Planning to tour the Netherlands with a motorhome or campervan? There are some important issues it is advisable to know earlier than your journey, together with vital paperwork and package to deliver with you. Right here’s the whole lot it is advisable to find out 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 bear in mind the whole lot you want.
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Motorhoming in Holland- or is it the Netherlands??
Okay, let’s begin with the obvious- what’s the distinction between calling it ‘Holland’ or calling it ‘the Netherlands’?
It’s a little bit 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, for those who’re planning a visit across the nation, you’ll have to say ‘the Netherlands’. Having mentioned that, many individuals (together with us at occasions!) nonetheless incorrectly discuss with it as Holland, so I’ll use the phrases interchangeably all through this put up.
Campervanning within the Netherlands- why it is best to go!
The Netherlands are identified 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 purple mild district. In case you observe the information, you’ll positively have heard of the Hague.
However there’s much more to the nation than that- it’s full of gorgeous countryside, ridiculously fairly cities, scrumptious meals and quite a lot of historical past. That is additionally the place to deliver your bicycles- many 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 straightforward to see lots in per week, particularly for those who’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 most effective 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-Could (clearly, actual occasions range), however this time can be very fashionable with vacationers.
On the 27 April, there’s a Nationwide vacation known as King’s Day. Anticipate a LOT of orange clothes, orange hair and occasions taking place all around the nation. The Dutch Royal Household are identified for making shock visits to surprising locations, so hold your eyes peeled! (Though, be trustworthy, would you recognise them??)
July and August are the busiest months for vacationers and there might be massive queues for the height sights, so keep away from these for those who can. Having mentioned that, it’s the perfect 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 greatest sailboat race, and the Scheveningen Worldwide Fireworks Pageant, held throughout August, which is nicely price a go to.
Throughout Autumn, the climate is ideal for highway journeys, with out having to combat by the worst of the vacationers. Make time to go to the Nijmegen Kunstnacht artwork festival- an enormous gathering of artists of all varieties.
Within the winter, there’s much more rainfall and it may be chilly, damp and dreary. Once more, very like southern England, there are not any mountains (though there are hills), so don’t anticipate a lot snow (though it does occur often.) However there are a number of mild festivals which occur across the nation, together with the Amsterdam Gentle Pageant (one of many largest on this planet) and in addition Glow Eindhoven and Candle Night time, Gouda. Additionally, most of the canals freeze in winter and it’s doable 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 – The place to go
Earlier than we dive into planning your motorhome or campervan tour, let’s have a look at a number of the greatest locations to go to.
Highlights of a Netherlands highway journey embody:
- Giethoorn – the village with no roads. Sure, 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 among our favorite villages in Holland (and it’s obtained a GREAT motorhome aire close by)
- The Hague
- Nijmegen- the oldest metropolis within the Netherlands
- Amsterdam- however do NOT drive into town!
- Madurodam– a mannequin village of the Netherlands and nicely price a cease
- Windmills in Kinderdjik
After all, there are many different locations to discover too.
In case you get pleasure from studying books earlier than you go to a spot, listed below are some nice ideas:
See extra enjoyable and sensible motorhoming books we suggest 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?
Utilizing the Eurotunnel
By far the best method is the Eurotunnel. Usually, I’m all in regards to the execs and cons of ferry vs tunnel, however on this occasion, irrespective of the place you’re driving from within the UK, the tunnel is the only option. There may be additionally a ferry from Dover to Calais for those who’re unable to make use of the tunnel, however it takes longer to cross.
When you’re throughout to France, you may drive from Calais, by Belgium and to the Netherlands is simply 3 hours (it’s about 280km).
Harwich to Holland Ferry
There may be additionally a ferry which fits on to the Hook of Holland (which I believe is the place quite a lot of the title confusion comes from!) from Harwich, with Stena Line. You’ll be able to take your motorhome or camper on board and it takes about 7 hours. In case you’re travelling with a canine or cat, there are kennels on board you may guide them into, however they’ll’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.
Different motorhome and campervan routes into Holland
After all, for those who’re not beginning within the UK, there are many methods to get to the Netherlands. We’ve entered from Germany a number of occasions, and in addition after exploring Belgium.
There are not any border controls if arriving by road- you simply drive straight in!
Hiring a motorhome to tour the Netherlands
In case you don’t have your individual car, you may simply fly into the Netherlands and rent one. Simply ensure to ask the right way 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 ensure the car has the required security tools. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the motive force, not the corporate. Verify prematurely with the corporate what package they may present with the car and what you will have to deliver.
Take an inventory of what’s legally required with you and examine it off one after the other as you’re given the handover. Don’t drive till you’re blissful you adjust to the native legal guidelines.
