Car Hire Netherlands

Getting out onto the roads of the Netherlands is a must, and if you’re fortunate enough to be travelling here during the spring, you’re in for a visual treat. At this time of year, the Bloemen Route (the Flower Route) is at its very best. Running between Haarlem in the north and Leiden in the south, this scenic drive passes through the Netherland’s key floral agriculture spots. Glance out of the window to enjoy the dazzling display of daffodils, lilies, gladioli, dahlias and, of course, the ubiquitous multi-hued tulips.

Driving in the Netherlands is a simple undertaking. Many of the major cities and towns are linked by road, and within easy reach of each of other. If you’re planning on travelling around the area, you can get from Groningen in the north to Tilburg in the south in under three hours (via the A28 and A50), and from Tilburg to the world-famous Amsterdam in around one and half hours (via the A2).

Like most European countries, in the Netherlands you drive on the right-hand side of the road and the highway infrastructure is both well designed and carefully maintained. There are a few points worth noting before you set out. For example, roundabouts can cause confusion. On some, drivers have right of way only when they’re actually on the roundabout, while others afford you right of way as you’re coming onto it. If you intend to drive within the country’s towns and cities, trams always have right of way. And in built-up areas you should only use your horn when there’s a real threat of danger.

The Netherlands is a thoroughly modern northern European country with a history that speaks of an enterprising spirit, a can-do attitude and joyous lust for life’s greater pleasures. Visitors are quickly charmed by the Dutch way of life, which combines a love for practical thinking with one for aesthetic beauty.

The beautiful scenery and impressive landscapes

Sandwiched between Belgium and Germany, sharing a sea border with the UK and within throwing distance of France, the Netherlands is a diminutive country with a landscape mainly defined by its lowness. In English, ‘Netherlands’ translates as ‘lower countries’, and since the late 1600s, the innovative Dutch have been determinedly reclaiming vast swathes of land both from the sea and from their many large lakes.

The flat, low-lying nature of the landscape makes for good, easy-to manage agricultural land. Most notably, this nation’s farmers have embraced the humble tulip, turning endless fields into flower farms that sway with wonderful colour during the spring. Another icon of the Dutch landscape are the windmills, thousands of which are used to capture the startling power of the sea winds.

The breathtaking art on offer

Great art is a national preoccupation in the Netherlands and no trip to this country could be complete without at least one or two forays into the creative world. Whatever your taste – old or new, classic or modern, the Dutch have got it covered.

The country’s number one art history destination is the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which is home to over 8,000 objects collected over an 800-year period. For its part, the city of Maastricht has the Bonnefanten Museum. This place, with its domed tower and landmark spot by the River Meuse, is almost as striking as the diverse art collection it houses.

The world-class capital

Laidback yet vital, distinctive yet understated; Amsterdam is a brilliant capital city and one that features on the bucket-lists of travellers worldwide. Built on a carefully maintained canal network and as flat as the rest of the country, Amsterdam is full of cyclists swerving here and there on-route to hipster cafés and art openings.

The city has a decidedly young, progressive air but don’t be fooled, it also has several centuries of character-packed history to share. Often cited as Amsterdam’s true golden age, the 1600’s shaped the city that exists today - both the canal system and much of the ornate architecture dates from this period.

One attraction not to miss is the Rembrandt House Museum. The great painter lived in this building between 1639 and 1658 and many of his etchings are on display, along with exhibitions about his extraordinary life. Another much more recent artist celebrated in Amsterdam is Van Gogh. Head to the Van Gogh Museum to admire the world’s largest collection of his work, alongside some of his most prominent contemporaries.

Historically, religion has been another major influencing factor on Amsterdam’s development. Take time out to visit the Catholic Basilica of Saint Nicholas, which you’ll find in the city’s Old Center.

Explore the Netherlands with car hire from Hertz.