Overview
Netherlands is a country in Europe according to franciscogardening. The Netherlands is a vibrant mix of long-standing traditions (think windmills and tulips) and the vibrant lifestyle of modern Europe. The Dutch are a friendly people with a great sense of humour. They always know how to live comfortably, whether it’s on vacation in the country or partying in the big city. Despite their puritanical past, the Dutch are known for their tolerance and serenity. The almost entirely flat country, most of which lies below sea level, is ideal for relaxed cycling and hiking, because you won’t overexert yourself here. But the Netherlands is also a country of culture, as you can easily see from the long list of famous artists. The most influential period was the 17th century, known as the Golden Age, which propelled the tiny country to the forefront of European cultural life. The Dutch are enthusiastic Europeans and the European Union is at the heart of Dutch foreign policy.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
The national airline KLM – Royal Dutch Airlines (KL) offers good connections from numerous German, Austrian and Swiss airports to Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Maastricht. Amsterdam is also served regularly by: Lufthansa (LH) from Munich and Frankfurt/M. – several times a day; Eurowings (EW) from Hamburg, Hanover, Düsseldorf, Munich, Hamburg and Berlin; EasyJet (U2) from Berlin-Schoenefeld and Basel – several times a day, Vienna and Zurich – several times a week; Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna – several times a day; Swiss International (LX) from Zurich – daily. Transavia (HV) from Salzburg – twice a week.
Flight times
Frankfurt – Amsterdam: 1 hour 10 minutes; Munich – Amsterdam: 1 hour 30 minutes; Vienna – Amsterdam: 1 hour 55 minutes; Zurich – Amsterdam: 1 hour 40 minutes; Basel – Amsterdam: 1 hour 30 minutes
Arrival by car
Car: The road network in the Netherlands is very well developed. The motorway connections to neighboring European countries are excellent. Long-distance bus: Eurolines runs from Berlin, Munich, Cologne and Vienna to the Netherlands; Flixbus also from Zurich, Bern and Geneva. The IC Bus connects Düsseldorf with Eindhoven. Toll: There is no general toll obligation. There are only two toll tunnels; the Westerschelde tunnel, which connects the Zuid-Beveland peninsula with Zeeuws-Vlaanderen on the mainland and the Kil tunnel, south of Rotterdam. Documents: The national driving license is sufficient.
Arrival by train
There are excellent connections from all major European cities to Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam as well as numerous other Dutch cities. The Intercity-Express (ICE) connects Amsterdam with Frankfurt/M. The ICE International serves the routes Frankfurt – Amsterdam several times a day (journey time: almost 4 hours); Cologne – Amsterdam (journey time: 2 hours 45 minutes); Basel – Amsterdam via Freiburg, Baden-Baden, Karlsruhe and Mannheim. (Travel time: 6 hours 45 minutes). With the InterCity (IC) you can reach Berlin from Amsterdam several times a day (journey time: 6 hours 20 minutes). The Thalys (THA) operates between Amsterdam, Amsterdam Schiphol, Rotterdam, Brussels, Paris and London. Reservations are required for the Thalys. The ÖBB and NS Nightjet night trains run daily from Vienna and Innsbruck to Amsterdam. There is also a Nightjet connection from Zurich via Basel and Cologne to Amsterdam. Further information can be obtained from the railway companies in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Switzerland: DB, NS, ÖBB and SBB.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are valid in the Netherlands.
Arrival by ship
The main ferry ports in the Netherlands are Vlissingen, Rotterdam and Hook of Holland.
Cruise ships
Among others, the following shipping companies call at various cities in the Netherlands on the cruises they offer: Aida – Amsterdam and Rotterdam; MSC Cruises-Amsterdam; Transocean – Rotterdam.
Ferry provider
Car ferries operate between the Netherlands and Great Britain on the routes: – Hoek van Holland – Harwich with Stena Line (journey time: 8-9 hours); – Rotterdam – Hull with P&O Ferries (journey time: approx. 12 hrs 30 mins); – Amsterdam – Newcastle with DFDS Seaways (journey time: approx. 16 hours).
Coach
Good regular bus connections; Most places in the Netherlands can be reached quickly and cheaply by bus. Fares are similar to the train.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – headlights must be dimmed in built-up areas; – Children up to a height of 135 cm must be transported in child seats; – obligation to wear seat belts; – Alcohol limit: 0.5‰. Speed limits: – within built-up areas: 50 km/h; – on rural roads: 80 km/h; – on expressways: 100 km/h; – on motorways: 100 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49-89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49-89 76 76 76.
Documentation
National driver’s license and registration certificate must be carried with you. No separate documents are required for trailers or caravans. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents.
