If you’re in the mood for a walking holiday that combines rich history, charming landscapes, and a dash of serenity, the Netherlands is the place to be.
The Dutch countryside in particular is a real highlight. You’ll find tranquil paths winding through flat, open fields, and with picturesque windmills dotting the horizon. It’s a serene escape where you can lose yourself in nature, and with no steep climbs or rugged terrain to worry about in the process.
If you prefer a mix of nature and culture, the Netherlands won’t disappoint. You can walk through towns like Utrecht, with its charming canals and medieval buildings, or Amsterdam, where history and modern life blend seamlessly.
The best part? Everything is easy to reach and well-connected, so your adventure can flow smoothly from one place to the next.
The Top Destinations in the Netherlands For a Walking Holiday
Here are the top destinations in the Netherlands for a walking holiday:
Coastal Walks
The Dutch coastline is a rewarding place to walk. Some of the best places to check out include:
Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most unique coastal environments in the world. With its mudflats, tidal flats, and salt marshes, this area offers walkers a truly special experience.
One of the highlights here is mudflat hiking, also known as “Wadlopen,” where you can walk directly on the seabed during low tide. It’s an extraordinary way to connect with nature and explore this ancient landscape. The Frisian Islands, like Ameland and Texel, also offer car-free villages and sweeping views of the North Sea.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Just a short distance from Amsterdam, Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a coastal paradise that combines dunes and beaches. The area is home to expansive sand dunes and heathland, along with plenty of wildlife such as seals and birds.
Dunes of Loon and Drunen National Park
While not directly on the coast, the Dunes of Loon and Drunen National Park offers some of the most striking landscapes you’ll encounter in the Netherlands. Known for its vast sandy dunes and heathlands, this area feels like a coastal environment despite being inland. You can explore the rolling dunes, open sand plains, and lush forests.
Forest and Countryside Walks
Beyond the coast, the Netherlands is home to lush forests and idyllic countryside that offer serene walking experiences.
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest and most famous nature reserves in the Netherlands, and it offers a perfect combination of forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. The park’s diverse landscape is perfect for hiking, with several well-marked trails that wind through tranquil forests and across wide-open spaces. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which features an impressive collection of Van Gogh’s works and sculptures.
The Veluwezoom National Park
Located in the province of Gelderland, Veluwezoom National Park is a hiker’s dream. With rolling hills and dense forests, it’s an area that offers a bit of everything. The park is famous for its expansive heathlands, which burst with purple heather in late summer and creates a stunning spectacle. The varied trails here lead you through beautiful woodlands, past ancient castles, and along peaceful streams.
Drenthe’s Countryside Trails
The province of Drenthe, which is located in the northeastern part of the Netherlands, offers some of the country’s most scenic rural landscapes. Here, you’ll find expansive meadows,and forests, along with charming villages that seem frozen in time. Drenthe is known for its prehistoric monuments, including the famous hunebedden, which are large stone tombs dating back to the Stone Age.
History and Culture-Based Walks
For those who love to blend history with nature, the Netherlands offers a wealth of walking routes steeped in rich historical significance. Examples include:
The Dutch Water Line (Stelling van Amsterdam)
The Dutch Water Line is a unique defensive system that stretches around the capital city, Amsterdam. Constructed in the 17th century, this water-based defense line was designed to protect the city from invaders by flooding the surrounding land. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and several walking routes allow you to explore the forts, bunkers, and canals that once formed part of this intricate defense system.
The Hanseatic Cities Walk
For a taste of the Netherlands’ medieval past, the Hanseatic Cities Walk takes you through the heart of the country’s historic trade towns. This route links several cities that were once part of the Hanseatic League, which was a powerful medieval trading network. Cities like Deventer, Zutphen, and Doesburg are home to charming medieval streets, impressive old buildings, and stunning river views.
The Liberation Route
The Liberation Route takes you through the Netherlands and beyond, and it follows the path of World War II liberation. Starting from the Belgian border, this route traces the path of the Allied forces who liberated the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in 1944-1945. Along the way, you’ll find memorials, museums, and old battlefields.
