Groningen to Arnhem Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Routes

The A28 highway, stretching 169 kilometers from Groningen to Arnhem, was completed in 1970 and features the unique 'Havelterberg' climb—a 1.5-kilometer, 4% gradient that surprises drivers used to flat terrain. This is the only notable elevation gain on the entire route, marking the transition from the northern lowlands to the Veluwe region. The drive takes roughly 1 hour 50 minutes without stops, but the rewards lie in the detours.

When considering best stops Groningen to Arnhem, savvy travelers know the journey itself is the destination. The A28 cuts through the Drentsche Aa National Landscape, past megalithic hunebedden, and along the edge of the Veluwe. For those wondering how long to drive Groningen to Arnhem, plan on 2–3 hours with one or two stops. Asking is it worth driving Groningen to Arnhem? Absolutely—the changing scenery and cultural pockets make it a quintessential Dutch road trip.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to elevate your travel experience.

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel prices along the A28 vary. As of 2025, average diesel is €1.85/L and petrol €2.10/L. Cheaper stations are often found just off the highway at exits like Beilen (exit 30) or Staphorst (exit 22). Total fuel cost for a round trip is about €45–€55 for a standard car. Tolls: none—all Dutch highways are toll-free.

• Best fuel stop: Shell Hoogeveen (A28 exit 27) for competitive prices and clean facilities.
• Electric vehicle charging: Fastned stations at De Lichtmis (Zwolle) and Hoogeveen.
• Plan for one fuel stop if starting with a full tank.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

The route experiences a temperate maritime climate. Spring (April–May) offers blooming heathlands on the Veluwe, while autumn (September–October) paints the forests gold. Fog is common in the mornings between Zwolle and Arnhem, especially in the IJssel valley. Winter brings occasional snow, particularly on the Havelterberg.

• Best season: Late spring (May) for wildflowers and moderate temperatures.
• Worst season: November (drizzle, low light, leaf-slick roads).
• Ideal driving time: 10:00–15:00 for optimal light and fewer clouds.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

The A28 is well-maintained with asphalt in excellent condition. Speed limits: 130 km/h (where indicated) and 100 km/h (18:00–06:00). Note the speed cameras near Zwolle (km 45) and Arnhem (km 120). Emergency phones every 2 km. Service stations are clean and have baby-changing facilities.

Family and Child Suitability

Families love the indoor playground at 'De Glind' (exit 34, near Barneveld) and the open-air museum in Arnhem (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum). For a break, stop at 'Piet's Speelparadijs' in Hoogeveen—a huge indoor playground with a café.

• Recommended stop: Verkeerspark Assen (traffic park) for kids to drive mini cars.
• Alternative: Apenheul (Apeldoorn) – a zoo where monkeys roam freely; 20 min from A28 exit 18.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most rest areas (verzorgingsplaatsen) have designated dog walking zones. The A28's 'De Lichtmis' stop has a fenced dog park. Many hotels along the route are pet-friendly: Hampshire Hotel – De Oorsprong in Arnhem welcomes dogs free of charge.

• Veterinary: Dierenkliniek Hoogeveen (24/7 emergency, 5 min off exit 27).
• Natural spots: Drentsche Aa is ideal for off-leash walks (watch for sheep).

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

For long drives, plan a stop every 90 minutes. The A28 has eight official rest areas. The most scenic is 'Boswachterij Staphorst' (exit 22), a forest with picnic tables. For a nap, use the 'Rustpunt Havelterberg'—a quiet lay-by with a view.

• Best coffee: Café 't Pumpke (Zwolle, exit 19) near the IJssel river.
• Power nap spots: 'De Haeze' (exit 31) has shaded benches.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Beyond the obvious: the 'Oude Willem' peat bog (Drents-Friese Wold) is a secret paradise for birdwatching. In Gelderland, the 'Landgoed Schovenhorst' (Putten) has a tree nursery with exotic species and a Japanese garden.

• Coordinates: 52.8586°N, 6.3244°E for the Oude Willem parking.
• Tip: take the N373 from Hoogeveen to see the 'Reestdal' creek valley.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

Leaving Groningen, the flat farmland gives way to the Drentsche Aa valley—a stream valley with heathlands, hay meadows, and ancient cart tracks. Further south, the Havelterberg offers panoramic views of the Drents-Friese Wold National Park. Beyond Zwolle, the Veluwe massif rises with dense forests and sand drifts. De Hoge Veluwe National Park (free entry with a ticket) is a must-see.

• Megalithic hunebedden (dolmens) near Borger: D27 and D28, dating to 3400 BC.
• Kroller-Muller Museum (De Hoge Veluwe): houses the second-largest Van Gogh collection.
• Posbank (near Arnhem): a heathland viewpoint with sweeping vistas.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The Wadden Sea (north of Groningen) is a UNESCO site, but along the route, the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Stelling van Amsterdam) includes Fort bij Muiden—a bit off-route. However, the Colonies of Benevolence (Frederiksoord, near Steenwijk) are a UNESCO serial property, located 20 km west of the A28. This 19th-century agricultural colony is a fascinating detour.

• Distance from A28: 15 minutes via N371.
• Visit the Museum de Proefkolonie to understand its social history.

Culinary Infrastructure

Local specialties include Drentse turf (peat) cake, Groninger mosterd (mustard soup), and Arnhemse koek (spiced cake). Farm shops (boerderijwinkels) dot the route: try Kaasboerderij Weidemelk in Beilen or Hof van Hattem near Zwolle.

• Restaurant de Lindenhof (Assen): 2 Michelin stars, but book months ahead.
• Eetcafé de Stroper (Havelte): budget-friendly, serves wild boar stew.
• Arnhem's Korenmarkt: a square with diverse cuisines, from Surinamese to Italian.

Local Commerce & Culture

Antique shops in Diever (known as 'little Shakespeare town' for its open-air theatre). In Zwolle, the historic centre boasts the Grote Kerk and the Sassenpoort gate. For modern art, visit Museum Arnhem—housed in a 19th-century museum building overlooking the Rhine.

• Weekly markets: Saturday in Arnhem's Jansplein, Thursday in Zwolle.
• Unusual stop: De Hoge Veluwe's 'sand drift' at Otterlo—like a mini desert.