Ensure you have proof that you could take the car throughout a border into one other nation if that’s what you’re planning on doing. Learn the article beneath for different issues to examine 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’ve aires across the nation for reasonable and even free in a single day motorhome stopovers.
You’ll discover quite a lot of free daytime parking choices outdoors of the cities, however close to sights you’ll have to pay and show. Ensure you do this- the wardens are vigilant! Remember to solely park in applicable spots- keep away from any kerbs painted black and white or yellow.
Additionally, it’s possible you’ll have to mark the time you parked or use a parking timer. You’ll be able to usually get one free from a Vacationer Data Workplace (VVW).
As with most nations in Europe, you’ve got 4 choices on the subject of the place to park your motorhome or camper in a single day:
- Motorhome campsites
- Permitted motorhome in a single day parking locations/ aires
- Free accepted in a single day parking spots
- Motorhome wild tenting spots (not likely tolerated)
Motorhome Parking in Amsterdam
There are such a lot of great issues to do in Amsterdam and we extremely suggest taking the time to go to, however on 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 many 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 each time we go to with our motorhome.
Each campsite we’ve been to up to now has been extraordinarily clear and well-equipped. As we all the time journey outdoors of peak season, we discover them utilizing our ACSI CampingCard so we will get discounted charges.
Almost each pitch has had electrical hook-up, a recent drinkable water faucet and infrequently even a TV aerial socket! Learn our assessment in regards to the greatest 12v motorhome TVs and the way to decide on.
Our favorite campsite in Giethoorn was technically known as an aire, however it had correct bogs and a washer (regardless that I fell out with the machine after it stole all my cash!) However the parking by the marina was simply lovely.
Aires in Netherlands
Like a lot of Europe, the Netherlands supplies accepted in a single day stopover parking for motorhomes and campervans known as Aires. In case you’re used to motorhoming in France, you is likely to be 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 anyplace, or utilizing public transport.
READ MORE: Learn the way we discover and use aires and accepted free in a single day motorhome stopovers throughout Europe
One of many issues we liked about motorhoming in Holland is what number of marinas and waterways there are. As boat homeowners, we love different boats, and most of the marinas mean you can keep in a single day on their automobile park (you’ll find them utilizing the hyperlink above). After all, these are simply automobile parks- there are hardly ever any entry to services, however it’s a stunning location to spend the night.
You can’t guide motorhome aires within the Netherlands- it’s first-come, first-served, so for those who’re visiting at peak time you may really feel happier reserving a campsite so that you’re assured of someplace to remain.
It’s all the time 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 and not using a wifi sign). After all, the draw back with any guide is that it goes outdated, however don’t fear if it’s solely a 12 months or two out- most details about aires gained’t change an excessive amount of
Listed here are some we suggest:
RELATED: 39 Sensible or enjoyable motorhome books we suggest
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 for those who’re discrete, and others that are extra vocal about it not being welcome- just like the Netherlands
For that purpose, we’ve solely ever wild camped for one evening in Holland- and that was solely after asking the warden if it was okay. If in case you have a stealth campervan, you is likely to be extra inclined to probability it, however with a motorhome, I’d say discover an aire or campsite except you’re in the midst of nowhere.
If you’re fascinated about studying the right way to wild camp/ keep off-grid along 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 likely to be used to when motorhoming in Spain, France and even Italy. We tended to remain at aires or campsites the place we may use their services, as a substitute of stopping at designated service factors en-route.
Campervanning within the Netherlands- safety
We extremely suggest paying further consideration to your motorhome safety when travelling within the Netherlands. You may even want to match an further camper habitation door lock and by no means depart your car unattended in an unsecured space.
READ MORE: Prime ideas for safeguarding your van at house or on the highway
Motorhoming in Holland- what gear do it is advisable to carry?
Identical to motorhoming in France, there are particular belongings you MUST carry with you in your motorhome or campervan while touring the Netherlands.
Don’t neglect, if you’re driving by France and Belgium to get to Holland, you want all of the package required by these nations as nicely.
Issues it is advisable to drive within the Netherlands- security gear
The Netherlands are surprisingly relaxed about security gear you legally have to hold in your car. Nevertheless, as it is advisable to drive by France, Belgium and/or Germany to get there, it is advisable to carry this stuff at least:
- Hello-vis reflective jackets – not as strict as in France, however you could put on them on the aspect of the highway or exhausting shoulder or danger being fined.
- Warning triangle
- Headlight beam converters– should be fitted earlier than you drive in Europe. Some car mean you can regulate the beam mechanically so that you gained’t want these.
