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best hiking trails in Holland

Holland may not be known for its mountains and rugged terrain, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have incredible hiking trails. With a network of well-maintained trails, stunning scenery, and diverse landscapes, Holland offers something for hikers of all levels. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the best hiking trails in Holland.

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Veluwezoom National Park

Veluwezoom National Park is the oldest national park in Holland and offers some of the best hiking trails in the country. With its rolling hills, heathlands, sand drifts, and ancient forests, Veluwezoom offers hikers an unique experience. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and the European pine marten. The trails are well-marked and range from easy to challenging, so there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle, because it can be hot during summer.

Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is another popular hiking destination in Holland. It’s the largest national park in the country, covering over 13,000 acres, and features diverse landscapes, including forests, sand dunes, and heathlands. Hikers can follow one of the many trails through the park and discover the beauty of this unique landscape. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which features an impressive collection of art and sculpture and paintings of Vincent van Gogh (book the paintings of Vincent van Gogh in the collection of the Kröller-Müller Museum

Dunes of Holland

The Dunes of Holland offers hikers several nature parks to enjoy the unique landscape that is home to diverse flora and fauna. The hiking trails take hikers through a landscape of sand dunes, beaches, and heathlands. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including spoonbills, avocets, and oystercatchers. A long distance walk runs from north to south along the coast: the dutch coastal path (books available).

De Biesbosch National Park

De Biesbosch National Park is a wetland area located in the south of Holland. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including beavers, otters, and kingfishers. Hikers can follow one of the many trails through the park and discover the beauty of this unique landscape. The park also offers boat tours, which provide a different perspective on the park’s landscape. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen on the boat.

Nationaal park Zuid-Kennemerland

Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland is a stunning nature reserve located just outside of Amsterdam. The park offers some of the best hiking trails in Holland, with over 40 miles of well-marked paths that wind through forests, sand dunes, and coastal landscapes. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views of the North Sea and the park’s diverse flora and fauna, including Scottish Highland cattle and Konik horses. Don’t miss out on the 9-mile Koniksroute trail, which takes you through some of the park’s most scenic areas. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland has something for everyone.

Long distance hikes in Holland

If you’re an avid hiker looking for a new adventure, Holland might just be the place for you. With its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and well-maintained trails, the country offers some of the best long-distance hiking trails in Europe. Here are some of the top picks:

 

Pieterpad: This 498-kilometer trail takes hikers through some of Holland’s most beautiful landscapes, including forests, heaths, and dunes. The trail begins in the north of the country, in the town of Pieterburen, and ends in the south, in the village of Maastricht. (book Pieterpad)

 

Nederlands Kustpad: The Netherlands Coast Path is a 725-kilometer trail that follows the entire Dutch coastline, from the Belgian border to the German border. The trail offers stunning views of the North Sea and takes hikers through quaint coastal towns and fishing villages. (book Nederlands Kustpad)

 

Trekvogelpad: This 414-kilometer trail is named after the migratory birds that fly over Holland every year. The trail takes hikers through some of Holland’s most beautiful natural areas, including the Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, and the Sallandse Heuvelrug. (book Trekvogelpad)

Zuiderzeepad: The Zuiderzee Path is a 400-kilometer trail that takes hikers around the former Zuiderzee, a large inland sea that was closed off from the North Sea in the 1930s. The trail takes hikers through charming fishing villages, historic towns, and beautiful landscapes. (book Zuiderzeepad)

In conclusion, Holland may not be known for its mountains, but it certainly has some of the best hiking trails. No matter which trail you choose, be sure to pack plenty of water in a bottle, snacks, and sunscreen. Happy hiking!