Enkhuizen to Stralsund Road Trip: Essential Guide

The A7 highway from Enkhuizen to the German border was built on the former seafloor of the Zuiderzee, a fact that explains the dead-flat landscape and the occasional smell of salt even 50 km inland.

This 550 km drive connects two historic Hanseatic ports: the Dutch harbor town Enkhuizen and the German brick-Gothic city Stralsund, both of which thrived on herring trade in the 16th century. The route follows the A7 north through the Netherlands, crosses into Germany near Bad Nieuweschans, then continues on the A28 and A20 to Stralsund.

• Total driving time is approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes without breaks.
• The route includes 120 km of Dutch motorway (maximum 130 km/h) and 430 km of German Autobahn (with sections having no speed limit).
• Unique quirk: near the border, the highway crosses the former 'Duitse Lijn' – a railway embankment that once marked the Dutch-German boundary.

The route passes through three distinct geographical zones: the Dutch polder region, the flat peat moors of Groningen, and the Pomeranian lake district in northeastern Germany. The best stops are not in the cities but in the small villages and nature reserves that flank the A7.

For a deeper dive into how to find such hidden gems, read our guide: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Practical preliminary information: the best time to travel is between May and September when daylight hours are long and the weather stable. Winter driving may encounter ice on the A20 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, especially near the Anklam exit.

Border crossing note: the Netherlands and Germany are both in the Schengen area, so there are no passport checks. However, there is a former customs post at the A7 border crossing that now houses a popular rest stop called 'Niemandsland' with a diner and a gas station.

The route crosses three distinct natural regions. The first 100 km is pure Dutch polder: straight canals, windmills, and black-and-white cows grazing on green pastures. Near the town of Wieringerwerf, the A7 skirts the Wieringermeerpolder, a 1930s land reclamation project. Stop at the 'Informatiepunt Wieringermeer' (exit 13) for a panoramic view.

After Groningen, the landscape shifts to the Bourtanger Moor – a vast peat bog extending on both sides of the German border. The A7 cuts through the 'Hümmling' region, a low forested ridge. Look out for the 'Moorbahn' at the Heede exit, a small tourist train that tours the moors.

• Near Oldenburg, the A28 passes through the 'Ammerland' region, famous for its rhododendron parks. A visit to the 'Park der Gärten' in Bad Zwischenahn (10 min detour) is worthwhile in spring.
• The final segment on the A20 traverses the 'Mecklenburgische Seenplatte', a lake district with hundreds of lakes. The stretch between exits 20 and 24 offers views of the Kummerower See.

Local commerce along the route: the Dutch side has cheese farms near Hoorn. At 'Boerderij Winkel' (exit 8) you can buy aged Gouda and farmer's cheese.

In Germany, the region of Ostfriesland specializes in tea and smoked fish. At the rest stop 'Raststätte Ostfriesland' (A28), look for stalls selling 'Ostfriesentee' creamy tea. Near Stralsund, local fishermen at the exit 27 (Stralsund-Nord) sell fresh herring and 'Bismarckhering' from small kiosks.

Road quality: the entire route is well-maintained, but caution is needed on the A20 between exits 16 and 22 where moose and deer crossings are frequent, especially at dusk. Pay attention to warning signs.

Speed limits: the Dutch A7 has a 130 km/h limit with dynamic electronic boards. The German Autobahn has sections without limit (A28 between Oldenburg and Bremen, A20 between Lübeck and Stralsund), but average speed is 120-130 km/h. Construction zones near Hamburg can lower limits to 80 km/h.

• Tires: mandatory winter tires in Germany from October to Easter. All-season tires are legal if marked M+S, but winter tires are safer.
• Night driving: the A20 between exits 18 and 24 has no street lighting; use high beams only when no oncoming traffic is present.

Family stops: the 'Raststätte Hollen' (A28, near Bremen) has a large indoor playground with slides and ball pits, plus a separate toddler area. For older children, the 'Erlebnis-Zoo Hannover' is a 20-minute detour from the A7 at exit 55, featuring a polar bear enclosure and petting zoo.

