Netherlands
Description
Is hiking possible in the Netherlands? After all, the country is flat as a pancake!
The answer is: Yes. In fact there are over 80 long distance hiking trails crisscrossing the country. The most important are labeled LAW, abbreviation for Lange Afstand Wandelpad (Dutch for Long Distance Hiking Trail). Walking them is a most enjoyable way of exploring Dutch countryside. Meadows grazing cows, sheep and horses, forests, sand dunes and wetlands, and many often centuries old towns along the way. Apart from the LAW's (red-white markings) there are (often) circular regional trails, the SP's (red-yellow markings).
The LAW's and SP's are maintained by Stichting Wandelnet, often in cooperation with the NIVON / Friends of Nature. But there are more organisations marking paths: two sport hiking organisations, the KNBLO (red-blue markings) and the NWB (orange-blue markings). Often, topoguides are issued of these paths. Lastly we must mention the provincial nature conservancy organisations, who set out interesting itineraries for nature lovers.
Recomended LAW's:
- Zuiderzeepad, 400 km, Hollands Golden Age on display.
- Trekvogelpad, 380 km, From West to East, varied trail, gives a good impression of the Netherlands as a whole.
- Maarten van Rossumpad, 308 km, also very varied.
- Wad- en Wierdenpad, 123 km, dykes, polders and vast views in the quiet north east of the country.
- Pieterpad, 492 km, maybe not the most attractive, but by far the most popular trail of the Netherlands.
Best hiking in the Netherlands is in the busy west. The Dutch Green Lung is the big empty space between the main cities The Hague, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht. This space, barely known by the Dutch themselves (they rush along in cars), consists of polders, ingenuous waterways, dykes, lakes, and very old villages and farmsteads. The polder landscape can be found in the northern provinces too, or along the river delta. Some patches are very beautiful and you will experience real solitude, others can be boring.
All trails are waymarked, but not always very well. Luckily, there are excellent Dutch guidebooks, with an English section and with maps that show you the correct way. Several LAW's coincide with the European Long Distance Trails E2, E8, E9 and E11.
Enjoying the Netherlands is enjoying the odd encounter with people, villages, buildings, architecture, things happening, and the neat houses and gardens showing off one's high morale. There is also some remoteness in the North and North East. Dutch trails have no difficulties, except the occasional crossing of a busy road or sharing the path with horse-carts and bikers. Keep in mind you're walking on paved roads most of the time, and alternatively grassy, often wet dykes. Therefore, light waterproof shoes are best. Along most routes you will find camping sites, B&B's, shops and public transport in almost every village.
Map
Trails
- Achterhoekpad
- Airbornepad Market GardenGPX
- AlmerepadGPX
- Bevrijdingspad
- Brabants GrensdijkjespadGPX
- Brabants VennenpadGPX
- Brabantse WalGPX
- DeltapadGPX
- Dordtse Waardroute
- Drenthelaarspad
- DrenthepadGPX
- Duin- en PolderpadGPX
- Duinweg Rondwandeling
- E11GPX
- E2GPX
- E8GPX
- E9GPX
- Elfbekenpad
- Elfbergenpad
- Elfwegenpad
- Flevopad
- Floris V-padGPX
- Friese KustpadGPX
- Friese WoudenpadGPX
- Friese Woudweg
- Geert Grootepad
- GR12 - Amsterdam - ParisGPX
- GR122 - ScheldelandGPX
- GR5GPX
- GR561 - Kempen-MaaspadGPX
- GR565 - Renier SniederspadGPX
- Graaf van Hornepad
- GraafschapspadGPX
- GrebbeliniepadGPX
- GrenslandpadGPX
- Groene HartpadGPX
- Groene WisselGPX
- Groot-FrieslandpadGPX
- Grote RivierenpadGPX
- Handelsweg
- HanzestedenpadGPX
- Heerlijkheidspad
- Hertog HendrikpadGPX
- HertogenpadGPX
- Hollands KustpadGPX
- Hunze en Fivelpad
- Hunzepad
- IJsselweg
- JabikspaadGPX
- Jac. Gazenbeekweg
- JacobspadGPX
- Jacobspad LimburgGPX
- Jacobsweg Amstelredam
- Jacobsweg Amsvorde
