Hiking in the Netherlands: Discover the Best Trails and Nature Walks

While the Netherlands may be known for its flat landscapes and urban areas, it offers a surprising variety of hiking opportunities amidst beautiful natural scenery.

Dutch hiking trails cater to all levels of experience and interests, from coastal dunes and forests to historic paths and picturesque countryside.

This guide unveils the 20 best hiking trails in the Netherlands and provides essential tips to help you plan your next outdoor adventure in this charming country.

20 Best Hiking Places in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers diverse hiking experiences, from leisurely walks through colorful tulip fields to more challenging treks in national parks. Whether you’re looking for free hiking trails on a budget, romantic hiking trails for couples, or a group hiking adventure, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your preferences.

1. Veluwe National Park Trails

The Veluwe is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in Western Europe. It offers a variety of landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and sand drifts.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various trails from 5 to 20+ km

Location: Gelderland province

Cost: Free entry to most areas

Key Tips:

• Visit in late summer to see the heather in full bloom

• Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and wild boars

• Bring plenty of water, as some areas have limited facilities

• Consider renting a bicycle to explore more of the park

2. Texel Island Dune and Beach Walks

Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands, offers beautiful coastal walks with stunning dune landscapes and wide beaches.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various routes from 3 to 15 km

Location: Texel Island, North Holland

Cost: Ferry fee to reach the island

Key Tips:

• Check the ferry schedule in advance

• Visit the Ecomare Center to learn about local marine life

• Bring windproof clothing, as coastal areas can be breezy

• Try local lamb dishes, a specialty of the island

3. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park

This forested ridge offers a rare hilly landscape in the Netherlands, with beautiful deciduous and coniferous forests.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various trails from 5 to 25 km

Location: Utrecht province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit in autumn for beautiful fall colors

• Explore some of the historic estates within the park

• Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots

• Consider staying in one of the park’s unique accommodations, like treehouses

4. Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park, home to diverse landscapes and the famous Kröller-Müller Museum, offers a unique blend of nature and culture.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various trails from 3 to 40 km

Location: Gelderland province

Cost: Entry fee applies

Key Tips:

• Use the free white bicycles to explore the park

• Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum to see Van Gogh’s paintings

• Look out for red deer and wild boars

• Book in advance during peak season

5. Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

This coastal park features beautiful dune landscapes, forests, and beaches close to Amsterdam.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various routes from 2 to 15 km

Location: North Holland province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the Kennemerduinen visitor center for route information

• Look for Highland cattle and Konik horses roaming freely

• Bring binoculars for birdwatching

• Consider a guided nature walk to learn about the ecosystem

6. Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park

Known as the “Brabant Sahara,” this unique park features shifting dunes surrounded by forests.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various trails from 4 to 20 km

Location: North Brabant province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Wear closed shoes to protect your feet from hot sand

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography

• Bring plenty of water, especially on hot days

• Try local Brabant cuisine in nearby villages

7. Weerribben-Wieden National Park

The largest bog in northwestern Europe, this park offers unique wetland hiking experiences.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various routes from 3 to 15 km

Location:Overijssel province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Combine hiking with a boat tour for a full experience

• Visit in spring to see rare orchids in bloom

• Bring insect repellent, especially in summer

• Try spotting otters, a symbol of successful rewilding in the area

8. Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve

A unique artificial wetland is famous for its rewilding project and diverse birdlife.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various trails from 2 to 10 km

Location:Flevoland province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the Oostvaardersplassen Outdoor Center for information

• Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities

• Check seasonal opening times, as some areas are closed during the breeding season

• Consider a guided tour to learn about the reserve’s unique ecosystem

9. Biesbosch National Park

One of the largest national parks in the Netherlands, known for its freshwater tidal wetlands.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various routes from 5 to 20 km

Location: North Brabant and South Holland provinces

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Combine hiking with a boat tour or canoe trip

• Visit the Biesbosch Museum Island to learn about the area’s history

• Bring waterproof shoes, as some trails can be muddy

• Look out for beavers, especially at dawn or dusk

10. Schiermonnikoog National Park

The smallest inhabited Wadden Island offers beautiful coastal walks and unique flora and fauna.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various trails from 3 to 15 km

Location: Friesland province

Cost: Ferry fee to reach the island

Key Tips:

• Check ferry schedules in advance

• Rent a bicycle to explore more of the island

• Visit the Wadden Sea beach at low tide to see unique mudflat ecosystems

• Try local seafood specialties in the island’s restaurants

11. Drents-Friese Wold National Park

A diverse landscape of forests, heath, and sand drifts straddling two provinces.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various routes from 5 to 25 km

Location: Drenthe and Friesland provinces

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the Aekingerzand (Kale Duinen) for unique sand drift landscapes

