Benelux Rework: Amsterdam + IJmuiden Ferry

Amsterdam, best known for its iconic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant cycling culture, is one of the Netherlands’ most recognisable and visited cities. Today, we’re excited to share a closer look at the work of our talented Benelux Rework team, as they bring this famous destination up to modern DLC standards with improved detail, updated road networks, and refreshed landmarks. Let's take a closer look!

Dating back to the 12th century as a small fishing settlement on the Amstel River, Amsterdam grew into one of the most important trading hubs of the world during the Dutch Golden Age. Its famous canal ring, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was constructed in the 17th century and remains one of the city’s defining features. Today, Amsterdam is a modern European capital, blending historic charm with contemporary infrastructure, something our team aimed to reflect throughout this rework.

So what work has taken place? Amsterdam has been completely rebuilt from the ground up! Recreating such a dense and iconic destination was no small task, especially within the limits of the game’s scale. Through careful decisions, the team were able to preserve Amsterdam’s unique character and looks. We think they have done an excellent job! Wouldn't you agree?

One of the more unique challenges the team encountered was surrounding part of the A10 Zuid ring road, located south of Amsterdam. In real life, this section is currently being moved into an underground tunnel as part of an ongoing infrastructure project. However, during our research trip at the beginning of the Benelux rework, the highway was still above ground. This led to an important decision, whether to recreate the real-world layout as we experienced it, or attempt to represent a future version that is not yet complete. 

After careful consideration, we chose to keep the highway above ground. This allowed us to work with real-world references while also creating a unique driving experience. It gives players the opportunity to travel through one of the few places in Europe where highways pass beneath towering skyscrapers, offering a memorable and visually striking perspective of the city.

As with most reworks, rebuilding the city from the ground up gave the team the opportunity to introduce new landmarks and bring older ones up to date with our newer modelling standards. Whilst it won't be possible to travel through the historic inner city itself, the team has carefully selected locations and viewpoints that we believe best represent Amsterdam.

We would also like to give a special thanks to our asset team, whose work on the city’s landmarks and architecture has played a huge role in bringing Amsterdam to life. Their attention to detail helps make each location feel authentic and memorable. We can't wait for you to explore it all for yourself! 

IJmuiden Ferry

Not far from Amsterdam lies the coastal town of IJmuiden, home to an important ferry connection between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. As part of the Benelux rework, this location has also been revisited and refreshed.

While IJmuiden was already present in the original map as a landmark ferry location, it has now been updated to better match the quality and detail of the surrounding reworked areas. Although the scale of changes here is not as extensive as what you'll find in Amsterdam, you'll still certainly notice some big changes!

The ferry terminal continues to serve as a key gateway for drivers travelling between mainland Europe and the UK, offering an important connection for long-distance routes. Its updated design aims to provide a more immersive experience while maintaining its recognisable identity. We hope this connection will be used a lot more often with the arrival of the UK rework in the future! 

Interestingly, this location became a personal favourite for one of two map designers who worked on it, thanks to its unique atmosphere and role within the wider transport network.

We look forward to sharing more news on the Benelux Rework, which will arrive as a free update for all Euro Truck Simulator 2 owners in the future. Until then, be sure to follow us on our official social media channels so you can stay up to date with the latest news, even whilst on the move. Until next time, keep on truckin’.

Benelux Rework: Truckstops & Gas Stations

Today, we are excited to share with you another glimpse into the ongoing development of the Benelux Rework update for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This time, we're taking a closer look at a selection of rebuilt and newly designed rest areas and petrol stations across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

As with every rework project, our aim is not only to refresh older areas visually but to bring them closer to the real-world road network, improving authenticity, variety, and immersion for every driver passing through.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands is well known for its modern infrastructure and carefully planned motorway network, and we have worked hard to reflect that in this rework.

Along the A8, drivers will be able to stop at a refreshed A8 petrol station, offering a compact yet detailed rest area that fits seamlessly into its urban surroundings. Not far from the coast, the IJmuiden petrol station provides a convenient stop for those travelling to and from the North Sea ports, complete with updated signage and contemporary architecture.

One of the highlights of this region is the supermodern eco petrol station on the A28. Inspired by the Netherlands’ forward-thinking approach to sustainability, this location features cutting-edge design elements, solar panels, and a sleek canopy structure that stands out both during the day and at night.

Finally, on the E30, you’ll find Het Lonnekermeer truckstop and petrol station. This larger service area offers ample parking for HGVs, detailed landscaping, and a welcoming rest area atmosphere, making it a perfect stop for long-haul drivers crossing the eastern part of the country.

Belgium

Belgium’s motorway network is a vital corridor for European logistics, and we have significantly reworked many of its service areas to better represent their real-life counterparts.

On the E34 between Antwerp and Turnhout, the E34 Antwerpen–Turnhout truckstop and petrol station has been rebuilt to offer a spacious layout tailored for heavy traffic. Expect realistic parking arrangements and improved access roads that reflect the busy nature of this route.

Near the city of Liège, the newly designed Liège petrol station offers a more urban feel, with updated textures, signage, and surrounding infrastructure that better matches the character of the region.

At the German border, the E40 Lichtenbusch petrol station and border area has received special attention. This location blends motorway services with an international crossing atmosphere, complete with border-related detailing that enhances immersion when travelling between countries.

