Hiking in the Netherlands lets you see cool natural sights. Though flat, it has diverse trails – from huge North Sea dunes to winding rivers and green meadows inland.
This post will cover the best hiking trails in the Netherlands. We will also give you tips to make sure you have a fun and safe adventure during your next outing.
Interested? Let’s get started!
Want to hike longer? See our backpacking in the Netherlands guide where we list the best multi-day trails.
Discover the most stunning day hikes in the Netherlands for amazing adventures:
Length: 8.7 mi / 14 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 3-4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,515 ft / 462 m
Location: Rijk van Nijmegen
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 2,250 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
The N70 Nature Trail is a 8.7-mile loop near Berg en Dal, taking around 4 hours. One of the Netherlands’ most scenic hikes, it winds through ancient forests, offers stunning viewpoints, and passes babbling brooks. Highlights include the Duivelsberg and Heerlijkheid Beek reserves, with birdwatching opportunities. Well-marked with green posts and dining options en route, this strenuous but rewarding trail showcases the country’s natural beauty.
Length: 13.4 mi / 21.5 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 4-5 hours
Elevation Gain: 629 ft / 192 m
Location: Drentsche Aa National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 1,800 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
Part of the famous Pieterpad long-distance trail, this 13.1-mile moderately challenging hike between Groningen and Zuidlaren takes around 4.5 hours. Winding through the picturesque Paterswoldsemeer and Drentsche Aa wetlands, it showcases the Dutch countryside’s natural beauty, including windmills and forests. Popular for hiking and birdwatching, with some potentially muddy sections.
Length: 16.8 mi / 27 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Duration: 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain: 462 ft / 141 m
Location: De Biesbosch National Park
Permissions and Fees: You need a packraft
Active Calorie Burn: 1900 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
A unique 16.8-mile loop in the Brabantse Biesbosch combining hiking and packrafting (inflatable rafting). This challenging two-day adventure takes around 5 hours, trekking through nature reserves before paddling narrow waterways and around islands. An immersive way to experience the region’s diverse landscapes by foot and water.
Length: 9.5 mi / 15.3 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 442 ft / 135 m
Location: Oisterwijkse Bossen en Vennen
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 1800 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
A 9.5-mile moderately challenging loop near Oisterwijk traversing the pristine Kampina and Oisterwijkse Bossen & Vennen reserves, taking around 3 hours. Winding through primeval landscapes of rivers, moors, fens, woodlands and lakes like Voorste Goorven. A birdwatcher’s paradise. Popular year-round for hiking, running and wildlife viewing.
Length: 5.5 mi / 8.9 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 423 ft / 129 m
Location: Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
Permissions and Fees: None
Active Calorie Burn: 600 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails
A 5.5-mile moderately challenging loop near Doorn showcasing the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park’s highlights, including the Kaapse Bossen, Doornse Gat dunes, and Ruiterberg estate. Taking around 2 hours, with scenic lookouts like the Kaap tower and Helenaheuvel teahouse. Popular for hiking amid varied landscapes, though potentially muddy. A rewarding local nature trail.
The Netherlands does not have any officially designated national parks. However, it has several nature reserves and protected areas that serve as popular destinations for outdoor recreation and nature tourism. Some of the most well-known and visited nature areas in the Netherlands include the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a sprawling area of woodlands, heaths, and sand dunes; the Wadden Sea Islands, a chain of barrier islands with diverse ecosystems and wildlife; and the Biesbosch National Park, a vast freshwater tidal area with wetlands and waterways.
Hiking on a budget in the Netherlands is quite feasible due to the country’s well-maintained trail networks and accessible public transportation. Some tips include taking advantage of free hiking trails in nature reserves like the Hoge Veluwe and Utrechtse Heuvelrug, packing your own food and water to avoid expensive purchases, using affordable public transit to reach trailheads, and opting for camping or budget accommodation instead of hotels. Additionally, joining local hiking clubs can provide discounts and group hike opportunities at minimal cost.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short-term travel and hiking in the Netherlands as long as their stay does not exceed 90 days. As a member of the Schengen Area, the Netherlands allows visa-free entry for American tourists and visitors.