Pet-friendly spots: the 'Raststätte Dammer Berge' (A1) has a designated dog walking area with grass and waste bags. Additionally, the 'Niemandsland' rest stop at the Dutch-German border offers a small field behind the diner where dogs can run off-leash.

Fatigue management: plan two rest stops of 15-20 minutes each. Ideal spots are:

• Raststätte Hollen (A28, km 130) – quiet, with pillows for sale in the shop for a quick power nap in the car.
• Raststätte Dammer Berge (A1, km 220) – has a modern 'nap room' with reclining chairs (fee: €2 for 20 min).
• Parking area 'Anklamer Tor' near exit 26 on the A20 – a small, shaded gravel lot suitable for parking and closing eyes.

Never park on the hard shoulder for sleep; it is illegal and dangerous. Use designated rest areas only.

Hidden off-route spots (within 5 min from highway):

• Abandoned fishing boat at 'Marienhafe' (exit 7, A28) – a wooden shipwreck sits in a field, viewable from the road.
• Kiek in de Kök windmill (exit 12, A28) – a small, unrestored windmill from 1820, accessible via a dirt track. Perfect for a photo stop.
• The 'Wüstung' of Gut Trebberow (exit 23, A20) – deserted manor house ruins hidden in a forest glade, about 4 minutes from the exit. Direction signs are minimal.

UNESCO World Heritage: the only UNESCO site within a short detour is the Wadden Sea, but it lies 50 km west of the route. However, the historic town of Lübeck (UNESCO since 1987) is a 15-minute detour west of the A1 near the Hamburg junction. The Holstentor and Marienkirche are worth seeing. If time permits, take exit 24 (Lübeck-Zentrum) and follow signs to the Altstadt. Stralsund and Wismar together are a UNESCO site for their brick Gothic architecture, but you'll reach Stralsund as the destination.

Culinary infrastructure: the road is dotted with excellent traditional eateries.

• Dutch side: 'Eetcafe Het Station' in Wieringerwerf (exit 13) serves 'kibbeling' (fried cod) with garlic sauce. €8 for a large portion.
• Border area: 'Niemandsland Diner' – a former customs office turned restaurant, famous for 'Bauernfrühstück' (farmer's breakfast) and local beers.
• German side: 'Raststätte Hollen' has a Steakhouse with regional Black Angus beef. For a quick snack, try the 'Currywurst mit Pommes' at the snack stand.
• Near Stralsund: 'Gasthaus Zum Anker' in Elmenhorst (exit 27) – family-run, specializing in herring dishes like 'Heringsalat' and 'geräucherter Aal'. Open 11:00-20:00.

The entire route is covered by motorways with rest stops every 20-30 km. However, fuel prices differ significantly: Dutch gas stations are about €0.15 per liter more expensive than German ones. It is advisable to fill up just after crossing the border.

Fuel efficiency tips: the flat terrain allows for constant cruising at 110 km/h, optimizing fuel economy. A typical car consumes about 7-8 L/100km, costing roughly €60-70 for the trip at €1.50/L.

• Dutch side: Shell stations at Enkhuizen (A7 exit 10) and Hoorn (A7 exit 7) are expensive; better to wait until the border.
• German side: Tankstellen at Raststätte Hollen (A28) and Raststätte Dammer Berge (A1) are competitively priced.
• Near Stralsund: the Autobahn 20 has an Aral station at exit 26 (Grimmen-West) with good prices.

The road surface is excellent throughout, with modern asphalt on the Dutch A7 and the German A28/A20. The A20 between Hamburg and Stralsund was recently renovated, offering a smooth ride. Night illumination is present on all sections except rural stretches of the A20 between exits 18 and 24, which are unlit; use high beams cautiously due to wildlife.

Toll: none on this entire route – both the Dutch and German motorways are toll-free for cars.

Emergency services: SOS phones are located every 2 km on the A7 and A20. The European emergency number 112 works throughout.

For EV users: fast chargers are available at most Raststätte stations (e.g., Raststätte Hollen has Ionity, Raststätte Dammer Berge has Fastned). Plan a 30-minute charging stop roughly halfway at Raststätte Hollen.