I need to drive from Amsterdam to Dusseldorf. Are there any scenic drives, preferably along the Rhine or nice small towns on this route?

I am afraid not. The countryside is flat and there is nothing to see.

If you want to make a break during your drive Hoge Veluwe will make a rewarding stop (park, art, Van Gogh Museum) and, in Germany, Xanten (archeological park, reconstructions of Roman buildings).

The river is not very attractive on your way. Better enjoy the riverwalk in Düsseldorf.

Do you need tips for Düsseldorf?

If you have the choice, I would recommend taking the train instead of driving especially when you're alone. There is usually a special offer in Amsterdam for the train ride to Duesseldorf/Cologne for a mere 29 euro. I saw the advertisements plastered all over the Centraal station in Amsterdam. I enjoy riding the superfast ICE train more than driving.

The highway route Amsterdam-Dusseldorf is flat, boring, and to top it all heavy trucks traffic. Only drive if you must, otherwise train is the way to go.

I agree with the others - take the train.

I don't think the Rhein is very scenic even in the stretches that others like to call scenic. Between Düsseldorf and the sea the highway does not parallel it much, nor do many roads except local ones and the drive would be downright yucky from a scenic perspective..

If you have time, go south through Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht, and Valkenburg, then on eastward and a little north to Dusseldorf. This is a scenic drive with nice cities you can stop in. The little piece of Holland that dangles down to Maastricht and Valkenburg is very interesting -- and hilly. Yes, hills in Holland. Good luck.

Wayne, I love the cities of Utrecht and Maastricht, but what you have suggested is a HUGE detour and the scenic part of the drive is very short.

jalexp3, better drive or ride quickly to Düsseldorf and use the time for exploring the Düsseldorf region.

For scenery, the Neanderthal is a good destination very close to Düsseldorf. There is a state-of-the-art museum of the Neanderthal Man and the history of mankind and a scenic trail that leads through a beautiful valley and around corrals with ice-age animals.

www.neanderthal.de

Thanks to all. First time to Dusseldorf so I would sure welcome tips. I love to walk and explore.

Düsseldorf:

- The Königsallee is a very elegant shopping street, with a river in the middle, street cafés etc.

- A classic department store is the Carsch Haus. In the basement you find several high-quality snack bars.

- The Altstadt is full of bars and restaurants. Very lively, especially at night.

- The riverbank is full of urban playfulness, day and night.

- The Karlstadt, the southern extension of the Altstadt, is a gaslamp quarter which is quieter, with beautiful baroque architecture.

- The Hafen is a brand new, gentrified area with dramatic architecture, especially some office buildings designed by Frank O. Gehry and the "Stadttor".

All these areas can easily be explored by walking.

Düsseldorf has several excellent museums and temporary exhibitions, most of them focusing on contemporary art. See:

www.duesseldorf.de

The best art museums are K20 (for 20th century art) and K21 (for 21st century art).

If you are able to make a daytrip from Düsseldorf, the Neanderthal would be my first choice.

An of course you can do a daytrip to Köln (faster by train than by car).

Thanks so much Traveler