Getting outside in spring

Last updated: March 16, 2026.

Do you ever get that spring feeling? That feeling you get when the sun breaks through for a moment, you smell that wonderful spring scent, and you hear the birds singing more and more often? We love it, and we’re really looking forward to getting outside again. We have a few great tips for you!

A Nice Trip to the Beach

In the spring, the beach is already a great place to be, and it’s not too crowded yet. Perfect for a long walk along the shore. The Westland Dunes, for example, are located in one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands: Hollandse Duinen National Park. The park is 47 kilometers long and stretches from Hoek van Holland to Hillegom. But near Kijkduin, you’ll also find a special stretch of beach: De Zandmotor. This artificially created peninsula is a unique experiment aimed at reinforcing the coast and creating a new nature reserve. It’s also perfect for recreation. But the Netherlands has many more beautiful beaches. So get out and enjoy the spring! You can read all about it in these blogs.

The Best City Walks

A city walk is a great way to get to know a city quickly! In various cities, for example, you can take walks through courtyards. You can, of course, set out with a city guide, but you can also explore on your own. With the Walk the City app, for instance. Walk the City has created more than 50 different city walks and themed walks that make it very easy for you to set out on your own. They also offer walks outside the Netherlands, so make sure to check them out! Do you love history and aren’t easily spooked? Then the walks from The Little Walk of Horrors are perfect for you! These city walks, which are up to 5 kilometers long, take you past buildings and squares with a bloody history or a ghost story. These Horror Walks are great for kids aged 12 and older and are also very educational. This way, history becomes fun too!

Off to the woods

Heading to the woods in the spring: it’s a wonderful place to clear your head. Everything is starting to bloom, it smells wonderful, and you can walk in the shelter of the trees. The Japanese even have a word for it: shinrin-yoku, which means “forest bathing.” You literally immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest. The Amerongse Bos in the province of Utrecht is a forest where you can wander for hours. The Lunthersche Buurtbosch features not only trees but also a sandy plain and beautiful heathland. The trees in the Speulderbos have unique shapes! Fun to explore with kids. Check out this blog for even more tips and inspiration.

Walking around a lake

The Ouderkerkerplas Recreation Area is the ultimate hiking spot for nature and water sports enthusiasts. You can even go day camping there! You can go diving in the lakes and rent canoes. But even if you just stick to hiking, this place is very popular. From October 15th to April 15th, dogs are welcome too! And you can relax at Paviljoen a/d PLAS, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch, dinner, or just a drink. And your dog is also welcome! You can also enjoy a nice walk in the Reeuwijkse Plassen area. A walk around the lake is 10 kilometers, so perfect for a brisk walk. The Westeinder Plassen are also wonderful for walking. You’ll find a variety of flora and fauna there.

Enjoy a nice meal with a spring menu

After all that time spent outdoors, a nice dinner tastes twice as good. Fortunately, many restaurants are embracing the season with fresh, seasonal menus full of spring flavors. We’ve picked out a few spots you should definitely keep an eye on.

In Rotterdam, Destino instantly transports you to the sunny south of Europe. This Spanish restaurant on Zaagmolenkade serves fresh daily tapas, authentic wines, and unique sherry cocktails. The menu changes regularly with the seasons, so you’ll always discover something new.

Also in Rotterdam, but with a Parisian vibe: Bistrot du Bac. Owners Maartje and Joost van de Braak create an intimate, French bistro atmosphere where you can enjoy a leisurely meal. The menu is traditional French and changes with the seasons—think artisanal classics featuring whatever spring has to offer at the moment.

Bistrot du Bac’s little sister is La Petite Soeur, also in Rotterdam. This charming restaurant-bar on the Kaap combines a French ambiance with a contemporary approach. You order small Petits Plats that you can mix and match to your own taste.

And then there’s Fouquet in The Hague, a restaurant with a long history (since 1991!) that got a fresh start in 2024 under chef-owner Raymond Meere. His Cuisine du Marché revolves entirely around the seasons: whatever the market offers ends up on the plate. With French-Mediterranean influences and thoughtful food-wine pairings, this is highly recommended for a special spring lunch or a romantic dinner.

Photos: Canva.com and OpstapmetLisa