Beyond the Netherlands’ biggest cities lies a tapestry of farmland, charming villages, and picturesque towns interconnected by serene canals, polders, and windmills. GoTravelDaily invites you to embark on unforgettable road trips that showcase scenic beauty, rich culture, and innovation throughout the country. With its well-maintained roads, driving through the Netherlands allows for spontaneous stops and discoveries. Alternatively, the compact distances and extensive cycling paths enable travelers to explore these routes by bike.
1. Through the Bulb Fields
Best road trip for colorful photo ops
Haarlem–Leiden; 64km (40 miles); allow one day
Time your visit just right to experience a magnificent array of colors along this route, discovering the charming Bollenstreek bulb-growing area. Departing from the cobbled streets of Haarlem, you’ll soon encounter open fields and vibrant flower farms. Just northwest of Lisse, the renowned Keukenhof Gardens feature awe-inspiring displays of millions of blooms during spring.
Although the Keukenhof Gardens are a must-visit during tulip season (mid-March to mid-May), their castle gardens are accessible year-round. The nearby Museum De Zwarte Tulp educates visitors on the Netherlands’ national flower and its history. Further along lies the beautiful coastal resort of Noordwijk, known for its stunning white-sand dunes inhabited by diverse wildlife. The historic city of Leiden, also a part of this route, is the birthplace of Rembrandt and showcases the Netherlands’ oldest botanical gardens.
Planning Tip: It’s advisable to check blooming periods to capture the best floral displays along your journey. Consider visiting in mid-August to mid-October for the dahlia flowering season.
2. The Dutch Cheese Route
Best road trip for cheese lovers
Gouda–Alkmaar; 126km (78 miles); allow one to two days
Delve into the delightful flavors of Dutch cheese along this route, which connects the historic cheese towns of the Netherlands. Starting in Gouda, famous for its cheese markets, the journey continues past lush landscapes and traditional windmills of Zaanse Schans before reaching Volendam’s charming fishing village and Edam, which boasts scenic cobbled streets and intriguing cheese production methods.
Alkmaar, known for its weekly cheese market during the spring and summer months, is a fitting conclusion to your tour. The experience of witnessing porters transporting cheese for market assessment is a sight not to be missed.
3. Hanseatic League Route
Best road trip for medieval architecture and history
Doesburg–Elburg; 138km (86 miles); allow one to two days
Explore the historical significance of the Hanseatic League along the eastern river IJssel. This route allows visitors to wander through cities steeped in medieval charm, beginning in Doesburg, known for its renowned mustard production.
As you travel through this historically rich area, you’ll encounter cities like Zutphen, Deventer, and Hasselt before concluding in Elburg, a fortified town with a quaint square-shaped center.
4. On the Trail of Van Gogh
Best road trip for art lovers
Zundert–Hoge Veluwe National Park; 195km (121 miles); allow one to two days
This road trip allows art enthusiasts to follow the early life and influences of Vincent Van Gogh, starting in Zundert, where he was born. Key stops along the way include Etten-Leur and Nuenen, where Vincent began his artistic journey, progressing to Hoge Veluwe National Park, encapsulating both nature and art.
5. Friesland’s Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour)
Best road trip for getting off the beaten track
Leeuwarden–Leeuwarden; 225km (140 miles); allow two days
Experience the enchanting Elfstedentocht road trip, which traces the remarkable winter tradition of ice-skating along historic canals and lakes throughout Friesland. This route explores all Eleven cities, showcasing their unique cultural heritage.
As you journey, enjoy the charm of Leeuwarden, Sneek, and Stavoren, each with their own rich history and scenic beauty. Moreover, the proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Frisian Islands provides an excellent opportunity for exploration.