- Jacobsweg Audenzeel
- Jacobsweg Die Haghe
- Jacobsweg Nieumeghen
- Jacobsweg Thuredrecht
- Jagerspad
- KempenGPX
- Kempen-BroekGPX
- KlompenpadenGPX
- KloosterpadGPX
- Koninklijke WegGPX
- KrijtlandpadGPX
- Kuierpaad Fryslân
- LingepadGPX
- Loop van de Drentsche Aa
- Loop van de Reest
- Loop van het Oude Diep
- Maarten van RossumpadGPX
- Maas- en PeelliniepadGPX
- Maas-NiederrheinpadGPX
- MaasduinenGPX
- MarskramerpadGPX
- Napoleonspad
- Nederlands KustpadGPX
- NoaberpadGPX
- Noord-HollandpadGPX
- North Sea TrailGPX
- NS WandeltochtenGPX
- OeverloperpadGPX
- Omringdijk WandelrouteGPX
- Omringdijkpad
- OosterscheldepadGPX
- Oude IJssel-Rijnpad
- Overijssels HavezatenpadGPX
- Peellandpad
- PelgrimspadGPX
- PieterpadGPX
- PionierspadGPX
- Reggepad & Dinkelpad
- ReynaertlandGPX
- Rijndeltapad
- Romeinse LimespadGPX
- Rondom Berg en Bosch
- Rondom de DomGPX
- Rondom de Groene Bedstee
- Rondom de Sint JanGPX
- Sallandspad
- Santiago de Compostela Pilgrims WayGPX
- ScholtenpadGPX
- Stelling van AmsterdamGPX
- Stichtse Dorpenpad
- Streekpad NijmegenGPX
- TexelpadGPX
- Tielerwaard Wandelroute
- TrekvogelpadGPX
- TwentepadGPX
- UilenspiegelpadGPX
- UtrechtpadGPX
- Van Wad tot IJ
- VechtdalpadGPX
- Veluwe ZwerfpadGPX
- Veluweweg
- Via BrabanticaGPX
- Via MonasticaGPX
- VisserpadGPX
- Wad- en WierdenpadGPX
- Walcherenroute
- WaterliniepadGPX
- Watersnoodpad
- WesterborkpadGPX
- Willebrordus Wandelpad
- WillibrorduswandelpadGPX
- Zuid-Hollandse Polderroute
- Zuid-Limburg Wandelroute
- ZuiderzeepadGPX
Regions
States
Links
Facts
Reports
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
Netherlands
- It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take - Large Print Edition
- After college, Vince and his friend Chris decide to meander across Europe in search of the meaning of life, the perfect gelato and a nice place to lay their heads. During their adventures the lads find themselves locked in a Scottish dungeon, being serenaded by Placido Domingo and have their passports taken by the Czech authorities as they are... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take - Large Print Edition
- After college, Vince and his friend Chris decide to meander across Europe in search of the meaning of life, the perfect gelato and a nice place to lay their heads. During their adventures the lads find themselves locked in a Scottish dungeon, being serenaded by Placido Domingo and have their passports taken by the Czech authorities as they are... Read more
Netherlands
- Little kingdom by the Sea
- A WALK ALONG WORLD CLASS ICONSSince the 1950s, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has presented Delft Blue miniature houses to its Business Class passengers. These replicas of 98 historic houses and national monuments are considered to be iconic of the Netherlands worldwide. Little Kingdom by the Sea offers an exclusive peek into the lives of the... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Little kingdom by the Sea
- A WALK ALONG WORLD CLASS ICONSSince the 1950s, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has presented Delft Blue miniature houses to its Business Class passengers. These replicas of 98 historic houses and national monuments are considered to be iconic of the Netherlands worldwide. Little Kingdom by the Sea offers an exclusive peek into the lives of the... Read more
Netherlands
- Stad & Land Dichtbij
- Bergbeklimmen aan zee, zwerven langs het industrieel erfgoed van Hengelo, fietsen door Marsmans oneindig laagland tussen Waal en Maas, oude herinneringen ophalen aan stripidolen uit je jeugd in Almere en de zwaartekracht ontdekken bij de grootste waterval van Nederland. Het kan allemaal met deze routegids. In 'stad & land dichtbij' staan... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Stad & Land Dichtbij
