hiking areas in the Netherlands
Sallandse Heuvelrug

12 beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands, from heathland to forests

7 Januari 2024
Last updated: January 7, 2024

Although I often loudly proclaim that we "never leave the city," there's now a whole category on Your Little Black Book where I save tips for those just outside the city and exploring the countryside. By getting in the car every weekend and going for a walk outside the city, I create a kind of best of both worlds for us. It's always wonderful to start the day with a nice walk, but this year we're all walking perhaps more than ever.

what are the most beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands?

There are plenty of beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands, so I've created a list of my favorite nature reserves throughout the country. A list that, frankly, will never be complete. That's perhaps even more enjoyable, because every weekend getaway offers a new beautiful nature reserve to discover. Many of the Dutch hikes on this list are only an hour or so's drive from the Randstad, making them perfect for a day trip. Enjoy! 

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱! I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long. Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨ 𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨. Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marktlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on with my passport to an old lady who doesn't realize it and checks it in for a flight to the UK! Now I'm stuck here in NY without my passport, and I've missed my flight. I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅. This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢 Note to self: better to take my passport with me all day, instead of leaving it 'safely' in the hotel apparently... and from now on, suitcases should be tied together with a cable in the storage room. Even if you're in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still human work. Now I'm stuck in one of the nicest cities in the world, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel as planned. 😔 To be continued 🧳✈️ And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️ ✖️✖️✖️ Anne
And do you also have a nice garden? I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲! This time we went to @williams.farmhouse one of my favorites for lunch in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is this also fun during the day with kids? We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success. Child happy, us happy… and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean this interior, I immediately dream away to the Cotswolds again! Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands? Let me know in the comments, I'll collect all for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, running from November 27th to January 18th. Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk and from Cocktails to an Old Amsterdam Drinks Walk. The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you, and there's a different experience available almost every day. Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are live now! I've added a link in my bio. 𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗫 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat Price: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth € 6,99) 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 43,50 𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99) 𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: € 35,50 𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99) 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽: ⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam 𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50 Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter? **Sunday in the evening in Amsterdam.** ✖️✖️✖️ @anne_de_buck #lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I hope everyone gets into the Christmas spirit this Christmas 2020 🎅🏼 The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I can tell you: this list will immediately get you in the Christmas spirit. 🎄 📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague. Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar. Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book. Let the Christmas anticipation begin! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️ The first rinks, like @schatbaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it. I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙 This year, there are some new rinks to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss. Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered. 📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio). Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️ ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #schaatsen
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻. From new hotspots to lowspots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try. Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️ 📍 Orchid House (Oost) Vibe: all day dining at Oosterpark, family friendly and good vibes. Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha. @orchidhouse.ams 📍 Omri (De Pijp) Vibe: small and cozy corner building with a warm interior and dimmed lights. Perfect for a date night. Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon. @omri_amsterdam 📍 Chingu (De Pijp) Vibe: mainly focused on take-away, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls. Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious. English: @chinguamsterdam 📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp) Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy corners in the always lively Pijp. Now also open for lunch on the weekend. Must orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about it. @leonardosraviolibar 📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Centrum) Vibe: like you've ended up in a Chinese canteen. You order via the kiosk and wait until your number is called. Must orders: choose your favorite thickness noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are really worth trying too. @yellowrivernoodles Let me know where you're going first. Or where you've had the most delicious meal recently, I'm curious! ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
The most beautiful Christmas shows at garden centers throughout the Netherlands are now open! 🎄 Only 7 more weekends until Christmas... and this cozy and free Christmas outing is perfect to get into the Christmas spirit. Trust me, I've already been ;-). Do you have a favorite that's not in this video? Let me know in the comments! You can also find the complete list of 30 tips via the link in my bio ✨. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #christmasshows #christmasshow2025 #christmasdecoration #christmasinspiration #gardencenter #weekendtip #thingstodo #discoveringthenetherlands #winterouting #cozyoutings #christmasholiday #christmasfeeling #christmasmarkets #decembertips
beautiful walks in the Netherlands

Walking near Almere

Train City Trips

view all 5 tips here

12 nature reserves in the Netherlands for walking

Oostkapelle (Zeeland): Put on your boots and take a walk through the woods near Westhove Castle in Zeeland, heading towards the beach. Stroll along the beach along the coast towards Domburg and grab a snack at a beach bar open year-round. View the walks that pass Westhove Castle here >>

more Zeeland tips

Amsterdamse Bos (North Holland): I'm often asked if I know any nice hiking areas that are easily accessible by public transport. Ultimately, everything is accessible, but you often spend a lot of time on public transport. Fortunately, for a walk in nature, you often don't have to leave the city at all. Therefore, a tribute to the Amsterdamse Bos for all Amsterdammers. There are several beautiful walks you can take, such as a loop around the Poel (Poll) and the Bloesemtuin (Blossom Garden). View all walks in the Amsterdamse Bos here >> 

