On our first full day in Belgium, we are thinking of leaving very early on the morning and driving from Ghent to Zaanse Schans in Holland. We are really thinking about spending the night there and then drive back to Ghent early in the morning and then go to Bruges the next day. What would you do, spend the night there or drive back to our home base in Ghent. We really don't want to spend the money on another hotel, but our jaws dropped when we saw pics of this place. Thanks!!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Let me save you a few hours driving in the most congested area of the Netherlands. Look up pictures of Kinderdijk. It's much closer to Gent.
Posted by
Austin
976 posts
Zaanse Schans is enjoyable but really- half a day at most- including the museum. It's more interesting when an event is happening.
ZS is very close to Amsterdam, and I didn't see any hotels out there, tho there are other towns worth a visit where you could find accommodations. Not sure I'd spend 3 hours in the car each way for ZS...
Posted by
OP
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
Thanks Tom!!! Kinderdijk looks gorgeous!!! I will show my parents when they get home, about how long of a drive is it from Ghent? Thanks!!!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I second Kinderdijk, not only because it is close to my current town (lol), but, seriously, it is a very nice windmill collection. The scenery is very unique and tranquil. Take the small boat ride if you are coming from April-October. Moreover, since you've got a car, make more of your trip, driving through the villages east of Kinderdijk, where you can see not only more windmills, but also picturesque villages alongside the many canals in the area. You can also drive along the banks of the Lek and stop for some photos. Then, you can go back to Gent via Oosterhout and Breda (A27, A58, A16)
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I'm going to estimate about a 90 minute drive, but I could be wrong, and it depends on traffic. The really bad traffic (in my experience), starts around Antwerp and runs to Amsterdam, so you shouldn't hit it going to Kinderdijk. If, for some reason, you decide to spend the night (there's not a whole lot in the area besides the windmills), look up Hotel Kinderdijk. Most of the rooms have view of the windmills. Quite a nice sight to wake up to.