We are also introducing several French-style “Aire” service areas in Wallonia. Aire de Verlaine and Aire de Saint-Ghislain both feature expanded truck parking, distinct architectural styles, and carefully placed vegetation to capture the feel of Belgian motorway rest areas.

In the scenic Ardennes region, the Wanlin petrol station provides a smaller but characterful stop, surrounded by natural landscapes and designed to break up long journeys through this picturesque area.

Luxembourg

Although smaller in size, Luxembourg remains a significant hub for international freight. On the E421, drivers will discover a fully refreshed E421 petrol station, offering a clean and modern stopping point that reflects the country’s well-maintained road network and strategic position at the heart of Europe.

Across all three countries, our map, asset, and vegetation teams have collaborated to ensure that each truckstop and petrol station feels unique. We know how important service areas are in your journeys, whether you are refuelling, taking a mandatory rest break, or simply enjoying the view during a sunset haul.

We look forward to sharing more about the Benelux Rework in the near future. Make sure to stay updated by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter! Until next time, we wish you safe travels. Until then, keep on truckin’!

Benelux Rework: Groningen

Today we're happy to share a look at the work being undertaken in our Benelux Rework Project for Euro Truck Simulator 2, specifically in the city of Groningen, Netherlands! Many of you may already be familiar with this city from your travels in-game, and as part of this rework project, it has now been completely rebuilt from the ground up to better reflect its real-world counterpart. Let’s take a closer look!

As one of the key northern cities of the Netherlands, Groningen has long played an important role as a regional hub for trade and transport. From the very first settlers, the city grew around the River Hunze and later flourished through commerce, earning its reputation as the unofficial 'Capital of the North'. With the Benelux Rework, our map designers have been hard at work bringing a fresh new, modern and up to date recreation of this important city, while preserving its recognisable landmarks and its unique Dutch character. 

One of the most notable updates players will experience is the accurate recreation of the N7 ring road, including the section that now runs underground in real life. This major infrastructure project significantly reshaped traffic flow in Groningen, and we’re excited to bring this modern engineering solution into the game to improve realism and immersion while driving through the city.

The logistics side of the city has also seen significant attention. In Groningen’s industrial and commercial areas, players will be able to deliver cargo to furniture stores, logistics depots, and grocery warehouses. Drivers heading out toward the outskirts of the city can also pick up jobs at a large, modern sugar factory complex, a key location for processing sugar beets. Sugar production has deep roots in the north of the Netherlands, making this industry a very fitting addition to the rework. Don't miss out on checking for those sweet job offers! 

Heading closer to the city centre, drivers will find themselves travelling alongside the Verbindingkanaal, an important canal in Groningen’s history. Along this route are several key transport and cultural landmarks, including the main railway station, the bus terminal, and the unmistakable Groningen Museum. Known for its bold and contemporary architecture design, the museum stands as a striking contrast to the city’s older brick buildings and historic streets.

And of course, no true Dutch city would be complete without its canals, waterways and drawbridges. Groningen features plenty of both, weaving water and road infrastructure together in a way that is instantly recognisable to anyone who has visited the Netherlands. 

We’re looking forward to sharing more from the Benelux Rework Project as development continues. Be sure to follow us on our official social media channels, or subscribe to our newsletter, to keep up to date with all the latest news. Until then, keep on truckin’!

Project Benelux Rework: Eindhoven + DAF Trucks Facility

Today, we are happy to take you to the Netherlands once again, as we continue our work on the Benelux Rework for Euro Truck Simulator 2. This time, our journey brings us to Eindhoven, a city with a strong industrial identity and a name that is inseparably linked with one of Europe’s most legendary truck manufacturers - DAF Trucks.

As part of the Benelux Rework, Eindhoven is being introduced as a brand-new city to Euro Truck Simulator 2. Our map designers have been working to capture its modern character, distinctive architecture, and key road connections from the ground up. The result is a fresh addition to the map that feels detailed, immersive, and fully aligned with today’s ETS2 standards.

You'll be able to catch a glimpse of some of Eindhoven’s most recognisable locations. One of them is the Lichtnaald sculpture, standing proudly over a roundabout, with the iconic Evoluon building rising in the background. With its unmistakable UFO-like shape, the Evoluon is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and we are excited to bring this unique skyline into the game.

Another location is Floraplein, an important urban junction that plays a key role in Eindhoven’s road network. This area has been carefully reworked to better reflect its real-world layout and surroundings, helping the city feel more natural and believable as you drive through it during your deliveries.

This rework also gave us a special opportunity that we are particularly excited to share. While working on Eindhoven, we joined forces with DAF Trucks to bring a recreation of their Eindhoven factory and facility into Euro Truck Simulator 2. As the home of DAF, this location holds enormous significance not only for the city itself but also for truck enthusiasts across Europe and beyond.

Due to real-world constraints and the need to respect certain boundaries, some parts of the premises could not be documented or recreated in full detail. For this reason, the version you will experience in-game represents a carefully crafted interpretation, created in close cooperation with DAF. Our focus was on conveying the character, energy, and identity of the area, while ensuring that everything which needs to remain private does so.

Even so, we strongly believe that our players will love the opportunity to visit this area, explore its surroundings, and get a sense of what the DAF facility in Eindhoven feels like within the world of ETS2.

We hope you enjoyed this closer look at Eindhoven, and we look forward to sharing more from the Benelux Rework with you in the future. Until next time, be sure to keep up to date with the latest updates by following us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, YouTube, and Instagram, and by subscribing to our newsletter. Safe travels and keep on truckin’!