- Bergbeklimmen aan zee, zwerven langs het industrieel erfgoed van Hengelo, fietsen door Marsmans oneindig laagland tussen Waal en Maas, oude herinneringen ophalen aan stripidolen uit je jeugd in Almere en de zwaartekracht ontdekken bij de grootste waterval van Nederland. Het kan allemaal met deze routegids. In 'stad & land dichtbij' staan... Read more
Netherlands
2018
- Reisgids 111 plekken in Dordrecht die je gezien moet hebben | Thoth
- Dordrecht kent veel verborgen schatten. Wel eens de geboortegrond van Nederland bezocht? Over Hollands mooiste waterscheiding gekeken? Of de gildenramen van Teun Hocks gezien? Aan den lijve eb en vloed ondervonden in de Biesbosch? De barbiewinkel of de Duitse manschappenbunker binnengestapt? Een Schapenkopje gedronken of cultuur gesnoven in een... Read more
Netherlands
- Puur Wonen
- In Puur wonen laten Julia Bird en Bridget Bodoano aan de hand van échte huizen in Amerika, Engeland en Nederland zien hoe elk interieur een ontspannen karakter kan krijgen, vaak al met bescheiden ingrepen. Woonstijlen van klassiek tot landelijk en modern komen aan bod, van buitenshuis tot stadsappartement. Hoe deel je een ruimte in? Hoe maak je... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Puur Wonen
- In Puur wonen laten Julia Bird en Bridget Bodoano aan de hand van échte huizen in Amerika, Engeland en Nederland zien hoe elk interieur een ontspannen karakter kan krijgen, vaak al met bescheiden ingrepen. Woonstijlen van klassiek tot landelijk en modern komen aan bod, van buitenshuis tot stadsappartement. Hoe deel je een ruimte in? Hoe maak je... Read more
Netherlands
2016
- Wandelgids De mooiste vinexwandelingen | Gegarandeerd Onregelmatig
- ontdek in 10 wandelingen het nieuw gemaakte Nederland Read more
Netherlands
2017
- Wandelgids Winschoten - Bourtange | Hannekemaaierspad
- De route gaat eerst langs de rand van de voormalige rand van de Dollard (Noordzee). HIer heeft zich klei afgezet, waardoor goede landbouwgrond ontstond. Daarna volgt het traject de oude zandrug van Blijham tot Bourtange. Deze route is opgebouwd uit een aaneenschakeling van 8 rondjes van ca. 12 km. Hierdoor is heen en weer reizen aan het begin... Read more
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids Wandelen in het Utrechtse landschap | Buijten & Schipperheijn
- Tien wandelingen in een bijzonder stuwwallengebied: de Utrechtse Heuvelrug. De natuurjournalist Kees de Heer brengt je op de mooiste plekken. Met kennis van zaken en veel enthousiasme wijst hij op bijzondere elementen in het landschap: bodemopbouw, reliëfverschillen de ontginningsgeschiedenis, oude patronen, tuinstijlen en andere... Read more
Netherlands
2011
- WANDEL EN FIETSGIDS VAN WAD TOT IJ
- De lang gevoelde behoefte aan een gids met Nederlandse routes naar Santiago is in vervulling gegaan. In november 2011 is de dubbelgids Jacobswegen in Nederland verschenen. In deel 1 komen de wegen vanuit het westen aan bod. De hoofdroute begint in Den Oever en voert via Haarlem, Amsterdam, Utrecht en ’s-Hertogenbosch naar Postel en Roermond.... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
2011
- WANDEL EN FIETSGIDS VAN WAD TOT IJ
- De lang gevoelde behoefte aan een gids met Nederlandse routes naar Santiago is in vervulling gegaan. In november 2011 is de dubbelgids Jacobswegen in Nederland verschenen. In deel 1 komen de wegen vanuit het westen aan bod. De hoofdroute begint in Den Oever en voert via Haarlem, Amsterdam, Utrecht en ’s-Hertogenbosch naar Postel en Roermond.... Read more
Maps
United Kingdom
2010
- Gelderse Valley
- Gelderse Valley on a waterproof, tear-resistant, GPS compatible walking map at 1:25,000 from Trage Paden, in a series of maps with extensive overprint for long-distance and local walking routes. GPS waypoints and route profiles are available for download from the publisher’s website.Contours used in this map series vary between 2,5 to 5m... Read more
United Kingdom
- North Holland - with Kennemerland Falkplan Cycling Map 13
