The most beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands and Belgium

Do you love hiking and would like to discover new regions? Or are you just looking for a place where you can make a longer trek in peace and quiet? The Netherlands and Belgium have a remarkably wide selection of hiking areas where you can easily combine short routes and longer stretches with a stay in a quiet place. The landscapes range from hills and river valleys to coastal areas and quiet forests. This allows you to fill a last minute getaway or a full hiking weekend exactly as you wish. In this overview you can read per country which areas are convenient, accessible and suitable for various walking distances. You will also find suggestions per region for attractive accommodations that fit well with a relaxing walk.

The Netherlands has a wide variety of nature in which you can easily find a route that fits your daily schedule. The hiking networks are well maintained and the distances are manageable, allowing even less experienced hikers to set off comfortably. Whether you want to make a short round trip or plan a twenty-kilometer route, there is always an area to suit.

The Veluwe is one of the most versatile hiking areas in the Netherlands. The landscape consists of vast heathlands, extensive forests, sand drifts and stream valleys. Popular routes are around the Posbank, where you walk through open heathlands and varied woodlands. The NS walk Veluwezoom is highly recommended in this regard because of its clear markings and varied landscape. Those who like to walk longer day stages can choose parts of the Veluwe Zwerfpad, a long-distance walk that goes through quiet stretches of nature where you hardly encounter other hikers. One thing not to miss is the viewpoint at the Posbank, especially during flowering periods in August. An advantage of the Veluwe is its good accessibility and the multitude of trails. A possible disadvantage is that during vacation periods it can be crowded around well-known hotspots, making it wise to start early or explore lesser-known areas such as the Deeler Forest.

The Biesbosch is a wetland nature reserve with creeks, willow forests and quiet hiking trails suitable for short rounds and some longer day hikes. Many trails run along semi-paved paths along waterways, for example at the Noordwaard and the Pannekoekspolder. Due to the combination of water and greenery, you can regularly see beaver tracks and water birds here. Starting points near Werkendam and Dordrecht are clear and offer several looped routes that you can follow without complex planning. In the immediate vicinity are small B&Bs, dike houses and nature accommodations that are a good fit if you want to combine your hike with an overnight stay. The Biesbosch is especially attractive if you like quiet walks in an area where land and water are close together.

Along the North Holland coast you walk through dunes, beaches and varied forest areas. Well-known routes can be found at Bergen, Egmond and Schoorl, where the Schoorl Dunes network is one of the most beautiful and varied in the Netherlands. The Klimduinroute and the Boomvalkroute are popular for their combination of height differences, forest and dune landscape. What you should not miss here is the walk to the highest dunes in the Netherlands, which offer impressive views of the sea and landscape. The coast is suitable for those who like to combine dunes with beach and like the fact that villages are close by. A slight disadvantage can be that some trails are popular, but the many alternatives make it easy to choose a quieter route.

The Utrecht Ridge has an extensive network of forests, moors and historical estates. Popular walks are the routes around Kaapse Bossen, where the Kaaproute offers a nice mix of hilly paths and wide forest avenues. The Utrecht trail also runs through this area and offers longer stretches suitable for hikers who want to walk for several days. One thing not to miss here is the De Kaap watchtower, a landmark point on a ridge with panoramic views. The Hillside is ideal for hikers who like to walk gently rolling trails and appreciate a mix of nature and culture. An advantage is its easy accessibility by public transportation, although some forests can be busier on weekends.

South Limburg features slight differences in elevation, orchards and stream valleys. Routes such as parts of the Krijtlandpad and Geul Valley are known for their open views and generally quiet paths. Around Epen, Mechelen and Gulpen, you'll find many small-scale accommodations located directly on hiking trails, making it easy to plan a weekend with several day trips. One thing not to miss are the walks along the Geul, an area known for its nature-friendly banks and historical water mills. An advantage of South Limburg is that the variation in landscape is much greater than in the rest of the Netherlands. A disadvantage can be that some slopes are tough for novice hikers.

Belgium has several distinctive hiking regions, ranging from hilly forests to open moors. Routes are often well-signposted and offer plenty of peace and quiet, making these areas ideal for longer trips or weekend hiking.

The Ardennes are one of Belgium's most famous hiking destinations. The landscape consists of forests, river valleys and slight elevation changes that are ideal for those who like to walk varied routes. Popular walks are the routes around La Roche, such as the one to the viewpoint at the castle. Around Houffalize runs the Escapardenne Eislek Trail, a long-distance trail known for its quiet valleys and varied landscapes. What you should not miss here are the trails along the Ourthe River, where you combine wide views with quiet stretches. An advantage of the Ardennes is the large amount of hiking trails in different levels of difficulty. A disadvantage is that the better-known valleys sometimes attract many visitors, but those who start early often have the trails to themselves.

The High Fens are a unique high moorland area in Belgium. The landscape consists of open plains, boardwalks and quiet forests. Well-known trails are those around Signal de Botrange, Belgium's highest point, and the walks in the area near Baraque Michel. What you should not miss here are the boardwalks that run through the moor, a typical feature of this area. The High Fens are ideal for those who love open, quiet landscapes without much elevation change. A slight drawback can be that certain sections are muddy when it rains or are closed for nature management, so checking current information is wise.

The Kempen is spread across Antwerp and Limburg and is known for its vast pine forests, heathlands and straight dirt roads. The area has a clear network of hiking trails such as those in Hoge Mouw Park or the Turnhouts Vennen area where you walk through open heathland and past fens. Thanks to the quiet trails, this is a region where you can do relaxed day hikes without complicated planning. Villages such as Kasterlee, Retie and Mol have many small-scale hotels, nature accommodations and B&Bs that connect well with trails in the area. This makes it easy to combine a hike with a night away.

Located in eastern Belgium,the Voerstreek is known for rolling hills, quiet trails and small villages. Popular routes are the Bronnenwandeling and the walks around the Gulp Valley. The distances are manageable, making this area ideal for hikers who like a leisurely day of walking without tough climbs. What you should not miss are the views from open hillsides and the hiking trails through old orchards. The Voer region is popular with hikers looking for tranquility and an uncluttered landscape. There are few drawbacks, although the area can attract visitors especially on weekends because of its proximity to Maastricht and Aachen.

The Grenslandpad (LAW 11) runs along the border between the Netherlands and Belgium and is ideal for those who want a longer hike without major elevation changes. The route consists of polders, forest areas and small agricultural villages. Well-known stages can be found at Retranchement, Sluis and Zundert. The trail is clearly laid out allowing you to plan both single sections and full-day stages. An advantage is that you have start or end points in several villages making transportation easy to organize. A slight disadvantage can be that parts go through open polder land with little shade, but that makes the route attractive for hikers who like to walk long straight stretches.

The Netherlands and Belgium offer plenty of opportunities to explore diverse landscapes, from coast and forest to hills and river valleys. Thanks to the many small-scale accommodations in both countries, you can easily turn any hike into a relaxing weekend or last-minute getaway. If you'd like more inspiration for special stays that fit well with a hiking trip, you'll find a handy overview in this blog. Or take a look at all the special accommodations on Vipio and find your own ideal overnight spot.

Offer accommodation suitable for hikers on Vipio
Do you have a B&B, holiday home, hotel, holiday park or campsite in a place that is attractive for hikers? Or do you rent out an accommodation in a hiking area and, like many other owners, would like to offer it through Vipio? Then contact our team at [email protected]. We will be happy to tell you more about the advantages of renting through Vipio. You can also visit this page for more information about offering special accommodations on Vipio.