning contemporary architecture. Overall, it makes for a fantastic country to visit, whether you’re there for a short work trip or a nice long break.
Chic and cool capital city
The Dutch capital is famous for its canals, and it’s true that they help create a very picturesque city. But there’s a lot more to experience in the country’s biggest attraction. From the bohemian cafes and the art galleries – which feature masterpieces by Durer, Rembrandt or Van Gogh - to the impressive churches and fairy-tale themed amusement park, there’s lots to keep you occupied in Amsterdam.
The Vondelpark is the most famous parkland in Amsterdam and sees around 10 million visitors each year. With an open-air theatre located in its grounds, and plenty of space to relax on the grass, there’s little wonder it’s so popular.
Around the Netherlands
If you’re in modern Rotterdam, take a tour of the city to spot some of Europe’s most creative modern architecture, including the row of tilting ‘cube houses’ and the extraordinary market hall that looks like a football stadium. You should also head for the 32metre-high Euromast, which has a restaurant and observation deck halfway up. It’s a symbol of this busy port city and you’ll get great views over Rotterdam’s skyscrapers and waterways from the top. Look out for the wonderfully elegant and futuristic Erasmus Bridge below you.
In elegant Utrecht, in contrast, you can climb the 14th-century Dom Tower, the tallest church in the country. There are 465 steps to the top but you’ll be rewarded with a panorama across the rooftops of the old medieval city center.
To the west, next to the sea, is The Hague where you can visit the Dutch Parliament buildings known as Het Binnehof. It’s a proud city of grand palaces and museums. The best of the lot is the Maurithaus, a fabulous gallery of Dutch Renaissance art in a beautiful old mansion.
Cultivating coastlines and colorful countryside
If you’re in the south in springtime, you should look out for the Keukenhof. Between March and May this rural spot becomes an international must-see attraction thanks to the flowering of tulips. It’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens with over seven millions bulbs blooming in the season.
The Netherlands has a long coastline and you’ll find plenty of beaches, islands and estuaries to explore. The country’s most popular seaside resort is Scheveningen, a grand traditional resort with a two-story pier extending into the sea beyond the wide sandy beach. Plus, there’s plenty of sea life to look out for and statues to admire on the boulevard.
Ironically, Europe’s flattest country also boasts the continent’s tallest lighthouse tower. And, of course, you can climb to the top of the 226-foot ‘Tall Jaap’ at Huisduinen for great views over the Dutch coast.
Netherlands