- UK sticker hooked up to the again of auto or reg plates (and trailer you probably have one)
- Crash helmets are obligatory for motorbikers and passengers
TOP TIP: Purchase these necessities for driving within the Netherlands prematurely. One of many most cost-effective locations is on Amazon. In case you wait till you’re on the ferry/ tunnel, you might spend THREE occasions as a lot!
Street journey equipment you MIGHT want when campervanning within the Netherlands
The next package 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 a rule concerning winter tyres for the Netherlands- the winters don’t get unhealthy sufficient for that. After all, for those who do occur to be driving in heavy rain or snow, please drive appropriately
- First help package – not obligatory in Holland (not like many nations in Europe). Discover out what we stock in our European first help package right here
- Spare bulbs for all lights within the car
- Torch
- Hearth extinguisher
- Blanket- helpful in case your passengers get chilly! (Do you know you should purchase a 12v heated blanket? It’s wonderful!)
- Water and snacks- simply in case you run into site visitors or breakdown someplace distant.
- Epic highway journey and motorhoming logbook to file and bear in mind your epic adventures!
When driving within the Netherlands what paperwork do it is advisable to carry?
In case you’re driving in Holland, it is advisable to carry the next paperwork:
- Passport (or id card)
- Legitimate Driving licence (examine it’s in date!)
- Motorhome Insurance coverage documents- examine you’re coated for driving in Europe
- Breakdown cowl
- Automobile V5 logbook (which should present your appropriate handle)
- Automobile should be legally taxed and MOT’d
- Trailer certification
- Inexperienced card (if needed- get out of your car insurer)
- Worldwide Driving Allow if required
- Private journey insurance coverage
- European Declare Type (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’ve got a card driving licence issued within the UK (in date, in fact!)
You may want one you probably have:
- a paper driving licence solely
- a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
(In case you do want an IDP, right here’s an in-depth information on the right way to get an Worldwide Driving Allow and which one(s) you want from a UK put up workplace.
Motorhome touring within the Netherlands- Different 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’s a checklist of issues we extremely suggest when motorhoming in Holland, however that are NOT important:
Driving ideas for the Netherlands
In case you’re planning a Dutch highway journey, listed below are some important issues to know:
- The Netherlands drives on the best, 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 should be restrained
- Speeds are in km/h, not mph (you may need to change the setting in your sat-nav)
- Street surfaces are typically fairly good
- Keep away from cities for those who’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.)
- Sprint-cams are allowed with out restriction
Cyclists
One of many greatest variations you’ll face when driving within the Netherlands in comparison with the UK and far of Europe are the cyclists.
Within 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 can be shouted at and/ or fined. Additionally, 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’ve got precedence over different automobiles. If there isn’t one among these indicators, or there may be one with a black line by it, you not have precedence, site visitors from the best does – that is often on roundabouts and residential areas.
Trams, cyclists and mopeds have proper of method in virtually each scenario. In case you’re unsure, assume that they’re and allow them to go. Anticipate them to seem from any path and attempt to cross the highway in entrance of you, even and not using a correct pedestrian crossing.
Visitors lights
Like a lot of Europe, site visitors lights within the Netherlands haven’t any ‘amber’- they go straight from purple to inexperienced. Watch out when turning proper at site visitors lights- pedestrians or cyclists crossing the highway have precedence over you.
Having mentioned that, at some locations a yellow flashing arrow might seem as a warning that it’s about to go purple (often for those who’re ready to show at a junction.) Flashing yellow implies that it is best to proceed with warning. A purple arrow signifies that the motive force continuing in that path should cease.
Pace Limits within the Netherlands
Street security is essential within the Netherlands they usually take a dim view of speed- particularly anyway close to residential or college areas. The tempo of life is slower and it’s widespread for many individuals to drive nicely beneath the pace restrict.
Automobiles, motorhomes and campers beneath 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 go a yellow signal with a purple line by 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 automobiles 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?
Pace Cameras within the Netherlands
There are lots of pace cameras within the Netherlands- not all of them signed. Remember to flip off any radar detector or system which tells you a couple of camera- they’re unlawful in Holland.
Gasoline
There are many gasoline stations alongside most routes and unleaded and diesel are extensively obtainable. There are fewer choices are you go additional North and East, so make sure you refill frequently. Diesel is usually cheaper in The Netherlands than in Germany, so refill earlier than crossing the border.
Petrol is named Ongelood (95 / 98) (additionally Euro 95 and Tremendous 98)
Diesel is named… diesel
LPG is accessible at many petrol stations. They use the British connector and are sometimes self-service, though it’s possible you’ll have to ask the attendant to show it on for you.
