1. Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
- Where: Overijssel, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Buitencentrum Sallandse Heuvelrug, Nijverdalsebergweg 1, 7445 HK Nijverdal, Netherlands
- End Point: Buitencentrum Sallandse Heuvelrug
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 15 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to hike in Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park when the weather is mild, and the flora and fauna are in full bloom.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available near Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park is known for its stunning heathland, sand dunes, and expansive forests. The hike takes you through diverse landscapes, including heather-covered hills, pine forests, and sand drifts. The trail is well-marked and offers beautiful views of the surrounding nature. The hike is of moderate difficulty, with some elevation changes and uneven terrain, making it suitable for intermediate hikers. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as deer and wild boar, as well as various bird species. The Buitencentrum Sallandse Heuvelrug serves as the starting and ending point of the hike, where you can also learn about the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural history.
Crossfit Gym: CrossFit TWEE12, located in Nijverdal and here is the link to their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twee12crossfit/
2. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park (Kaapse Bossen Loop)
- Where: Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Kaapse Bossen parking area, Doorn
- End Point: Kaapse Bossen parking area, Doorn
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park can be hiked year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful with blooming flowers or colorful foliage.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available near Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
The Kaapse Bossen Loop is a well-marked trail that takes hikers through the scenic Kaapse Bossen area of Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. The trail passes through lush forests, along heathlands, and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. The terrain is generally easy to moderate, with some inclines and uneven surfaces. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the tranquility of nature, spot wildlife, and marvel at the beauty of the changing seasons. The trail starts and ends at the Kaapse Bossen parking area in Doorn, making it convenient to access and complete in a few hours.
Crossfit Gym:CrossFit Dom City, located in Utrecht and here is the link to their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfitdomcity
3. Zuid-Limburg Hill Country (Three Countries Point Hike)
- Where: Zuid-Limburg Hill Country, Limburg, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Drielandenpunt (Three Countries Point), Vaals
- End Point: Drielandenpunt (Three Countries Point), Vaals
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Zuid-Limburg Hill Country can be hiked year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful with blooming flowers or colorful foliage.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available in nearby towns such as Vaals, Gulpen, and Valkenburg.
The Three Countries Point Hike is a scenic trail that takes hikers through the picturesque Zuid-Limburg Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and quaint villages. The trail starts at the iconic Drielandenpunt, where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany meet, and follows well-marked paths through lush forests, meadows, and along country roads. The terrain is moderate, with some uphill sections and uneven surfaces. Along the way, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and visit charming villages like Vaals and Vijlen. The trail is approximately 10km in length and can be completed in 3-4 hours, depending on the pace of the hike.
Crossfit Gym: CrossFit Batteraof Maastricht, located in Maastricht and here is the link to their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfit_batteraof
4. Schoorl Dunes Hike Trail
- Where: Schoorl, North Holland, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen (Visitor Center), Schoorl
- End Point: Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen (Visitor Center), Schoorl
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Schoorl Dunes National Park can be hiked year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful with blooming flowers or colorful foliage.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available in Schoorl and nearby towns such as Bergen and Alkmaar.
The Schoorl Dunes Hike is a delightful trail that takes hikers through the beautiful sand dunes of Schoorl Dunes National Park, the widest and highest dune area in the Netherlands. The trail starts at the Buitencentrum Schoorlse Duinen (Visitor Center), where hikers can obtain maps and information, and follows well-marked paths through the dunes, forests, and heathlands. The terrain is relatively flat with some sandy sections, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the dunes, observe unique flora and fauna, and even spot wild horses and Scottish Highland cattle that graze in the area. The trail is approximately 5km in length and can be completed in 2-3 hours, depending on the pace of the hike.
5. Loonse en Drunense Duinen Loop Trail
- Where: Loon op Zand, North Brabant, Netherlands
- Starting Point: De Roestelberg Recreation Area
- End Point: De Roestelberg Recreation Area
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park can be hiked year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular with mild weather and blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Summer months can be hot, so early mornings or cooler days are recommended. Winter months may have colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available in nearby towns such as Loon op Zand, Kaatsheuvel, and Tilburg.
The Loonse en Drunense Duinen Loop is a picturesque trail that takes hikers through the unique sand dunes and forests of Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park in the Netherlands. The trail starts at the De Roestelberg Recreation Area, where hikers can park and obtain maps and information, and follows well-marked paths through the sandy terrain, dense forests, and open heathlands. The route offers beautiful views of the shifting sands and natural landscapes of the park. The terrain can be sandy and challenging in some areas, requiring moderate fitness levels and suitable footwear. The Loonse en Drunense Duinen Loop is approximately 10km in length and can be completed in 2-3 hours, depending on the pace of the hike.