What Can You Expect on a Walking Holiday in the Netherlands
Here’s what you can really expect from a fun walking holiday in the Netherlands:
Adventures Beyond Walking
When you’re exploring the Netherlands, there’s no shortage of fun and unique adventures to dive into beyond your walking trails.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Netherlands is a great country to be. After a few days of walking through the Dutch countryside, you can hop on a bike to explore even more of the picturesque flatlands. There are endless cycling routes, like those along the iconic canals in Amsterdam. A bike ride through the dunes near the coast is also a great way to take in the fresh sea air and wide-open views.
Those of you with a bit of a thrill-seeking side can head to the Maasvlakte 2, which is an artificial expansion of the Port of Rotterdam, where you can try your hand at kite surfing or windsurfing.
If you’re more into history and culture, you’ll want to make sure to visit the Zaanse Schans windmill village. After your walking adventure, you can take a scenic boat ride along the Zaan River to this open-air museum, where you’ll be transported back to 18th-century Holland. You can witness traditional windmills in action, visit a clog workshop, or enjoy some delicious Dutch cheese tasting.
And don’t forget the chance to unwind in one of the many charming spa towns scattered throughout the country. Places like Valkenburg, where you can relax in natural hot springs, or the luxurious wellness resorts in the Limburg region, offer a relaxing way to rejuvenate after a day of walking.
The Food and Drink Experience
A walking holiday in the Netherlands isn’t just about the trails and landscapes. It’s also a treat for your taste buds! Dutch cuisine may not always steal the spotlight, but it’s still full of hearty and unique flavors.
Start your journey with a classic Dutch breakfast, which is usually fresh bread, butter, cheese, and maybe a soft-boiled egg. Pair it with a steaming cup of coffee and you’re all set for the day’s walk. But the real magic happens when you stop along the way to refuel.
In coastal regions, you can expect to enjoy the freshest seafood. The Dutch have a longstanding love affair with fish, especially herring. Don’t be surprised if you see locals grabbing a raw herring, which is typically served with onions and pickles, and devouring it as they walk along the waterfront.
When you venture inland, the local produce shines. For instance, you’ll get to try a classic Dutch stamppot, which is a comforting mash of potatoes with various vegetables like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, and often served with sausages or a juicy meatball. It’s the perfect, warming meal for chilly days in the countryside. Pair that with some hearty Dutch cheese (like Edam or Gouda), both of which have been produced here for centuries. You can usually find cheese from local markets.
For drinks, you can’t miss out on Dutch beer. The Netherlands is home to some of the best-known breweries in the world, with popular options like Heineken and Amstel. But for a true taste of local flavor, you can check out one of the smaller craft breweries that dot the landscape.
Fun Accommodations
When it comes to accommodations on your walking holiday in the Netherlands, you’re in for some unique and fun surprises..
If you’re near the coast, you can enjoy a stay in a converted lighthouse or a stylish seaside cabin. Picture waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and then stepping outside to catch the morning breeze, and gazing at the endless horizon.
For those of you who want to immerse yourselves in Dutch history, you can opt for a stay in one of the charming old windmills that have been transformed into cozy homes. These windmill stays often come with picturesque views of lush fields or canals, which makes them a perfect retreat after a full day of hiking or walking.
If you’re exploring the countryside, you’ll find beautiful bed-and-breakfasts that are tucked away in peaceful, rural areas. Many of these family-run spots offer a true taste of Dutch hospitality, with home-cooked meals and nice rooms.
For something a little more unusual, you can try glamping in the Dutch countryside. Think staying in luxury tents or yurts with plush beds and a wood burning stove, with the added benefit of being able to stargaze.
Conclusion
A walking holiday in the Netherlands offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty and neat experiences. Plus, with a wide range of fun accommodations, from quirky windmills to luxurious glamping spots, you’ll always have a memorable place to rest after a day of exploring.
