Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure through the picturesque landscapes of the Netherlands? Imagine driving your trusty RV or campervan through the charming Dutch countryside, surrounded by vibrant tulip fields and iconic windmills. This journey promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with breathtaking sights and cultural discoveries. In this article, we’ll guide you through the highlights, the best time to visit, key stops, route details, and even places to stay with your campervan, ensuring that your Dutch Windmills and Tulips road trip is a seamless and memorable one.
Windmills and Tulips
The Netherlands is a country renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in all that this enchanting nation has to offer is by embarking on a road trip that takes you off the beaten path. Our road trip adventure will focus on two of the Netherlands’ most iconic symbols: windmills and tulips.
Highlights
- Keukenhof Gardens: Our journey begins with a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, located in Lisse. These gardens are home to millions of tulips and various other flowers, creating a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances that will leave you in awe.
- Zaanse Schans: As we travel deeper into the Dutch countryside, we’ll reach Zaanse Schans, a picturesque village filled with well-preserved windmills. Here, you can step back in time and learn about traditional Dutch craftsmanship.
- Kinderdijk: Our road trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning collection of 19 windmills. These windmills were originally built in the 18th century to manage water levels in the region.
- Flower Fields of Noordoostpolder: We’ll explore the lesser-known but equally captivating flower fields of Noordoostpolder. The endless rows of tulips and hyacinths stretching as far as the eye can see are a sight to behold.
- Amsterdam: After immersing ourselves in Dutch countryside beauty, we’ll head to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Explore its historic canals, world-class museums, and eclectic neighborhoods.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time for your windmills and tulips road trip in the Netherlands is during the spring season, typically from mid-April to mid-May. This period coincides with the blooming of tulips, creating a colorful tapestry across the Dutch landscape. The weather is mild, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. However, it’s essential to plan your trip well in advance, as this is the peak tourist season, and accommodations may book up quickly.
Key Stops
Now, let’s dive into the key stops along our Dutch road trip adventure, from Keukenhof Gardens to Amsterdam.
Keukenhof Gardens
Our journey begins at Keukenhof Gardens, often referred to as the “Garden of Europe.” This floral paradise is home to over seven million flowers, including a stunning array of tulips in every imaginable color. As you stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant blooms and intoxicating scents. The park also features inspiring flower shows and art exhibitions.
Keukenhof Gardens Official Website
Zaanse Schans
Heading north from Keukenhof, our next stop is Zaanse Schans, a living open-air museum showcasing the Netherlands’ cultural heritage. Here, you’ll find well-preserved windmills, historic wooden houses, and artisan workshops. Take a guided tour to learn about the traditional Dutch crafts such as cheese-making and clog-carving. Don’t forget to climb one of the windmills for a panoramic view of the scenic surroundings.
Zaanse Schans Official Website
Kinderdijk
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 19 majestic windmills. These windmills were originally built in the 18th century to control water levels in the Alblasserwaard region. Explore the picturesque landscape on foot or by bicycle, and marvel at the intricate engineering of these iconic structures. Visitors can also access the interior of one of the windmills, gaining insight into their history and functionality.
Flower Fields of Noordoostpolder
Leaving Kinderdijk behind, we venture towards the lesser-known gem, the flower fields of Noordoostpolder. This expansive area bursts into bloom during the spring months, showcasing not only tulips but also hyacinths and daffodils. The vibrant colors stretching to the horizon create a breathtaking sight that will undoubtedly fill your camera roll with incredible photographs.
Amsterdam
Our road trip adventure concludes in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands. While it may not be synonymous with windmills and tulips, Amsterdam offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Explore the city’s intricate canal system, visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and indulge in Dutch cuisine at charming cafes.
Official Amsterdam Tourism Website
Route Details
To make the most of your windmills and tulips road trip in the Netherlands, it’s crucial to plan your route carefully. Here’s a suggested route that ensures you don’t miss any of the key stops:
- Start at Keukenhof Gardens: Begin your journey in Lisse, visiting Keukenhof Gardens first. Spend a day exploring the breathtaking floral displays.
- Zaanse Schans: Head north to Zaanse Schans, located just 40 minutes from Keukenhof. Spend a half-day exploring the village and its windmills.
- Kinderdijk: Continue your journey east to Kinderdijk, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Zaanse Schans. Spend a day discovering the windmills and surrounding landscape.
- Noordoostpolder Flower Fields: Travel north to Noordoostpolder, which is around a three-hour drive from Kinderdijk. Make sure to time your visit during the peak blooming season.
- Amsterdam: Finish your road trip with a drive to Amsterdam, which is roughly two hours from Noordoostpolder. Explore the city at your own pace, with a suggested stay of at least three days.
Places to Stay with a Campervan
For a road trip adventure like this, the convenience of traveling in an RV or campervan is unbeatable. Here are some recommended places to stay overnight during your journey:
- Camping Duinrell (Near Keukenhof Gardens):
- Located in Wassenaar, this campsite offers excellent facilities and is just a short drive from Keukenhof Gardens.
- Camping Duinrell Website
- Camping Zeeburg (Near Amsterdam):
- Situated in Amsterdam, this urban campsite provides easy access to the city’s attractions and is perfect for exploring Amsterdam.
- Camping Zeeburg Website
- Camping de Grienduil (Near Kinderdijk):
- Located in Nieuwland, this campsite is a convenient base for exploring Kinderdijk and the surrounding area.
- Camping de Grienduil Website
- Camping ‘t Veld (Near Noordoostpolder Flower Fields):
- Situated in Rheeze, this campsite offers a tranquil setting and easy access to the flower fields of Noordoostpolder.
- Camping ‘t Veld Website
Remember to book your campervan accommodations in advance, especially during the peak spring season, to ensure availability and secure your spot at these campgrounds.
Windmills and Tulips
A road trip through the Netherlands, exploring windmills and tulips, promises to be an unforgettable adventure. From the vibrant displays of Keukenhof Gardens to the historic windmills of Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk, and the lesser-known beauty of Noordoostpolder’s flower fields, each stop offers a unique and enchanting experience. Finish your journey in the lively city of Amsterdam, where you can immerse yourself in Dutch culture and history. With the freedom of an RV or campervan, you can make the most of this remarkable road trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, gear up, hit the road, and get ready to be captivated by the charm of the Netherlands, one windmill and tulip at a time. This journey will undoubtedly leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and culture of this enchanting country.