Netherlands: STOP. BEFORE YOU GET THERE.

Why holiday in one destination, when with a Hertz car at your disposal you can see so much more?

Our products and services put you in complete control, so you can enjoy a hassle-free trip and plan all the incredible stops along the way.

This summer, we want to inspire you to savour the journey, not just the destination. We’ve teamed up with the travel experts from Culture Trip, the lifestyle and culture hub, to identify some of the best stops to enjoy when driving in Europe this summer.

Find out more about some of our top stops in Netherlands:

Texel - Netherlands

Treat yourself to an idyllic stop off at Den Helder, on the drive North from Amsterdam. From there, hop on the ‘veerboot’, which takes just twenty minutes to sail to the charming island of Texel. With its 30 kilometres of sandy shores, Texel island is a paradise for beach lovers. It also boasts seven pretty little villages and unique natural scenery.

A picture-perfect bright red lighthouse is located off one of the island’s widest beaches on northern Texel. You can also take a tour of the 150-year-old building, which offers a beautiful view of Texel and the neighbouring island of Vlieland.

For thrill seekers, parachuting from a plane has become the islanders’ hobby on Texel or for something less adrenaline fueled, take an airplane tour of the island or sail a catamaran along the coast. You can also enjoy horseback riding, windsailing, canoeing, as well as bird-watching and hiking tours on the salt marshes.

For culinary exploits, order a Texel specialty beer called Skuumkoppe, or a local herbal liqueur called Juttertje (‘little beachcomber’). Try Texel cheese or enjoy Texel lamb with its lightly salty flavour due to the fact that the lambs are reared on the island’s salty grass. Head to Pakhuus, perfectly positioned for a fantastic view over the harbour of Oudeschild, offering a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish, especially those originating from the North and Wadden Seas.

Keukenhof Gardens - Lisse, Netherlands

With more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths filling over 32 hectares with vibrant colour and fragrances, Keukenhof is one of the most beautiful spring gardens in the world. Besides the spacious hectares of flowers you can enjoy the spectacular flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens, unique artwork and wonderful events. Known as the ‘Garden of Europe’, it is one of the world's largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse just 40 mins drive south of Amsterdam- the perfect stop off on the way to the capital city.

Located straight across from the Gardens, visit the centuries-old turreted Castle Keukenhof in Lisse. A wander around the castle brings to life the castle’s 400-year old history, where you can get to know previous inhabitants through an impressive collection of painted portraits.

For something to eat head to the friendly A-muze in Lisse, perfect to stop at any time: enjoy coffee and homemade cakes, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner or drinks.

Urk - Flevoland, Netherlands

Urk lies in the province of Flevoland, a great place to stop on the drive from the city of Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Urk’s harbor area offers a large and free parking terrain so not a problem if you’ve just picked up your car. Quick tip: Sunday is a resting day for religious communities of Urk, so best to visit here on a weekday or Saturday.

This lovely fishing village is centuries old and has a distinctive history and culture. Its very own Urk dialect is still spoken there, and you can take picturesque walks through the ancient alleyways (known as ginkies) and streets. A visit to the lighthouse, the museum, the monuments and the Ijsselmeer fish market are also highly recommended, and whilst at the harbour you can enjoy delicious smoked Ijsselmeer eel or a freshly baked fish from the fishermen of Urk— a delicious place to stop!

This summer, wherever you’re going #goviahertz.