• Look out for sheep grazing on the heathlands

• Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the many scenic spots

• Consider staying in nearby Appelscha for easy park access

12. Dwingelderveld National Park

The largest wet heath area in Western Europe, known for its unique flora and fauna.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various trails from 3 to 20 km

Location: Drenthe province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the sheep farm and learn about traditional heath management

• Climb the lookout tower for panoramic views

• Bring binoculars for excellent birdwatching opportunities

• Try spotting snakes sunbathing on warm days

13. Maasduinen National Park

A unique river dune landscape along the Meuse River offers varied hiking experiences.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various routes from 5 to 15 km

Location: Limburg province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the Reindersmeer Lake for beautiful views and water activities

• Look out for the rare natterjack toad

• Bring sturdy shoes for walking on sandy paths

• Try local Limburg pie in nearby villages

14. Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park

One of the few areas in the Netherlands with significant elevation changes, offering panoramic views.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: Various trails from 5 to 30 km

Location: Overijssel province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Climb the Helderberg for excellent views

• Visit in late summer to see the heather in bloom

• Bring appropriate footwear for hilly terrain

• Look out for the rare black grouse, a symbol of the park

15. Drentsche Aa National Landscape

A beautiful stream valley landscape with meandering brooks and traditional villages.

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: Various routes from 3 to 20 km

Location:Drenthe province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the picturesque village of Anloo

• Explore ancient burial mounds (hunebedden) along the trails

• Bring a camera to capture the scenic brook landscapes

• Try local Drenthe specialties like ‘kniepertjes’ cookies

16. Pieterpad Long-Distance Trail

The Netherlands’ most famous long-distance trail, running from north to south.

Difficulty: Moderate (due to length)

Distance: 498 km total, divided into day stages

Location: From Pieterburen (Groningen) to Mount Saint Peter (Limburg)

Cost: Free to hike; accommodation costs vary

Key Tips:

• Plan your route, including accommodation

• Use the official Pieterpad guidebook for detailed information

• Take your time to explore villages and towns along the way

• Consider hiking sections as day trips if you can’t do the full trail

17. Waterline Trail (Waterliniepad)

A historic trail following the Dutch Water Defence Lines, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 350 km total, divided into stages

Location: From Volendam to the Biesbosch

Cost: Free to hike

Key Tips:

• Visit the many forts and bunkers along the route

• Learn about Dutch water management and defense history

• Combine hiking with boat trips in some sections

• Try local cheeses in Gouda and Edam along the route

  

18. Zuiderzeepad Trail

A circular route around the IJsselmeer (formerly Zuiderzee) showcasing Dutch water landscapes.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: 400 km total, divided into stages

Location: Circular route around the IJsselmeer

Cost: Free to hike

Key Tips:

• Visit traditional fishing villages like Volendam and Urk

• Explore the unique landscapes of the Noordoostpolder

• Try fresh fish specialties along the route

• Consider cycling some sections for a variety

19. Wadden Sea World Heritage Trail

A unique trail along the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its tidal flats.

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Various sections, the total length being developed

Location:Along the northern coast of the Netherlands

Cost: Free to hike; some ferry costs may apply

Coordinates: Varies along the northern coast

Key Tips:

• Time your hike with the tides for mudflat walking experiences

• Visit in spring or autumn for spectacular bird migrations

• Try a guided mudflat walking tour for a unique experience

• Taste fresh local seafood in coastal villages

20. Geul Valley Trail (Geuldal)

A beautiful trail through the hilly landscape of South Limburg, following the Geul River.

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: Various routes from 5 to 25 km

Location: Limburg province

Cost: Free

Key Tips:

• Visit the picturesque town of Valkenburg

• Explore the unique marl caves in the area

• Try local Limburg wines from hillside vineyards

• Bring appropriate footwear for hilly terrain

Why Choose OneVasco?

OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey. Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.

• Expert and Personalized Support 

• Efficient and Hassle-Free Process 

• Real-Time Tracking and Updates 

• Transparent Communication 

• Trusted by Millions

FAQs

1. What are the different types of hiking trails in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a variety of hiking trails, including coastal dune walks, forest paths, heathland routes, river valley trails, and historic long-distance paths. Trails range from easy, flat walks to more challenging hilly terrains in areas like Limburg.

2. What is the best time for hiking in the Netherlands?

The best time for hiking in the Netherlands is generally from April to October when the weather is milder and drier. Spring (April-May) offers beautiful blooming landscapes, while autumn (September-October) provides colorful foliage. However, each season has charm, and many trails are accessible year-round.

3. Are there any free hiking trails in the Netherlands?

Yes, most hiking trails in the Netherlands are free to access. National parks and nature reserves typically do not charge entry fees. However, some areas may have parking fees, and long-distance trails may involve costs for accommodation and transportation.

4. What should I pack for a hiking trip in the Netherlands?

Essential items include comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing (the weather can be changeable), a waterproof jacket,