Schoorl (North Holland): We recently spent a weekend in Schoorl and WOW, the surrounding area offers some beautiful walks. There's a fun gnome trail for the kids, but you can also walk straight through the dunes. On the way back, we stopped in Bergen for a bite to eat and a drink. View all tips for Schoorl and the surrounding area here >> 

beautiful walks in the Netherlands

Schoorlse Duinen

More beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands

Almere (Flevoland): One of the weekend getaways that surprised me most last year was to De Kemphaan in Almere. It's incredibly fun with (small) kids. You can go for walks, there's a petting zoo, and you can even spot monkeys on the islands of the AAP Foundation via a path over the water.

more Flevoland tips

Vechtdal (Overijssel): Take a Sunday stroll through the beautiful Vechtdal valley with its diverse landscape of heathland, lakes, fens, and drifting sand plains. The Forestry Commission has mapped out several lovely walks near Hardenberg. View the Staatsbosbeheer walks here >>

more Overijssel tips

Rhijnauwen (Utrecht): The Rhijnauwen Estate woods offer wonderful walks, yet it's just outside Utrecht. It's one of my favorite spots for a Sunday stroll. A nice detail: you can also stay in an outbuilding on the estate, which houses a Stayokay hotelFor a drink, you've come to the right place at the Tea House in the Woods.

more Utrecht tips

beautiful walks in the Netherlands

Rhijnauwen

More beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands

Zandvoort / Bloemendaal (North Holland): Another lovely walk, but this time along the coast. Stroll from Zandvoort to Bloemendaal and back. Stop for a fish snack at one of the stalls along the boulevard or visit the beautifully renovated De Republiek (for takeaway). One of the beach pavilions is open year-round, even in winter!

Vogelenzang (North Holland): Are you familiar with the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes nature reserve? It's not far from Amsterdam, but closer to Zandvoort and Haarlem. What makes a walk here extra special is the (high) chance of seeing foxes. There are several restaurants near the nature reserve where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink afterward, such as Buitenplaats Plantage.

more North Holland tips

Lage Vuursche (Utrecht): We recently went for a walk in the woods near Lage Vuursche, and it was so beautiful. Not far from the Randstad, but it felt like you were completely away from it all. After our walk, enjoy a drink or a snack at the hotspot Buiten in de Kuil. View various walking routes here >>

Noordwijk (South Holland): Noordwijk beach is home to a wealth of great beach bars where you can relax after a walk or grab a takeaway. Tulum is my favorite! But all the hotspots on that list are actually great.

more South Holland tips

The Veluwe (Gelderland): Whether you're going to the Veluwe for a whole weekend or just on Sunday for a walk (it's an hour's drive from Amsterdam!), I think it's one of the most beautiful nature parks in the Netherlands. It's also a nice combination with a visit to Kröller Muller MuseumAfter your walk, have a drink at Planken Wambuis. A local institution! There are many walks for the Veluwe to map out. Look here on the Staatsbosbeheer website >>

more Gelderland tips

Sallandse Heuvelrug (Overijssel): During a recent weekend getaway in Deventer, we went for a walk near the Holterberg in the Sallandse Heuvelrug. So beautiful! And at this time of year, there are also plenty of mushrooms. There's a fun gnome trail for the kids, where even the gnomes' clothes hang on a clothesline. Choose the route that passes the Holterberg viewpoint for a nice mix of forest and heathland.

more walking tips

best hiking areas in the Netherlands

Sallandse Heuvelrug

 | MORE TIPS FOR A ROAD TRIP IN THE NETHERLANDS: See also here 11 tips for nice holiday homes in Drenthe, 11 tips for nice hotels on the Wadden Islands en 23 tips for accommodations right by the sea.

Train City Trips

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More TRAVEL tips from Your Little Black Book:

⋙ Are you following me on Instagram yet? @YOULRBB I share (almost) every day personal tips about delicious food, new places to eat, and a personal glimpse into my life as an entrepreneur and mom of a two-year-old. Do you like kids' tips? Then also follow my dedicated @TRAVELKIDS.CO account about family travel and fun things to do with kids.

⋙ Tip for anyone with wanderlust. Daydream about my travel books: Staycation book (22 guides for the Netherlands and Belgium), Feed Your Wanderlust (with tips for tours / far-away destinations), Wanderlust – Your Urban Travel Style Guide (full of tips for planning the perfect city trip).

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With love,

Anne

| PS: Do you know Your Little Black Book's Green PolicyHere you'll find my personal tips on how to travel and live greener, and I'll explain why and how I offset the CO2 emissions from all the trips #teamyourlbb makes.

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