6. Sint-Pietersberg Loop
- Where: Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Sint-Pietersberg Visitor Center
- End Point: Sint-Pietersberg Visitor Center
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Sint-Pietersberg can be hiked year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular with mild weather and blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Summer months can be hot, so early mornings or cooler days are recommended. Winter months may have colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available in nearby towns such as Maastricht and the surrounding area.
The Sint-Pietersberg Loop is a scenic trail that takes hikers through the Sint-Pietersberg area near Maastricht in the Netherlands. The trail starts at the Sint-Pietersberg Visitor Center, where hikers can obtain maps and information, and follows well-marked paths through the rolling hills, limestone quarries, and forests of the area. The route offers beautiful views of the Maas River, historic buildings, and natural landscapes. The terrain can be rocky and challenging in some areas, requiring moderate fitness levels and suitable footwear. The Sint-Pietersberg Loop is approximately 6 km in length and can be completed in 2-3 hours, depending on the pace of the hike.
Crossfit Gym: CrossFit Batteraof Maastricht, located in Maastricht and here is the link to their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossfit_batteraof
7. Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site (Schiermonnikoog Mudflat Hiking Trail)
- Where: Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Westerplas Parking Lot
- End Point: Wadden Sea Beach near Schiermonnikoog village
- Time Needed: 3-4 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7 kilometers point to point.
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: The Mudflat Hiking Trail is best hiked during low tide when the mudflats are accessible. Tide times vary depending on the specific location and season, so it’s important to check tide tables and plan the hike accordingly. Spring and summer months generally offer milder weather, while autumn and winter can be colder and more challenging.
- Where to Stay: Accommodation options are available in Schiermonnikoog village, including hotels, guesthouses, and campgrounds.
The Schiermonnikoog Mudflat Hiking Trail offers a unique and challenging hiking experience in the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking on the mudflats requires physical endurance and the ability to navigate through tidal channels, soft mud, and shallow waters. The trail takes you through the beautiful coastal landscape of Schiermonnikoog island, providing an opportunity to observe wildlife, learn about the unique ecosystems of the Wadden Sea, and experience the breathtaking scenery of the mudflats. It’s important to be prepared for the changing tides, weather conditions, and follow any safety guidelines or regulations in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Wadden Sea.
8. Texel Island (De Hoge Berg Route)
- Where: Texel Island, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Oudeschild
- End Point: Oudeschild
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Spring, summer, and early autumn are ideal times to hike this trail, when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are in full bloom.
- Where to Stay: Accommodation options are available year-round on Texel Island.
The De Hoge Berg Route is a scenic trail that takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Texel Island’s highest point, De Hoge Berg. This circular route starts and ends in the village of Oudeschild and takes you through picturesque villages, scenic meadows, and dense forests. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Wadden Sea. The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of gravel paths, footpaths, and country roads, making it suitable for hikers of varying fitness levels. The De Hoge Berg Route is a great way to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Texel Island while enjoying a refreshing outdoor hike.
9. Drents-Friese Wold National Park (Bosberg Route)
- Where: Drenthe and Friesland provinces, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Bosberg Parking Lot, Doldersum, Drenthe.
- End Point: Bosberg Parking Lot, Doldersum, Drenthe.
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: approximately 7.5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: The Bosberg Route can be hiked year-round, though spring and summer (April to September) offer pleasant weather and lush vegetation.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options near Drents-Friese Wold National Park, including campsites, holiday parks, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rental homes. It’s best to check availability and book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The Bosberg Route in Drents-Friese Wold National Park offers a picturesque hike through dense forests and heathlands. The trail meanders through beautiful landscapes, including sand dunes, heather fields, and wooded areas, providing an opportunity to experience the diverse flora and fauna of the national park. The route includes some moderate elevation changes and uneven terrain, making it suitable for hikers with moderate fitness levels. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views and serene surroundings. It’s recommended to wear sturdy footwear and bring sufficient water and snacks for the hike.
10. Veluwezoom National Park
- Where: Gelderland, Netherlands
- Starting Point: Bezoekerscentrum Veluwezoom, Heuvenseweg 5a, 6991 JE Rheden, Netherlands
- End Point: Bezoekerscentrum Veluwezoom
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 10 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to hike in Veluwezoom National Park when the weather is mild, and the flora and fauna are in full bloom.
- Where to Stay: There are various accommodation options available near Veluwezoom National Park, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Veluwezoom National Park is the oldest national park in the Netherlands and is known for its diverse landscapes, including heathlands, sand drifts, and dense forests. The hike takes you through scenic trails with panoramic views of the surrounding nature, including the Posbank, a high point offering stunning vistas. The trail is well-marked, and you can expect some elevation changes and uneven terrain, making it of moderate difficulty suitable for intermediate hikers. Along the way, you may encounter wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and various bird species. The Bezoekerscentrum Veluwezoom serves as the starting and ending point of the hike, where you can also learn about the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural history.