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LIFESTYLE.
EXPLORING THE NETHERLANDS
IN ONE CHARGE.
When you think of the Netherlands, you may conjure up images of a field of tulips, a wedge of Gouda, or a tangerine sea of Oranje footie fans. One thing that probably won’t cross your mind — but should — is electric driving. In fact, the Netherlands boasts one of the most substantial EV charging networks on the planet, making it the perfect starting point for an all-electric road trip of epic proportions. The question is, without stopping to charge, how much exploring could you do?
Here to bring you answers is our brand new One Charge adventure series, in which we will discover amazing destinations on a single charge with our all-electric MINI lineup. Kicking us off are photographers and MINI ambassadors Katarina and Uros Višekruna, who you may recognise for their dazzling travels across the globe with MINI. After plotting their escape to the Dutch countryside, the couple headed west out of Rotterdam with their cute Jack Russel Paya looking happy as Larry in the roomy back seat of the new all-electric MINI Countryman.
MINI COUNTRYMAN E John Cooper Works Trim Mandatory information according to German law ’Pkw-EnVKV’ based on WLTP: energy consumption combined: 18,5 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2-class: A.
Day 1:
The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker.
Going from Rotterdam to Fort Bourtange feels like travelling through time. If it weren’t for the EV charging station just outside the fortified walls, you could almost be fooled!
Surrounded by moats and ramparts, the star-shaped fortress is a showcase of 16th-century ingenuity designed to fend off invaders during the tumultuous Eighty Years’ War. Driving past the lush greenery and charming canals on the village outskirts, it soon becomes clear this is but a taster of the cobbled streets and beautifully preserved buildings beyond the drawbridge.
Today, the structures that once housed soldiers and their families now host museums, shops, and cafés. There’s even a wonderfully old-fashioned candle maker — a must-see for those into anything crafty. And if you happen to pick up more souvenirs than initially planned, the all-electric MINI Countryman has the boot space to cater to even the most enthusiastic shopper. No compromise on souvenirs needed!
DAY 2:
Young at heart.
The Netherlands’ youngest city and no stranger to keeping up with trends, Groningen is constantly looking for ways to better city life and reduce its impact on the environment. Branded as a hub for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and the innovative projects they bring with them, Groningen’s fresh energy is perceptible from the oldest alleyway to the trendiest student spot.
Sitting at a comfy 85% charge, the drive feels even comfier in the indulgently spacious all-electric MINI Countryman, effortlessly making the switch from countryside terrain to the urban bustle of our second destination. Here, the city’s top attractions are calling to be explored: the peaceful Almshouse courtyards, the rose garden at Prinsentuin park, the Korenbeurs market, and the most photographed spot in Groningen — the picturesque, two-height quays of Hoge der A and Lage der A.
In complete contrast to the old-worldly canals, the Forum Groningen also proves worthy of a visit. Standing at 45 metres tall and opened to the public in 2019, this contemporary-looking cultural centre encases cinemas, museums, restaurants, the city library, the Smartlab, and a rooftop terrace with unrivalled views of the soaring Martinitoren (Martini Tower).
There’s a lift to get you all the way up there, but with lunch on the horizon you’ll have worked up an appetite, nonetheless. On the menu? Locals will always recommend a low-food-miles-affair at the famous Vismarkt, the go-to place for fresh, local fish since the 1400s. And Kibbeling, the Dutch equivalent of fish & chips (minus the chips), sounds pretty good!
MARINA REITDIEP.
Colourful Scandinavian-style buildings create a magnificent backdrop to the marina, which is on the Dutch Standing Mast Route, through Groningen city to Friesland and the Wadden Sea.
Just a quarter of an hour away from the city centre, the short drive north takes you past waterfront houses finished in striking hues of powder blue, and yellow, and pink. Golden hour here — at what is widely considered one of the most “instagrammable” spots in the Netherlands — is a unique photo opportunity. But there’s plenty more to do than fill your camera roll.
Water sports enthusiasts will be in their element, and you can even rent a sloop or an electric boat. Sail Groningen’s city centre or go further afield, where beautiful sailing routes take you through the Dutch countryside. Like the all-electric MINI lineup, electric boats are fun to drive and will put your mind at ease.
DAY 3:
Harnessing the power
of the wind.
A hefty number of kilometres under its belt now, the MINI Countryman arrives at Schermerhorn down to 39% charge. Nevertheless, the longer scenic route is always worth it, and there’s still plenty of electric juice in the tank to tackle the day’s packed agenda. Starting at somewhat of a Dutch staple: the tulip fields.
