The 2020 European Nursery Championship will be held on farmland near Heteren, a village in the municipality of Overbetuwe in the province of Gelderland. The competition grounds are situated in the fertile river plain between the Rhine and the Waal, offering flat, open fields that provide excellent visibility for spectators and fair conditions for both dogs and sheep. The area is well known in Dutch sheepdog circles and has hosted national trials on several occasions.
Heteren is located approximately 10 kilometres south of Arnhem, with excellent road connections via the A50 motorway. The nearest international airport is Schiphol (Amsterdam), roughly 100 kilometres to the west. From Schiphol, the drive takes around 75 minutes via the A2 and A50. Handlers travelling from the United Kingdom can take the ferry from Harwich to Hoek van Holland (approximately 6 hours) or the Eurotunnel shuttle from Folkestone to Calais, followed by a 3.5-hour drive through Belgium.
Finding accommodation that welcomes handlers and their working dogs is always a practical concern at international trials. The ENC committee has negotiated preferential rates at several local establishments that are happy to host dogs. The Landhotel Renkum, located just 8 kilometres from the grounds, offers comfortable rooms with direct garden access — ideal for early-morning exercise before a competition run. In Arnhem itself, several chain hotels accept dogs for a small surcharge, and there are numerous holiday rental cottages in the surrounding Veluwe region that welcome pets without restriction.
For those who prefer to stay closer to the action, on-site camping and caravanning facilities are available free of charge. The grounds have access to fresh water, portable toilets, and a covered social area. Electrical hook-ups are limited, so an early booking is recommended. Many handlers find that staying on-site creates the best atmosphere and the easiest logistics for managing their dogs during the event. If you are planning your next trip, you might also enjoy exploring dog-friendly accommodation options.
The Overbetuwe region offers pleasant walking and cycling routes along the river dykes, which are perfect for exercising dogs between competition days. The nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands and allows dogs on leads on designated paths. The city of Arnhem offers restaurants, shopping, and the famous Burgers' Zoo. For those with a day to spare, the historic market town of Nijmegen and the Openluchtmuseum (Open Air Museum) are both within easy reach.
Handlers travelling from further afield may wish to combine their trip with visits to other European sheepdog events or to explore the Dutch countryside at a more relaxed pace. The Netherlands is an exceptionally dog-friendly country, with dogs welcomed in most cafes, on public transport, and in many parks and nature reserves. It is an ideal destination for those who travel with their four-legged companions year-round.