Groningen to Den Bosch Road Trip Guide: Stops & Tips

The A28 motorway, stretching from Groningen to Den Bosch, was built in the 1970s and features a unique stretch where the roadbed floats on a layer of foam concrete to prevent subsidence in the peat-rich soil near Zuidwolde. This 190-kilometer (118-mile) journey takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes without stops, making it a perfect day trip or a relaxed weekend getaway.

The primary route is the A28, a well-maintained dual carriageway with speed limits of 130 km/h (80 mph) where indicated, often reduced to 100 km/h (62 mph) near construction zones or environmental areas. Exit numbers are clearly marked, and rest stops occur every 20-30 km.

For the full guide on optimizing stops, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

North of Hoogeveen, the route passes through the Drenthe moorlands, a flat expanse of heather and peat bogs. In late summer, the heather blooms purple, creating a stunning contrast with the green meadows. The area around Zuidwolde features small lakes formed by peat extraction, now nature reserves.

• Stop at De Drentsche Aa, a protected stream valley, for a short walk. Birdwatchers can spot black-tailed godwits and lapwings.
• Near Zwolle, the Vecht River valley offers riverside cycling paths and historic farms selling local cheese and honey.
• Just before Amersfoort, the Soesterduinen is a inland sand drift with walking trails through shifting dunes – a surprising geological feature in the Netherlands.

Local commerce thrives at farm shops and weekly markets. In Hoogeveen, visit the Kaasboerderij Dobben for Gouda cheese aged in the traditional way. In Zwolle, the Saturday market on Grote Markt sells fresh stroopwafels and artisan bread. For a modern twist, Den Bosch's Verkadefabriek hosts a food hall with local specialties like Bossche bol (a giant chocolate cream puff).

• Farm shops often accept contactless payments, but carry some cash for small purchases.
• Seasonal produce: asparagus in spring, cherries in July, and chestnuts in autumn.

Road quality is excellent, but watch for sudden speed limit changes, especially around construction zones near Assen and Zwolle. The A28 has emergency phones every 2 km and periodic traffic cameras. Fatigue management is key: plan a break every 45 minutes.

• Best rest stops: De Mussels (km 120) has a playground, pet relief area, and an EV charging station. Lankhorst (km 70) offers a quiet picnic spot with tables.
• For children, the Avifauna Bird Park in Alphen (detour 10 km) or the Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem (detour 20 km) are worth the extra drive. However, on the direct route, the Ecomare nature center near Zwolle features a seal sanctuary and aquarium.
• Pet-friendly: Most rest stops allow dogs on leashes, but only De Punt and Eemnes have designated dog walking areas. Always carry water for your pet.

Hidden off-route spots: Just 5 km off exit 23 (Hoogeveen) lies the 16th-century Castle of Ruinen, surrounded by a moat and forest. Another gem is the Kasteel Nijenrode in Breukelen (near Den Bosch), a medieval castle now used as a university but open for guided tours on weekends. For a quick nature escape, the Fochteloërveen (exit 18) is a raised bog with a viewing tower for rare birds.

• To avoid tourist crowds, visit these spots on weekday mornings. Parking is usually free.
• Always check opening hours online, as some castles close for private events.