Simply bear in mind that many locations don’t settle for visa or mastercard, even debit playing cards. In case you don’t have a Maestro, you’re going to need 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 and not using a allow. Our recommendation is to keep away from driving into any cities- park up on the outskirts and use public transport.
Study extra about the right way to discover restricted zones throughout Europe
Driving within the Netherlands- what to do within the occasion of a highway site visitors accident
It is best to have a European Declare Type supplied by your insurer earlier than you allow. Within 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:
- Cease your car instantly however safely- out of the circulation of site visitors if doable.
- If a car is obstructing the highway, use hazard lights and put the purple warning triangle 30 metres from the scene to warn approaching site visitors
- Alternate your particulars with the opposite concerned events. Remember to get:
- Identify and handle of all of the individuals concerned within the accident
- Automobile registration numbers of all events
- Insurance coverage firm particulars of all events
- Take photographs of injury utilizing a digicam, GoPro or telephone
For extra particulars, learn our step-by-step information on coping with a highway site visitors accident in Europe
Motorhome Touring in Holland itinerary thought
Right here’s a 7 day highway journey itinerary we did on one among our first journeys to the Netherlands with our motorhome.
- Day One- drove into Holland and stayed at Jachthaven Westergoot in Dordrecht.
- Day Two- Go to the Kinderdjik windmills (though, be warned for those who’re towing or a protracted motorhome- we had severe hassle parking) after which on to Madurodam and the Hague
- Day Three- Discover the Hague and surrounding space. Rotterdam can be price a go to you probably have time however may want its personal day
- Day 4- Amsterdam. In case you don’t need to go into town, go to Volendam– we liked it there and the motorhome parking was nice and close to the seashore. Once more, you probably have time, do each.
- Day 5- drive to Giethoorn Village. We took the bridge over the E22, however truthfully, the southern route may need had extra to see.
- Day 6- go to Giethoorn- nicely price spending a day stress-free right here. Don’t miss the ice cream!
- Day 7- drive out and begin motorhoming in Germany (or again to the UK, for those who should)
Extra helpful issues to know when campervanning in Netherlands
Emergency Numbers: 112 will get you the whole lot
Capital Metropolis: Amsterdam
Language: Dutch, however English is extensively spoken to a superb customary (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!
Forex: Euro
Financial institution Playing 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. In case you don’t have a Maestro, you may nonetheless withdraw money from ATMs however you’ll wrestle to pay in outlets and eating places with a Visa, Mastercard or Amex. You’ll be able to learn extra right here
Timezone: GMT+1 (or one hour forward in BST)
Cellular Telephone and Web : It’s often doable to make use of your UK telephone and knowledge within the Netherlands, however do examine along with your supplier. If not, SIM playing cards are extensively obtainable and an inexpensive choice for telephone calls.
Tipping: Service is often included in a restaurant, however do examine. It’s widespread to tip different companies, like taxi drivers
Retailers: In contrast to a lot of Europe, outlets within the Netherlands don’t usually shut for lunch. Most are open on daily basis from round 9 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. On Monday mornings, outlets might not open till midday.
Many cities and cities have a purchasing evening the place outlets keep open till late, round 9 p.m. That is usually on a Thursday. Many massive supermarkets are open till 10pm.
Each Dutch metropolis has its personal guidelines for Sunday purchasing hours. In most massive 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 if you’re not an EU resident. Study extra in regards to the adjustments for driving within the EU after BREXIT.
Borders: There are not any formal border crossings if you’re driving into the Netherlands
Phone nation code: +31
Touring the Netherlands with a canine
The Netherlands may be very pet-friendly. They’re allowed virtually in all places, together with public transport and in lots of bars, cafes and eating places. They aren’t usually allowed in museums.
Now that BREXIT has occurred and the UK pet passport scheme is not legitimate, you will have to get an Animal Well being Certificates earlier than you allow the UK.
READ MORE: get a UK Animal Well being Certificates after BREXIT
You will have to get a worming remedy accomplished by a registered vet earlier than you allow Spain, or between 24 hours and 5 days earlier than re-entering the UK.
Utilizing a drone within the Netherlands
You’re allowed to take and fly your drone within the Netherlands, however there are some guidelines it is advisable to observe.
READ MORE: What’s the perfect journey drone (and the way to decide on)
Drones and related remote-controlled flying units should be saved at the least a minimal 150m from individuals, automobiles and buildings that aren’t linked with the drone operator. Flying should occur in daylight solely and as much as a most top of 120m. By no means fly nearer than 5km to airports. The drone should all the time stay inside the sight of the operator. If you wish to movie or {photograph} an individual, you could first get their permission.
Please examine for native laws and navy or different particular restricted areas the place all of the aforementioned actions are forbidden by legislation. Listed here are present authorities guidelines.
