Chaos on the Dutch coast: NATO summit brings traffic to a standstill!

Chaos on the Dutch coast: NATO summit brings traffic to a standstill!

Tourists on the Dutch coast have to prepare for significant traffic restrictions. The NATO summit, taking place in The Hague on June 24 and 25, 2025, will have a major impact on the region in the days before and after. From June 22nd to 26th, the areas around Scheveningen, Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk aan Zee are particularly affected. The Dutch government has made extensive preparations to ensure security, which began in April. These measures are part of one of the largest security operations in the history of The Hague.

Around 45 heads of state and government, foreign ministers and defense ministers are expected, including US President Donald Trump. For this reason, the government has decided to introduce significant traffic restrictions throughout the city and in adjacent areas. The A4 (Amsterdam - Rotterdam - Belgium), A5 (Hoofddorp - Amsterdam) and A44 (Amsterdam - The Hague) motorways will be severely affected and travelers will have to expect longer journey times.

Traffic restrictions and safety precautions

Security and traffic arrangements in The Hague will begin on June 22nd, two days before the summit. Previous road closures significantly impact traffic and access for residents, businesses and tourism. From June 19th at 11:59 p.m., the World Forum, the center of the action, will be completely closed until June 25th at 8:00 p.m. Access is only permitted for accredited persons and registered residents with strict controls. Vehicles, including bicycles, are prohibited in the restricted area and public transport will be rerouted.

The maritime area off Scheveningen will be declared a restricted zone between June 19th and 25th. While beach visitors are allowed to swim, paddle, surf, wind and kite surf up to 500 meters from the coast, boat traffic is completely prohibited at the same time. Fast motorboats are not allowed in the lake area and leaving the beach in boats is prohibited.

Consequences for residents and business life

The impact of the security measures is far-reaching. Residents are effectively sealed off from the outside world for five days. Catering establishments and retail in Zeestraat will only be accessible to a limited extent, and businesses in the area will have to close; Employees work from home. The Haagse Bos, the area around the royal palace Huis ten Bosch, will also be closed on June 24th during an official dinner, with access only possible for residents with special permission.

In addition, the Johan de Wittlaan will be completely closed for four months from April 14th to create access roads and install temporary buildings for the summit. The ANWB has already warned of significant traffic problems, especially during the Easter and May holidays, and advises caution. During the entire period, visitors and residents must expect longer waiting times and other inconveniences.

The preparations and associated measures include comprehensive emergency regulations and demonstrate the Dutch government's determination to ensure the safety of all participants and residents at this major event. Ruhr24 and Dachist report in detail about the current developments.