An explosion of colour that will warm your heart and look even hotter on your Instagram feed, tulips haven’t always graced the European countryside. First introduced around 1953 and considered a rarity at the time, they quickly became a luxury item coveted amongst the wealthy. Today, the fields you see aren’t harvested for the pretty flowers (they’ll be left to fade in the fields), but for the bulbs beneath the soil, which are sold and shipped to live and bloom all over the world.
SCHERMER WINDMILLS.
Tulips give way to yet another wonder of nature: something as initially unassuming as the wind itself. Here, in the Netherlands, harnessing the power of the wind is a deep-rooted tradition. One resulting in an affordable, cleaner source of electricity that helps reduce fossil fuel dependence.
The mills in question — the Schermer windmills — are so special in their form, function, and history, they have been declared national monuments. Made using reed and pine and carefully maintained up to present day, they were originally put there by rich merchants in the Golden Age of the Netherlands, and subsequently used between 1633 and 1635 to drain lakes to create new farmland — now called polders.
The Schermer Mill Complex is located in one of these such polders, where the Windmill Museum and De Otter care project make it a worthy stop on any itinerary. Running since 2008, the De Otter project sees people with cognitive disabilities work in the mill and sell their baked goods in the bakery next door, with the help of the local miller. It’s a great opportunity to stock up on delicious bakes and park up to enjoy the area’s great views. With sunlight streaming in through the glass sunroof and its easy-to-clean fabrics, nothing beats a picnic in the all-electric MINI Countryman.
ZAANSE SCHANS.
Not too far from the Schermer windmills and attracting people from all over the Netherlands and beyond, Zaanse Schans is an open-access heritage site that feels like stepping back into the 18th century. Here, locals and visitors find themselves surrounded by a backdrop of wooden houses, charming handicraft shops, and windmills — lots of windmills.
Traditional crafts and industries remain alive and well here, as illustrated by the assortment of goods being produced the “old-fashioned” way. In fact, a lot of hard work goes on behind the blades. If you popped your head around the door of De Kat (The Cat), for instance, you’d see miller Piet Kempenaar and his team busy supplying high-quality paints and pigments to artists and restorers all over the world, a task conducted at this mill since 1664. Or oil extraction at the De Bonte Hen, a mill that has survived several lightning strikes since being established in 1693. That’s one lucky bird! Meanwhile, the Het Klaverblad, built by owner and miller Ru Pos, brings back a rare mill type: the see-saw mill. Its name and logo — a four-leaf clover — represent Pos’ four daughters, one of whom runs the carpentry shop on site.
DAY 4:
A relationship with nature reinvented.
Frequently described as an avant-garde city, Rotterdam is characterised by futuristic architecture, a diverse cultural scene, and a growing role at the forefront of environmentally friendly city living.
One of the key areas this translates to is that of urban mobility: yes, Rotterdam has “Zero Emission Mobility” on the brain. And while it’s not surprising, especially considering that the Netherlands boasts the most EV charging stations in Europe — both in numbers and in density — its efforts to become a “smart city” are somewhat novel.
Alongside the BMW Group and Erasmus University, Rotterdam has successfully graduated a pilot project that sees all BMW plug-in hybrids switch automatically to electric driving in the city centre. The benefits? Cleaner air and the chance to collect BMW Charging Points to be redeemed for charging credits. And it’s catching on — over 138 European conurbations have already followed suit.
Feeling at home in the lively streets of Rotterdam, the all-electric MINI Countryman makes the final stretch of the trip with more than enough electric mileage to spare. Still, there’s just as many spots to charge your vehicle as there are places to visit. From the mouth-watering eats of the Markthal indoor market and the singular scenery of Oude Haven (Old Harbour), to the sprawling Het Park, unique floating homes, and the architecturally striking Cube Houses.
At the end of four days of nonstop exploration, there’s one more stopover before check-in time at the hotel for some much-needed R&R. Located at the tippy top of the Schieblock, the DakAkker Rooftop Café is the largest open-air roof farm in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe. Managed by Wouter Bauman, avid beekeeper and nature and spatial planning consultant at the Rotterdam Environmental Centre, the café has everything from rooftop bees and edible flowers to organic fruit and veg.
Coffee secured and rooftop views documented, it's at this fantastic location that our MINI road trip in the Netherlands must come to an end. From ancient fortresses and windmill technology to the city of the future, the all-electric MINI Countryman has proven itself the ultimate adventure companion and we look forward to seeing what the next charge will bring!
Photography: Katarina Batuta Višekruna and Uros Višekruna
Words: Camila Lucia O’Reilly