Planning to tour the Netherlands with a motorhome or campervan? There are some important issues you should know earlier than your journey, together with necessary paperwork and equipment to convey with you. Here’s all the things you should learn about campervanning or motorhoming in Holland.
Don’t neglect to seize your FREE motorhoming in Europe guidelines beneath that can assist you keep organised and keep in mind all the things you want.
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Motorhoming in Holland- or is it the Netherlands??
Ok, let’s begin with the obvious- what’s the distinction between calling it ‘Holland’ or calling it ‘the Netherlands’?
It’s slightly bit just like the distinction between the UK and GB- ‘Holland’ solely refers to a part of the nation (and a small half at that), whereas ‘the Netherlands’ refers back to the whole Kingdom (yep, it nonetheless is Kingdom of the Netherlands)
So, should you’re planning a visit across the nation, you’ll have to say ‘the Netherlands’. Having mentioned that, many individuals (together with us at instances!) nonetheless incorrectly seek advice from it as Holland, so I’ll use the phrases interchangeably all through this submit.
Campervanning within the Netherlands- why you need to go!
The Netherlands are recognized for a number of things- canals, clogs, tulips, windmills and being flat. Oh, and also you’ve in all probability heard of Amsterdam, particularly the crimson gentle district. If you observe the information, you’ll undoubtedly have heard of the Hague.
But there’s much more to the nation than that- it’s full of lovely countryside, ridiculously fairly cities, scrumptious meals and loads of historical past. This can also be the place to convey your bicycles- a lot of the nation is ideal for having fun with on 2 wheels.
I’ve Dutch god-parents, so I grew up visiting the nation and exploring it on highway journeys with my household. I’ll be trustworthy, lots of my recollections of the nation contain Poffertjes (small Dutch pancakes served heat with butter and icing sugar)- we’ll get to these shortly!
It’s additionally not a giant nation and it’s simple to see loads in per week, particularly should you’re travelling by motorhome.
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
When to go motorhome touring within the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a local weather similar to the UK- it’s on roughly the identical latitude as Norwich or Wales. The greatest time to plan a motorhome journey is from Spring (mid-April) to Autumn (in all probability round mid-October), however rain can occur at any time.
If you wish to see the tulips, go between mid-March and mid-May (clearly, precise instances differ), however this time can also be highly regarded with vacationers.
On the 27 April, there’s a National vacation referred to as King’s Day. Expect a LOT of orange clothes, orange hair and occasions occurring everywhere in the nation. The Dutch Royal Family are recognized for making shock visits to surprising locations, so preserve your eyes peeled! (Although, be trustworthy, would you recognise them??)
July and August are the busiest months for vacationers and there could be large queues for the height sights, so keep away from these should you can. Having mentioned that, it’s the most effective time to benefit from the lovely sandy seashores alongside the north coast. There’s a celebration on ‘Flag Day’ (when the primary herring are introduced in). There’s additionally the North Sea Regatta, Holland’s largest sailboat race, and the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival, held throughout August, which is nicely price a go to.
During Autumn, the climate is ideal for highway journeys, with out having to battle by way of the worst of the vacationers. Make time to go to the Nijmegen Kunstnacht artwork festival- an enormous gathering of artists of all varieties.
In the winter, there’s much more rainfall and it may be chilly, damp and dreary. Again, very similar to southern England, there aren’t any mountains (though there are hills), so don’t count on a lot snow (though it does occur often.) But there are a number of gentle festivals which occur across the nation, together with the Amsterdam Light Festival (one of many largest on the planet) and likewise Glow Eindhoven and Candle Night, Gouda. Also, lots of the canals freeze in winter and it’s potential to ice-skate on them (however please solely do that with permission in case the ice isn’t as thick as you thought!)
Motorhome Holidays within the Netherlands – Where to go
Before we dive into planning your motorhome or campervan tour, let’s take a look at among the greatest locations to go to.
Highlights of a Netherlands highway journey embrace:
- Giethoorn – the village with no roads. Yes, I do know that’s bizarre for a highway journey vacation spot, however it’s magical
- Keukenhof Gardens to see the tulips and hyacinths
- Volendam– one in every of our favorite villages in Holland (and it’s bought a GREAT motorhome aire close by)
- The Hague
- Nijmegen- the oldest metropolis within the Netherlands
- Amsterdam- however do NOT drive into the town!
- Madurodam– a mannequin village of the Netherlands and nicely price a cease
- Windmills in Kinderdjik
Of course, there are many different locations to discover too.
