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:
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1. Pieterpad
The Pieterpad is arguably the most famous hiking trail in Holland. At 498 kilometers long, it takes hikers through some of the country’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.
The trail is divided into 26 stages, each of which is between 12 and 22 kilometers long. This makes it a great option for hikers who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, hikers will pass through quaint Dutch villages, historic towns, and beautiful natural areas. Highlights include the Pieterburen seal sanctuary, the forests of Drenthe, the heaths of Salland, and the hills of Limburg. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle to the hills, because it can be hot during summer.
The Pieterpad is well-marked with white and red markers, making it easy to follow. Hikers can also take advantage of the many accommodation options along the trail, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. (book Pieterpad)
2. Nederlands Kustpad
The Netherlands Coast Path, or Nederlands Kustpad, is a 725-kilometer trail that follows the entire Dutch coastline, from the Belgian border to the German border. The trail is divided into 21 stages, each of which is between 20 and 45 kilometers long.
The Nederlands Kustpad offers stunning views of the North Sea, as well as the many sand dunes and beaches that line the coast. Along the way, hikers will pass through quaint coastal towns and fishing villages, as well as larger cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.
The trail is well-marked with green and white markers, and there are many accommodation options along the way, including campsites, hostels, and hotels. Hikers can also take advantage of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the coastline, serving up fresh seafood and other local specialties. (book Nederlands Kustpad)
3. Trekvogelpad
The Trekvogelpad, or Migratory Bird Path, is a 414-kilometer trail that takes hikers through some of Holland’s most beautiful natural areas, including the Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, and the Sallandse Heuvelrug. The trail is named after the migratory birds that fly over Holland every year, and follows their route through the country.
The Trekvogelpad is divided into 16 stages, each of which is between 14 and 30 kilometers long. Along the way, hikers will pass through forests, heaths, and rolling hills, as well as charming Dutch villages and towns.
The trail is well-marked with yellow and white markers, and there are many accommodation options along the way, including campsites, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. Hikers can also take advantage of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the countryside, serving up hearty Dutch cuisine and local beers. (book Trekvogelpad)
4. Zuiderzeepad
The Zuiderzee Path, or Zuiderzeepad, 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 is divided into 14 stages, each of which is between 20 and 30 kilometers long.
Hiking the Zuiderzee Path is like taking a step back in time, as hikers pass through charming fishing villages, historic towns, and beautiful landscapes. Along the way, hikers can stop to sample fresh seafood, explore museums and galleries, and learn about the history of the region.
The trail is well-marked with yellow and white markers, and there are many accommodation options along the way, including campsites, bed and breakfasts, and hotels. Hikers can also take advantage of the many restaurants and cafes that dot the countryside, serving up hearty Dutch cuisine and local beers. (book Zuiderzeepad)
