Cycling, hiking and more in the Netherlands

Last updated: March 6, 2026.

The Netherlands is a wonderful vacation destination. Whether you love vast dunes, idyllic villages, dense forests, or blooming heathlands, our country has it all. You’ll really get to know your own country—and even learn a thing or two—when you explore it on foot or by bike. That’s why we’ve created a series focused on cycling and hiking. So put on your KEEN hiking boots or hop on your bike and head out!

Cycling and Hiking in South Holland

Even urban South Holland is bursting with beautiful nature areas. This makes it a wonderful place for cycling and hiking. But there’s much more to do in South Holland. Have you ever explored the Green Heart? And do you know the island of  Tiengemeten? And did you know that besides the dunes along the coast, there are also beautiful dunes in other parts of the Netherlands? Do you often find the beach too crowded? We have tips for quieter beaches. But don’t tell anyone, okay?

Cycling and hiking in North Holland

North Holland also offers much more variety for cycling and hiking than you might initially think. There are beautiful nature reserves, as well as charming villages and historic towns where you can wander for hours. The Blaricummerheide is also highly recommended for a lovely walk. This vast heathland is beautiful and very peaceful. You might even spot a slow worm or come face to face with a Scottish Highland cow!

Enjoy the outdoors in the province of Utrecht

Utrecht is much more than just the city of Utrecht. You can enjoy cycling and hiking there, but there are also beautiful estates to visit, such as Duin en Kruidberg. You can also enjoy a delicious high tea there, and it’s even haunted! Have you ever been to Kasteel de Haar? This and other castles are truly beautiful! You can find them here in our overview.

Stay Active in North Brabant

In North Brabant, you can have a great time outdoors. Of course, you can enjoy cycling and hiking there thanks to all the nature. For those who love water, reed beds, and unique natural landscapes, cycling through the Biesbosch is highly recommended. Here, you’ll follow beautiful dikes, spot bird species everywhere, and in some places, you can even cross a short stretch via a bicycle ferry. But there are other ways to stay active in this province. For example, visit a climbing park. Enjoy climbing in the trees, but in a safe and responsible way. Or go for a swim outdoors in a recreational area.

Exploring Limburg

There are many ways to get to know Limburg. Like by bike or on foot! Imagine you’re abroad for a moment. Here, no flat paths, but rolling hills, old half-timbered houses, and vineyards. The Krijtlandpad route is a popular route that takes you past picturesque villages and panoramic views. There’s plenty for kids to do in Limburg, too. Like climbing and tobogganing in Landgraaf. A visit to one of Limburg’s caves, the Fluwelengrot, is highly recommended. Especially on a hot day, because it stays nice and cool in the caves. While you’re there, be sure to visit the castle ruins of Valkenburg!

Explore nature in Gelderland

Gelderland is known for its many nature reserves, such as De Veluwe. De Veluwe is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands for cycling and hiking. Hike along wide sandy paths, through dense pine forests, and past heathlands where, with a bit of luck, you might spot deer or wild boars. A must-see is the Kootwijkerzand, the largest active sand drift in Western Europe.

Hiking among blossoms and orchards in the Betuwe

In the spring, hiking and biking in the Betuwe is truly magical. The blooming apple and pear trees create a fairytale-like setting. But even outside the blossom season, this region is wonderfully peaceful and green. For example, choose the Bloesemroute around Geldermalsen (about 9 km) for a varied loop past orchards and dikes.

Exploring history in Drenthe

Drenthe is a beautiful province where there’s plenty to do besides cycling and hiking. There’s certainly plenty to experience in Hoogeveen! You can read all about it in the blog by our guest blogger Marian. She also loves to go on vacation in Drenthe with her family because there’s something for everyone.

Cycling and hiking in Zeeland

Zeeland is known for its coastline, but did you know it’s also a great place for cycling and hiking? We’ve got the best tips for you. Zeeuws-Vlaanderen has a lot to offer, especially if you’re traveling with your family. We previously wrote a blog post about Zeeuws-Vlaanderen with great tips. And our guest blogger and Zeeland expert Michelle is happy to share the best tips in and around Zierikzee and the surrounding area!

Cycling and Hiking in Utrecht

Utrecht is a province with plenty of green space. It’s the perfect place for cycling and hiking. You can also choose to explore the urban areas—Utrecht has that too! In Utrecht, you can also enjoy the water, for example, in a canoe! Our youngest guest blogger, Fenne, has written a fun blog post about it.

Cycling and hiking in Friesland and Groningen

The north of the Netherlands is always very peaceful, and the landscape is wonderfully expansive. So it’s a great place for walking and cycling! Take Groningen, for example! It has beautiful nature reserves, including the Wadden Sea region. Read our tips for Groningen here. Friesland is also a wonderful place to visit, especially the Drents-Friese Wold, part of which is also located in Drenthe. You can enjoy cycling and hiking here without encountering too many people. Read our tips for Friesland here.

Child-friendly hiking trails

Hiking with kids doesn’t have to be boring at all! In the Netherlands, there are plenty of fun routes specially designed for young adventurers. Think of gnome trails, scavenger hunts, and barefoot trails. They discover nature through play—and before you know it, they’ve covered miles.

Gnome Trail in the Drents-Friese Wold

In this magical forest, a gnome adventure awaits young hikers. Wearing a pointed hat and holding a task booklet, children follow the gnome trail through the woods. Along the way, there are small tasks, songs, and fun facts. Start at Buitencentrum Drents-Friese Wold (Appelscha). The route is about 1.5 km—perfect for little legs.

Scavenger Hunt Route in De Hoge Veluwe National Park

A super fun way to make hiking exciting! At the visitor center, you can pick up a scavenger hunt that leads children past all kinds of nature facts and animals. Meanwhile, they can also let loose in the playground or take a break in the restaurant. Start at the Park Pavilion, choose a short loop of 2–4 km, and consider bringing a kids’ bike.

Bonus: The best hiking and biking route apps

Want to plan your own routes or make adjustments along the way? These free apps make it extra easy:

• Komoot – handy for finding both hiking and biking routes
• Fietsknoop – perfect for junction-based routes
• Route.nl – with great ready-made suggestions
• Walk the City – For the best city walks

The Netherlands offers endless opportunities to get out into nature. Discover new places, let the landscape surprise you, and turn every trip into a moment of enjoyment!

Want even more great tips for cycling and hiking in the Netherlands? Be sure to check this out too!

Photos: www.canva.com