- North Holland Province of the Netherlands at 1:50,000 in a series from Falk B.V. showing the network of signposted cycling routes on large, double-sided indexed maps with prominent highlighting of long-distance LF routes, symbols indicating accommodation and other tourist services, plus in each title two or more panels with recommended local... Read more
United Kingdom
- Kempenland - de Meijerij Falkplan Cycling Map 18
- Kempenland region of the Netherlands at 1:50,000 in a series from Falk B.V. showing the network of signposted cycling routes on large, double-sided indexed maps with prominent highlighting of long-distance LF routes, symbols indicating accommodation and other tourist services, plus in each title two or more panels with recommended local... Read more
United Kingdom
- De Peel
- De Peel area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or sand dunes. Given... Read more
United Kingdom
- Belgian Coast - Bruges Cycling Map 30
- The coast of Belgium at 1:50,000 in a series from Falk B.V. showing the network of signposted cycling routes on large, double-sided indexed maps with prominent highlighting of long-distance LF routes, symbols indicating accommodation and other tourist services, plus in each title two or more panels with recommended local circuits and additional... Read more
United Kingdom
2010
- The IJssel
- The Ijssel is the first of a series two recreational maps for the Flevoland region.These maps were created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the province of Flevoland. They are double-sided indexed maps at 1:50,000 scale, featuring a detailed topography with prominent highlighting of the cycle routes and packed with practical tourist... Read more
United Kingdom
- Dunes of the Central Holland 22
- The Dunes of the Central Holland Province of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland,... Read more
United Kingdom
- De Biesbosch
- De Biesbosch area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or sand dunes.... Read more
United Kingdom
- Het Groene Woud
- “Het Groene Woud” map in 1:25,000 belong to a series of eleven walking from Falk, which cover the most beautiful hiking areas in four regions: North Brabant in the south, the tip of North Holland, Friesland and Groningen in the north of the country.“Het Groene Woud” (the green forest) map covers an area of approximately 26 x 16 km in North... Read more
United Kingdom
- South-Holland North - Green Heart West and Bollenstreek Falkplan Cycling Map 14
- The northern part of the South Holland Province of the Netherlands at 1:50,000 in a series from Falk B.V. showing the network of signposted cycling routes on large, double-sided indexed maps with prominent highlighting of long-distance LF routes, symbols indicating accommodation and other tourist services, plus in each title two or more panels... Read more
United Kingdom
- Meinweg - Leudal
- Meinweg - Leudal area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or sand... Read more
United Kingdom
- Dwingelderveld - Ruinen
- Dwingelderveld - Ruinen area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or... Read more
United Kingdom
- Drentsche A
- Drentsche A area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or sand dunes.... Read more
United Kingdom
- Oostvaardersplassen
- Oostvaardersplassen area of the Netherlands in a series of walking and cycling maps at 1:25,000 – 1:35,000, published by Falk BV in cooperation with Staatsbosbeheer – Dutch government’s organization for forestry and the management of nature reserves.Colouring indicates different types of vegetation or terrain: woodland, pastures, heath or sand... Read more
United Kingdom
- Gooi & Vechtstreek: Hilversum - Amersfoort - Utrecht
- Gooi and Vechtstreek - a popular hiking area south-east of Amsterdam - on a light, double-sided, waterproof and tear-resistant, GPS-compatible maps at 1:25,000 from ANWB, the country’s main motoring and touring organization. Coverage on the northern side extends southwards from the historic town of Naarden, and west/east between the... Read more