If you take pleasure in studying books earlier than you go to a spot, listed below are some nice recommendations:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we advocate studying
Planning a driving route from UK to Netherlands
So, how do you get to the Netherlands from the UK with a motorhome, campervan or perhaps a caravan?
Using the Eurotunnel
By far the simplest manner is the Eurotunnel. Normally, I’m all in regards to the professionals and cons of ferry vs tunnel, however on this occasion, regardless of the place you’re driving from within the UK, the tunnel is the only option. There can also be a ferry from Dover to Calais should you’re unable to make use of the tunnel, however it takes longer to cross.
Once you’re throughout to France, you may drive from Calais, by way of Belgium and to the Netherlands is simply 3 hours (it’s about 280km).
Harwich to Holland Ferry
There can also be a ferry which works on to the Hook of Holland (which I feel is the place loads of the identify confusion comes from!) from Harwich, with Stena Line. You can take your motorhome or camper on board and it takes about 7 hours. If you’re travelling with a canine or cat, there are kennels on board you may guide them into, however they will’t come into your cabin.
Hull to Rotterdam Ferry
For anybody in Scotland of the North of England, there may be additionally a ferry from Hull to Rotterdam with P & O Ferries. This takes about 12 hours and once more has cabins and pet kennels onboard.
Other motorhome and campervan routes into Holland
Of course, should you’re not beginning within the UK, there are many methods to get to the Netherlands. We’ve entered from Germany a number of instances, and likewise after exploring Belgium.
There aren’t any border controls if arriving by road- you simply drive straight in!
Hiring a motorhome to tour the Netherlands
If you don’t have your individual car, you may simply fly into the Netherlands and rent one. Just be certain that to ask learn how to get from the airport to the rental agency- not all of them are on the airport itself and also you may have to guide a taxi.
Don’t neglect, it’s YOUR accountability to verify the car has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driving force, not the corporate. Check prematurely with the corporate what equipment they may present with the car and what you will want to convey.
Take a listing of what’s legally required with you and test it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Do not drive till you’re glad you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
Make certain you will have proof that you would be able to take the car throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Read the article beneath for different issues to test as nicely earlier than you agree to rent.
Parking within the Netherlands for motorhomes and campervans
The Dutch are fairly welcoming and accommodating for motorhomers and campervanners. They have aires across the nation for affordable and even free in a single day motorhome stopovers.
You’ll discover loads of free daytime parking choices outdoors of the cities, however close to sights you’ll have to pay and show. Make certain you do this- the wardens are vigilant! Be certain to solely park in applicable spots- keep away from any kerbs painted black and white or yellow.
Also, you could have to mark the time you parked or use a parking timer. You can typically get one free from a Tourist Information Office (VVW).
As with most international locations in Europe, you will have 4 choices in the case of the place to park your motorhome or camper in a single day:
- Motorhome campsites
- Approved motorhome in a single day parking locations/ aires
- Free accredited in a single day parking spots
- Motorhome wild tenting spots (not likely tolerated)
Motorhome Parking in Amsterdam
There are so many fantastic issues to do in Amsterdam and we extremely advocate taking the time to go to, however to your sanity, and the sake of these round you, please don’t attempt to drive your motorhome in Amsterdam. Parking is VERY restricted and there are many guidelines and restricted zones. There are loads of locations to park up across the metropolis and use the prepare system or public transport to get out and in. There are a number of good motorhome campsites across the metropolis too.
Motorhome Campsites within the Netherlands
Wild tenting will not be very welcome within the Netherlands, so we want to make use of campsites or aires at any time when we go to with our motorhome.
Every campsite we’ve been to up to now has been extraordinarily clear and well-equipped. As we at all times journey outdoors of peak season, we discover them utilizing our ACSI CampingCard so we will get discounted charges.
Nearly each pitch has had electrical hook-up, a contemporary drinkable water faucet and infrequently even a TV aerial socket! Read our assessment in regards to the greatest 12v motorhome TVs and the way to decide on.
Our favorite campsite in Giethoorn was technically referred to as an aire, however it had correct bogs and a washer (though I fell out with the machine after it stole all my cash!) But the parking by the marina was simply lovely.
Aires in Netherlands
Like a lot of Europe, the Netherlands gives accredited in a single day stopover parking for motorhomes and campervans referred to as Aires. If you’re used to motorhoming in France, you is perhaps much less impressed with the aires in Holland- lots of them have been away from the sights and relied on you having bicycles or an alternate car with you to get wherever, or utilizing public transport.
