Feature-image by Dana Marin (Amsterdamian) on Unsplash
Hiking in the Netherlands is perfect for those who enjoy peaceful walks. Fancy discovering the dunes of the North Sea coast or wandering through the sea of tulips in spring? Or perhaps exploring the southern Netherlands with its rolling landscapes, forests, and hidden farms? The terrain varies from flat to rolling and from vast open spaces to tranquil forest hideaways. If you’re looking to explore a varied flat country instead of always heading to the mountains, the Netherlands is just right for you.
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The best time to hike in the Netherlands is almost all year round, thanks to its mild climate. It’s rare for the polders to freeze in winter, and extreme heat isn’t a concern in summer. The prime season for hiking stretches from April/May to October. Regular showers and the occasional heavy rain keep the vegetation lush, though they are far less frequent than in places like Ireland or the Scottish west coast.
If you’re keen to experience the tulip bloom, aim for early to mid-April. The exact timing of the bloom can vary by a few weeks each year, so March might be too early, and by May, you’re likely too late.
For those interested in winter coastal hikes, be prepared to embrace the wind and have a backup plan for stormy days. And if you’re heading to the southern parts during winter, it’s wise to carry your standard winter hiking gear as cold temperatures and icy conditions are normal.
The hiking trails in the Netherlands
How many hiking trails are there in the Netherlands?
While most active holidaymakers think of the Netherlands primarily for cycling, there are actually over 10,000 km (about 6,214 miles) of marked hiking trails and a vast network of walking nodes, allowing everyone to customize their own hiking tour. Sections of the European long-distance paths E2, E8, E9, and E11 also run through the Netherlands.
Analysis of the hiking trails in the Netherlands entered in the OSM database.
The most popular hiking trails in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are many popular trails that wind through the country’s characteristically flat and picturesque landscape. Here are some of the most beautiful:
Pieterpad (LAW 9): This is one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the Netherlands, stretching approximately 500 kilometers (about 310.7 miles) from Pieterburen in the north to Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht in the south. The trail passes through varied landscapes, including forests, river valleys, and small villages. It has its own website, although unfortunately only in Dutch, with plenty of information.
Kustpad (Dutch Coastal Path, LAW 5): Part of the North Sea Trail and the E9, the Dutch Coastal Path offers spectacular views of the North Sea coast. The trail takes hikers on a total of about 711 km (about 442 miles) along dunes, beaches, and through coastal nature reserves. It is especially popular for its beautiful coastal scenery and the fresh sea breeze. A section of the path is also part of the E2.
Floris V-pad (LAW 1-3): Named after Count Floris V, this roughly 245-kilometer (about 152 miles) trail runs from Amsterdam to Bergen op Zoom. It is historically significant and traverses typical Dutch landscapes, including polders, small forests, and picturesque towns.
Trekvogelpad (LAW 2): Also known as the “Bird Migration Path,” this over 400-kilometer (about 248 miles) trail is one of the longest continuous hiking paths in the Netherlands. It runs from the Zeeland coast across the country to the eastern provinces. It’s ideal for nature watching, especially during bird migration seasons.
Marskramerpad (LAW 3): This historic “merchant’s trail” extends about 370 kilometers (about 230 miles) from Bad Bentheim on the German-Dutch border to Scheveningen on the North Sea. The trail follows old trade routes through the heart of the Netherlands, offering a mix of urban and rural landscapes. It is part of the E11.
Hanzestedenpad (Hanseatic Cities Trail, SP 11): The Hanseatic Cities Trail links historic Hanseatic cities along the rivers IJssel and Vecht over 135 km (about 84 miles). The trail takes hikers through some of the most beautiful old towns in the Netherlands, once thriving trade centers. Cities like Deventer, Zutphen, and Kampen offer rich historical architecture and a fascinating medieval heritage that is still visible today. It’s an ideal trail for those interested in the history of medieval trade.
These paths are very popular with both local and international hikers and offer unique insights into the natural and cultural diversity of the Netherlands. They are ideal for those who prefer hiking in relatively flat terrain and want to experience the rich history and nature of the country.
Tulips in the Netherlands
If you’re particularly interested in the flowering fields during spring, you can find a fairly up-to-date map showing the blooming fields around the famous Keukenhof. On local hiking trails, you can circle many of these fields and explore the attractions. Other large tulip fields are located in Noordoostpolder in Flevoland and Kop van Holland in North Holland, as well as many other coastal regions of the Netherlands.
Where can you sleep on hikes in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a densely populated country, so you’ll find plenty of hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations to rest after your hiking day.
For something unique, consider staying on a houseboat or in an old windmill. Occasionally, you might come across “Pipowagens” on campsites or in the countryside. These are old, often brightly coloured, lovingly refurbished circus wagons. Another option includes “Trekkershutten” or “Nivon houses” if they are available in your desired location.
If you prefer camping, the Netherlands has more than enough campsites. In some nature reserves, you can find basic natural campsites, or you might find campsites on farms through platforms like Campspace.
Sometimes you can also find “Paalkamperen” spots, where you can pitch your tent within a 10-metre radius of the marked sign. These designated spots are rare and becoming even rarer due to issues that have arisen. They are the closest thing to wild camping that is allowed in the Netherlands.
True wild camping is prohibited and is strictly enforced, especially near coastal areas.
What equipment do you need for hiking in the Netherlands?
