Groningen to Zutphen Road Trip Guide: Stops, Sights and Tips

The A28 motorway from Groningen to Zutphen covers roughly 150 kilometers, a drive that typically takes 1 hour and 45 minutes without stops. Yet the route passes through three distinct provinces—Groningen, Drenthe, and Gelderland—each with its own character. The A28 itself was built in the 1960s and follows an ancient trade route known as the Hessenweg, used by merchants traveling between the Hanseatic cities of the north and the Rhine region. One little-known fact: near the village of De Punt, the highway crosses the former bed of the Drentsche Aa river, which was rerouted in the 1950s to make way for the motorway. Today, this area is part of a nature reserve where you can still spot remnants of the old river channel.

The A28 is a safe motorway with clear signage and lighting at interchanges. However, the N345 has some unlit sections and roundabouts that require caution, especially at night. Emergency call boxes are spaced every 2 km on the A28. For family travelers, the De Lichtmis service area has a playground and a pancake restaurant (Pannenkoekenhuis). Another excellent stop is the Drentse Koe (A28, exit 18), a farm-themed restaurant with a petting zoo and fresh dairy products. Fatigue management is easy: there are rest areas every 15-20 km. The best rest stop for a nap is the 't Loo Rustpunt (N345 between Zwolle and Heerde), which has shaded benches and a quiet garden.

• Family stop: De Lichtmis (playground, pancakes)
• Pet-friendly: Many rest areas allow dogs; the Dwingelderveld is leashed-dog friendly
• Fatigue tip: Pull over at 't Loo Rustpunt for a 20-minute break
• Road quality: Excellent on A28; check tires before N345

Leaving Groningen, the flat polder landscape soon gives way to the gently undulating heathlands of Drenthe. Near Hoogeveen, the Dwingelderveld National Park offers one of the most expansive heather fields in Europe. This is a prime spot for a short detour: the park has several walking trails, and the Dwingeloo Radio Telescope (a UNESCO-listed technological landmark from 1956) sits on its edge. As you approach Zwolle, the terrain becomes greener and more wooded, marking the transition into Gelderland. The IJssel River valley, visible from the N345 near Hattem, is a lush floodplain dotted with orchards and windmills. Local commerce thrives along the route: farm stalls selling cheese and apple syrup are common on the N345. Pick up some 'Groninger koek' (spiced cake) at the Bakkerij Museum in Hattem, a 5-minute detour from the main road.

• Must-see nature: Dwingelderveld National Park (heathland, biking trails)
• UNESCO nearby: Dwingeloo Radio Telescope (free to visit)
• Local product: Groninger koek, available at Hattem's Bakkerij Museum

UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the Route

While the direct A28/N345 route does not pass any UNESCO World Heritage sites, two notable ones lie within 30 minutes of the road: the Wadden Sea (accessible from Groningen) and the Defence Line of Amsterdam (near Weesp, further west). However, the Dwingeloo Radio Telescope is a tentative UNESCO site and has historical significance as a pioneering radio observatory. Additionally, the entire Hanseatic city of Zutphen is a protected cityscape with over 500 national monuments, often considered a 'living UNESCO' environment. For a deeper dive into off-route UNESCO gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Dwingeloo Radio Telescope: free access, guided tours on weekends
• Zutphen's historic center: famed for its wine cellars and medieval towers
• Alternate: Wieden-Weerribben National Park (30 min from Zwolle)

The A28 is a well-maintained four-lane motorway with a speed limit of 130 km/h (where signs permit). Between Groningen and Zwolle, there are multiple gas stations and rest areas. Expect fuel prices around €2.00 per liter for Euro95 (as of 2025). Tolls are nonexistent on this route—all roads are free. The N345 from Zwolle to Zutphen is a dual carriageway with occasional traffic lights; it can get congested during rush hours. A break at the De Lichtmis service station (km 108) offers a Shell station, toilets, and a small supermarket. For EV drivers, Fastned chargers are available at De Lichtmis and near Hoogeveen.

• Fuel cost estimate: €30-€40 for a typical car (50L tank)
• Best rest stop: De Lichtmis (A28, exit 22) with clean facilities and coffee
• Road surface: excellent on A28; N345 has some worn sections near Heerde