READ MORE: Learn how we discover and use aires and accredited free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
One of the issues we cherished about motorhoming in Holland is what number of marinas and waterways there are. As boat homeowners, we love taking a look at different boats, and lots of the marinas mean you can keep in a single day on their automobile park (yow will discover them utilizing the hyperlink above). Of course, these are simply automobile parks- there are hardly ever any entry to services, however it’s a beautiful location to spend the night.
You can’t guide motorhome aires within the Netherlands- it’s first-come, first-served, so should you’re visiting at peak time you may really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
It’s at all times price investing in a guide of aires, in addition to a web based app- simply in case you end up with out web in your motorhome (or with no wifi sign). Of course, the draw back with any guide is that it goes old-fashioned, however don’t fear if it’s solely a 12 months or two out- most details about aires received’t change an excessive amount of
Here are some we advocate:
RELATED: 39 Practical or enjoyable motorhome books we advocate
Wild tenting within the Netherlands for motorhomes and campers
There are some locations in Europe which state that wild tenting will not be tolerated, after which blindly ignore it should you’re discrete, and others that are extra vocal about it not being welcome- just like the Netherlands
For that motive, we’ve solely ever wild camped for one evening in Holland- and that was solely after asking the warden if it was okay. If you will have a stealth campervan, you is perhaps extra inclined to likelihood it, however with a motorhome, I’d say discover an aire or campsite except you’re in the midst of nowhere.
If you have an interest in studying learn how to wild camp/ keep off-grid together with your motorhome or campervan, seize your free guidelines and our full information beneath:
Motorhome wild tenting guides for the UK & Europe
Motorhome and campervan service factors in Netherlands
There are motorhome service factors across the nation, however not as many as you is perhaps used to when motorhoming in Spain, France and even Italy. We tended to remain at aires or campsites the place we might use their services, as a substitute of stopping at designated service factors en-route.
Campervanning within the Netherlands- safety
We extremely advocate paying additional consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling within the Netherlands. You may even want to match an additional camper habitation door lock and by no means go away your car unattended in an unsecured space.
READ MORE: Top ideas for shielding your van at dwelling or on the highway
Motorhoming in Holland- what gear do you should carry?
Just like motorhoming in France, there are particular belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring the Netherlands.
Don’t neglect, in case you are driving by way of France and Belgium to get to Holland, you want all of the equipment required by these international locations as nicely.
Things you should drive within the Netherlands- security gear
The Netherlands are surprisingly relaxed about security gear you legally have to hold in your car. However, as you should drive by way of France, Belgium and/or Germany to get there, you should carry these things at the least:
- Hi-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you should put on them on the aspect of the highway or exhausting shoulder or threat being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– have to be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. Some car mean you can alter the beam robotically so that you received’t want these.
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of car or reg plates (and trailer when you have one)
- Crash helmets are obligatory for motorbikers and passengers
TOP TIP: Buy these necessities for driving within the Netherlands prematurely. One of the most affordable locations is on Amazon. If you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you could possibly spend THREE instances as a lot!
Road journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning within the Netherlands
The following equipment are belongings you may select to hold in your automobile, motorhome, caravan or campervan if you end up planning your highway journey within the Netherlands
NOTE: There isn’t any rule concerning winter tyres for the Netherlands- the winters don’t get dangerous sufficient for that. Of course, should you do occur to be driving in heavy rain or snow, please drive appropriately
- First support equipment – not obligatory in Holland (not like many international locations in Europe). Find out what we stock in our European first support equipment right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the car
- Torch
- Fire extinguisher
- Blanket- helpful in case your passengers get chilly! (Did you recognize you should buy a 12v heated blanket? It’s wonderful!)
- Water and snacks- simply in case you run into visitors or breakdown someplace distant.
- Epic highway journey and motorhoming logbook to report and keep in mind your epic adventures!
When driving within the Netherlands what paperwork do you should carry?
If you’re driving in Holland, you should carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Valid Driving licence (test it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance documents- test you’re coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Vehicle V5 logbook (which should present your right handle)
- Vehicle have to be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Green card (if needed- get out of your car insurer)
- International Driving Permit if required
- Personal journey insurance coverage
- European Claim Form (out of your insurer)
Do I would like a world driving allow to drive within the Netherlands?
Most UK residents don’t want an IDP to drive within the Netherlands, so long as you will have a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You may want one when you have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(If you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on learn how to get an International Driving Permit and which one(s) you want from a UK submit workplace.
Motorhome touring within the Netherlands- Other helpful belongings you may want
We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for a number of years. We’ve tried all types of kit- some helpful, some not a lot.