To hike in the Netherlands, you don’t need any special equipment beyond the usual trio: suitable hiking shoes with a grippy sole (trail-running type shoes are almost certainly sufficient for all conditions in this country), quick-drying hiking clothes, and a suitable backpack.
A windproof raincoat is also essential, as you should always be prepared for showers, especially along the coast where wind is a common feature. You might even consider packing a lightweight windbreaker so that you don’t have to resort to a hardshell jacket immediately when the sun is shining but the wind is strong.
If you’re hiking in the summer, don’t forget the classic sun accessories: sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. The latter should ideally have a chin strap, else it might lead you on a merry chase quite often as it gets blown away on coastal trails.
How can you replace or supplement your equipment?
If any of your hiking gear gets damaged or lost in the Netherlands, you can usually find a sports shop in larger towns, often with a section dedicated to hiking equipment. The main stores to look out for are Bever and Decathlon.
If you can’t find what you need locally, you can turn to online shopping. Bever and Decathlon have excellent online stores, but Bol.com is also a good option as it offers overnight delivery for some items.
Delivery times are extremely short, and packages from most of Central Europe typically only take one day longer than usual. Plus, the shipping costs are quite reasonable.
For delivery, you can choose a parcel shop or a packing station along your route a few days ahead that matches your delivery time and is open on the day you arrive. Alternatively, you could coordinate with your upcoming accommodation to have the package delivered there. This usually works well as long as they agree and your name is clearly marked on the package.
Provisions: How to source food during your hike
The Netherlands is densely populated, so you’ll frequently find supermarkets and shops in the towns near the hiking trails. Google can be helpful in locating them. The best time to shop is between 10 AM and 6 PM, although supermarkets are often open until 9 PM. Sunday or Monday are the most common closing days.
In rural areas, it may be challenging to find simple restaurants, but cafeterias often offer basic hot meals. This accessibility makes it convenient for hikers to plan for meals without needing to carry large amounts of food.
Drinking – Tips for Water Supply on the Go
In the Netherlands, you should always refill your drinking water at hostels. Alternatively, you can ask for refills at stops in restaurants or cafeterias during your journey. It’s advisable not to use surface water (rivers, streams, lakes) in such an agriculturally intensive country, even with a filter. In an absolute emergency, you could knock on the door of the nearest house and politely ask for water. However, you should usually have found another option beforehand.
Quick infos for your journey
Language: Dutch
Communication: Primarily in Dutch, but most Dutch people also speak and understand English. In any case, tools like Google Translate or the Deepl app can help.
Currency: Euro
Payment Methods: Credit cards are widely used. Cash is becoming less common, with modern payment options such as ApplePay and Google Wallet also available.
Time Zone: Same as the rest of Central Europe (Paris/Berlin/Rome): CET (Central European Time) and CEST (Central European Summer Time) during Summer
By Air: You can fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from almost anywhere, with other international airports including Rotterdam/The Hague, Maastricht, Eindhoven, and Groningen.
By Train: There are connections from many major cities of the neighbouring countries to Amsterdam (often via Rotterdam), and there are even a few night trains running to or through Amsterdam, stopping at several other cities along the way.
By Bus: Eurolines and FlixBus operate routes to the Netherlands, continually expanding their services, including various night buses.
The public transport network in the Netherlands is highly developed. A relatively dense railway network covers the country, and where trains do not run or connections become complicated, buses take over.
Electricity in the Netherlands is supplied at 230V from standard European sockets. If you have a Euro plug, you won’t need a travel adapter. Since accommodations are often necessary, a moderately sized power bank should suffice to keep your devices charged.
Safety & Emergencies in the Netherlands
Generally, the Netherlands is a safe travel destination. However, in tourist hotspots, you should be wary of tricksters and pickpockets. A healthy skepticism towards strangers and heart-wrenching stories is advisable.
While the general terror threat level is relatively high, it is not acute and typically affects areas where hikers are less likely to visit. You can confidently plan your trip, but, as always, keep your belongings secure and your eyes open.
There are no significant dangers from the flora and fauna in the Netherlands. Currently, there are warnings about a type of caterpillar with stinging hairs spreading along the coasts, but by heeding the warnings, you can easily protect yourself. Otherwise, maintaining a usual distance from spiders, aquatic animals, and other wildlife should prevent any problems.
In the unlikely event of an accident where you cannot transport yourself to a hospital, dial 112, the common emergency number across Europe. Ideally, you should also carry your European Health Insurance Card and have international travel health insurance.
Where can you find more information on hiking?
If you’re looking for comprehensive information on the hiking trail network in the Netherlands, check out wandelnet.nl. This site is only available in dutch, but provides extensive details on various hiking routes throughout the country.
For more general, yet helpful information about vacationing in the Netherlands, visit holland.com, the country’s official tourism portal.
If you need safety and travel information for a trip to the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (which I ignore in this post), the best resource is the foreign affairs website of your country, which will have the most current travel advisories and safety guidelines.
Book Corner
I would love to introduce you to a couple of hiking books about the Netherlands. Unfortunately I haven’t found any good ones. The only viable ones all seem to be written and published in Dutch.
nothing to be found here, unfortunately
The Netherlands offers a unique and charming hiking experience, especially for those looking to avoid climbing mountains. It’s a gentle yet diverse alternative. And if you find the country too small, just keep walking. There are plenty of hiking trails that continue into Belgium and Germany.
Happy hiking!