Fancy going hiking in Holland? Then check out our top 7 day hikes in the Netherlands. It turns out this rather flat nation offers more for hikers than you’d expect.
The highest point, Vaalserberg on the Dutch, Belgian and German border, sits at just 322.4 metres (1,058 feet), and the average elevation is only 30 metres above sea level. So don’t expect mountains, or for the most part, even significant hills.
What the Netherlands does offer is surprisingly diverse landscapes and beautifully well-marked trails with cracking views. It’s perfect for hikers after half- to full-day walks that won’t leave you broken by sundown. Hiking is regarded as one of the best adventure activities in the Netherlands making it great addition to any visit.
7 Best Netherlands Hikes
- Vaalserberg: The Highest Day Hike in the Netherlands
- Veluwezoom National Park: Holland’s Oldest Hiking Country
- Loon and Drunen Dunes: Desert Hiking in Holland
- Utrecht Hill Ridge: Easy Holland Hiking Trails
- Waterland Route: Day Hikes from Amsterdam
- Texel Island Trails: Coastal Hiking in the Netherlands
- Salland Ridge: Heathland Day Hiking
Hiking in Holland vs the Netherlands
For some reason, we in the UK have a habit of calling the Netherlands “Holland”. It’s wrong. The Netherlands is the official name of the entire country, while Holland is just a region within it covering Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague.
The Netherlands actually consists of 12 provinces, but “Holland” only refers to two of them: North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland). So when we talk about the best hiking in Holland, we’re being a little naughty and really mean the whole of the Netherlands.
The mix-up dates back to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, when Holland was the economic powerhouse of the country. The Dutch government only officially dropped “Holland” as a catch-all term in 2020, so technically we should be talking about hiking in the Netherlands, not Holland.
Top 7 Day Hikes in the Netherlands
Here are some of the best spots to immerse yourself in nature, history, and the unique Dutch scenery. Here are our pick of the best day hikes in the Netherlands for anyone after a proper day out on foot:
Vaalserberg: The Highest Day Hike in the Netherlands
The 12-15 km hike up Vaalserberg is a good place to start. It’s not just the top of the Netherlands at 322 metres, it’s also where three countries meet. Tucked into South Limburg, a circular route from Vaals takes in Drielandenpunt and the Vijlenerbos, mixing dense forest, rolling hills, and the novelty of crossing into Germany and Belgium without a passport check.
Veluwezoom National Park: Holland’s Oldest Hiking Country
Located in the province of Gelderland, Veluwezoom is the Netherlands’ oldest national park, with hiking trails ranging from 6-14 km. A half-day hike here takes you through dense forest, heathland, and sand dunes.
The 6 km Posbank route offers panoramic views of rolling hills and purple heather fields, especially stunning in late summer when the heather is in full bloom. For something a little tougher, the hillier 14 km route from Dieren to Rheden serves up some of the best views in the park — and is widely rated one of the finest day hikes in the Netherlands.
Loon and Drunen Dunes: Desert Hiking in Holland
Often called the “Desert of Brabant,” this park offers some of the best hiking in Holland, with routes between 5 and 15.5 km. Expect vast sand dunes broken up by forest and moorland — it really does feel like you’ve wandered into the wrong country.
The Grote Zandroute is a popular shorter hike that shows off the park’s diversity. There’s something genuinely strange about walking across shifting sand while surrounded by lush Dutch greenery.
Utrecht Hill Ridge (Utrechtse Heuvelrug): Easy Holland Hiking Trails
This ridge offers a series of trails perfect for half-day hikes in the Netherlands, ranging from 5-18 km. You’ll wander through pine forest, open heathland, and past ancient burial mounds. The Kaapse Bossen route is a favourite, leading hikers to an observation tower with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside.
Waterland Route: Amsterdam Day Hikes in Holland
Just north of Amsterdam, the Waterland region serves up flat meadows, traditional villages, and more birdlife than you can shake a pair of binoculars at. A day’s hike here introduces you to the serene Dutch countryside, with picture-postcard views of canals, wooden houses, and grazing cattle. If you’re visiting Amsterdam and looking for the best hiking in Holland within easy reach, this is it.
There are three main options. The 11 km Boot Trail (Laarzenpad) lives up to its name and can get pretty swampy — wear the right boots. The 8 km Goudriaanroute takes in historic canals that were never quite finished. Or there’s the Marken Dike Loop, a 13.5 km route that follows winding dykes along the Gouwzee. All three are easily reached by bus from Amsterdam (EBS lines 314, 315, or 316 to Broek or Ransdorp).
Texel Island Trails: Coastal Hiking in the Netherlands
A short ferry ride from the mainland, Texel Island is a hiker’s dream with more than 250 km of marked trails. Dense pine forest, sand dunes, beaches and heather-filled valleys mean hiking here never gets dull.
The 15.4 km Slufter Valley trail is one of our top picks. It winds through salt marshes, dunes, and along the beach, making for a proper full-day hike with plenty of chances to spot the local flora and fauna, including Texel’s famous sheep.
Salland Ridge (Sallandse Heuvelrug): Heathland Day Hiking
Located in Overijssel, this national park boasts one of the country’s largest heathlands. The 7.5 to 9 km Holterberg route is a popular choice, winding through forest and heath with lovely views across the surrounding landscape. It’s a peaceful spot, particularly when the heather is in bloom — and a fine option if you’re chasing quieter Holland hiking trails away from the crowds.
Best Hiking in Holland: Final Thoughts
Hiking in the Netherlands isn’t just about clocking up the miles. Think of it as an immersive experience — each trail tells a story. Whether you’re drawn to nature, history, or cultural heritage, there’s a route for you. So lace up those hiking boots and head out: every step on these day hikes in the Netherlands brings something new.
We hope you found this guide to day hikes in Holland useful. for more information check out the Dutch national walking network: www.wandelnet.nl/en