Here is a listing of issues we extremely advocate when motorhoming in Holland, however that are NOT important:
Driving ideas for the Netherlands
If you’re planning a Dutch highway journey, listed below are some important issues to know:
- The Netherlands drives on the suitable, overtakes on the left
- 18 is the minimal age to drive a automobile, camper or motorhome (and solely with a authorized licence) You could should be 25+ earlier than you may rent
- Seatbelts are obligatory for all occupants of a car and pets have to be restrained
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you may wish to change the setting in your sat-nav)
- Road surfaces are usually fairly good
- Avoid cities should you’re driving in a motorhome- lots of them are too crowded and the streets are simply not minimize out for big automobiles. Park outdoors and use public transport to get in.
- All highway indicators are in blue (not simply the motorways)
- The Netherlands has strict drink driving limits. The authorized restrict is 0.05% (0.02% for drivers with lower than 5 years expertise and moped drivers as much as 24 years outdated.)
- Dash-cams are allowed with out restriction
Cyclists
One of the largest variations you’ll face when driving within the Netherlands in comparison with the UK and far of Europe are the cyclists.
In the Netherlands, the overwhelming majority of highway used are on a bicycle. Cycle paths are in all places, together with a part of almost each highway. Do NOT use the cycle lane as an extension of your lane- you’ll be shouted at and/ or fined. Also, cyclists are allowed to trip two side-by-side.
Cyclists and mopeds have precedence at many junctions. If there’s a yellow diamond signal, you will have precedence over different automobiles. If there isn’t one in every of these indicators, or there may be one with a black line by way of it, you now not have precedence, visitors from the suitable does – that is normally on roundabouts and residential areas.
Trams, cyclists and mopeds have proper of manner in virtually each state of affairs. If you’re undecided, assume that they’re and allow them to go. Expect them to look from any course and attempt to cross the highway in entrance of you, even with no correct pedestrian crossing.
Traffic lights
Like a lot of Europe, visitors lights within the Netherlands haven’t any ‘amber’- they go straight from crimson to inexperienced. Be cautious when turning proper at visitors lights- pedestrians or cyclists crossing the highway have precedence over you.
Having mentioned that, at some locations a yellow flashing arrow could seem as a warning that it’s about to go crimson (normally should you’re ready to show at a junction.) Flashing yellow implies that you need to proceed with warning. A crimson arrow signifies that the driving force continuing in that course should cease.
Speed Limits within the Netherlands
Road security is essential within the Netherlands and so they take a dim view of speed- particularly anyway close to residential or faculty areas. The tempo of life is slower and it’s frequent for many individuals to drive nicely beneath the pace restrict.
Cars, motorhomes and campers underneath 3.5 tonnes:
- 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways (Autosnelweg) (minimal pace 60km/h)
- 100km/h (62mph) on main roads and Expressways (Autoweg)
- 60-80km/h on regional roads (out of city)
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas
As you enter a city (passing the yellow signal) the pace restrict of 50kph applies (except in any other case acknowledged) till you’re leaving the city and move a yellow signal with a crimson line by way of it.
Motorhomes and Campervans weighing over 3.5 tonnes:
- motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
- main out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Motorhomes or vehicles with trailers or caravans (over 750kg)
- motorways 80 km/h (50 mph)
- main out-of-town roads 80 km/h (50 mph)
- built-up areas- 50 km/h (31 mph)
Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?
Speed Cameras within the Netherlands
There are many pace cameras within the Netherlands- not all of them signed. Be certain to show off any radar detector or gadget which tells you a few camera- they’re unlawful in Holland.
Fuel
There are loads of gasoline stations alongside most routes and unleaded and diesel are broadly accessible. There are fewer choices are you go additional North and East, so make sure to refill repeatedly. Diesel is commonly cheaper in The Netherlands than in Germany, so refill earlier than crossing the border.
Petrol known as Ongelood (95 / 98) (additionally Euro 95 and Super 98)
Diesel known as… diesel
LPG is accessible at many petrol stations. They use the British connector and are sometimes self-service, though you could have to ask the attendant to show it on for you.
Just bear in mind that many locations don’t settle for visa or mastercard, even debit playing cards. If you don’t have a Maestro, you’re going to wish to carry money (Euros).
READ MORE: How we discover LPG in Europe
Tolls/ Vignettes
There aren’t both within the Netherlands- all roads are free.
Restricted Zones
Many cities within the Netherlands have restricted zones, the place you may’t drive in with no allow. Our recommendation is to keep away from driving into any cities- park up on the outskirts and use public transport.
Learn extra about learn how to discover restricted zones throughout Europe
Driving within the Netherlands- what to do within the occasion of a highway visitors accident
You ought to have a European Claim Form supplied by your insurer earlier than you permit. In the occasion of an accident, all events full and signal the shape on the scene after which ship a duplicate to your insurer for evaluation.
What to do on the scene:
- Stop your car instantly however safely- out of the move of visitors if potential.
- If a car is obstructing the highway, use hazard lights and put the crimson warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching visitors
- Exchange your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Be certain to get:
- Name and handle of all of the individuals concerned within the accident
- Vehicle registration numbers of all events
- Insurance firm particulars of all events
- Take pictures of injury utilizing a digital camera, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a highway visitors accident in Europe
Motorhome Touring in Holland itinerary thought
Here’s a 7 day highway journey itinerary we did on one in every of our first journeys to the Netherlands with our motorhome.
- Day One- drove into Holland and stayed at Jachthaven Westergoot in Dordrecht.
- Day Two- Visit the Kinderdjik windmills (though, be warned should you’re towing or an extended motorhome- we had critical hassle parking) after which on to Madurodam and the Hague
- Day Three- Explore the Hague and surrounding space. Rotterdam can also be price a go to when you have time however may want its personal day
- Day Four- Amsterdam. If you don’t wish to go into the town, go to Volendam– we cherished it there and the motorhome parking was nice and close to the seaside. Again, when you have time, do each.
- Day Five- drive to Giethoorn Village. We took the bridge over the E22, however actually, the southern route may need had extra to see.
- Day 6- go to Giethoorn- nicely price spending a day enjoyable right here. Don’t miss the ice cream!
- Day 7- drive out and begin motorhoming in Germany (or again to the UK, should you should)
More helpful issues to know when campervanning in Netherlands
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you all the things
Capital City: Amsterdam
Language: Dutch, however English is broadly spoken to a wonderful commonplace (as are Flemish and German). The Dutch will love you attempting to talk their language, however they’re additionally conscious that us mere English mortals can’t make these sounds!
Currency: Euro
Bank Cards: Paying by card in Holland is a ache, frankly. They solely like Maestro and Visa/ Mastercard are sometimes not accepted, even when they’re debit playing cards. If you don’t have a Maestro, you may nonetheless withdraw money from ATMs however you’ll wrestle to pay in retailers and eating places with a Visa, Mastercard or Amex. You can learn extra right here
Timezone: GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Mobile Phone and Internet : It’s normally potential to make use of your UK telephone and information within the Netherlands, however do test together with your supplier. If not, SIM playing cards are broadly accessible and an inexpensive possibility for telephone calls.
Tipping: Service is normally included in a restaurant, however do test. It’s frequent to tip different companies, like taxi drivers
Shops: Unlike a lot of Europe, retailers within the Netherlands don’t typically shut for lunch. Most are open on daily basis from round 9 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. On Monday mornings, retailers could not open till midday.
Many cities and cities have a buying evening the place retailers keep open till late, round 9 p.m. This is commonly on a Thursday. Many large supermarkets are open till 10pm.
Every Dutch metropolis has its personal guidelines for Sunday buying hours. In most large cities, supermarkets are open till round 5.30 p.m on a Sunday.
Visa necessities: The Netherlands is within the Schengen zone, so that you in all probability have a most of 90 days in case you are not an EU resident. Learn extra in regards to the adjustments for driving within the EU after BREXIT.
Borders: There aren’t any formal border crossings in case you are driving into the Netherlands
Telephone nation code: +31
Touring the Netherlands with a canine
The Netherlands could be very pet-friendly. They are allowed virtually in all places, together with public transport and in lots of bars, cafes and eating places. They will not be typically allowed in museums.
Now that BREXIT has occurred and the UK pet passport scheme is now not legitimate, you will want to get an Animal Health Certificate earlier than you permit the UK.
READ MORE: How to get a UK Animal Health Certificate after BREXIT
You might want to get a worming remedy completed by a registered vet earlier than you permit Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Using a drone within the Netherlands
You are allowed to take and fly your drone within the Netherlands, however there are some guidelines you should observe.
READ MORE: What’s the most effective journey drone (and the way to decide on)
Drones and related remote-controlled flying units have to be saved at the very least a minimal 150m from individuals, automobiles and buildings that aren’t related with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely and as much as a most peak of 120m. Never fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should at all times stay throughout the sight of the operator. If you wish to movie or {photograph} an individual, you should first get their permission.
Please test for native rules and army or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by legislation. Here are present authorities guidelines.
