The most beautiful hiking areas in the Netherlands and Belgium

Do you enjoy hiking and want to discover new regions? Or are you looking for a place where you can take a longer hike in peace and quiet? The Netherlands and Belgium offer a remarkably wide selection of hiking areas where you can easily combine short trails and longer routes with a stay in a quiet spot. The landscapes range from hills and river valleys to coastal areas and quiet forests. This means you can tailor a last-minute getaway or a full hiking weekend exactly to your liking. In this overview, you’ll find a clear breakdown by country of which areas are well-organized, accessible, and suitable for a variety of hiking distances. You’ll also find suggestions for charming accommodations in each region that pair perfectly with a relaxing hike.

The Netherlands boasts a wide variety of natural landscapes where you can easily find a route that fits your schedule. The hiking trails are well-maintained and the distances are manageable, allowing even less experienced hikers to enjoy the trails comfortably. Whether you want to take a short loop or plan a 20-kilometer route, there’s always an area that fits your needs.

The Veluwe is one of the most versatile hiking areas in the Netherlands. The landscape consists of vast heathlands, expansive forests, sand drifts, and stream valleys. Popular routes are centered around the Posbank, where you’ll walk through open heathlands and varied wooded areas. The NS Veluwezoom hike is highly recommended because of its clear markings and diverse landscape. Those who enjoy longer day hikes can choose sections of the Veluwe Zwerfpad, a long-distance trail that winds through quiet stretches of nature where you’ll hardly encounter any other hikers. Don’t miss the viewpoint at the Posbank, especially during the blooming season in August. One advantage of the Veluwe is its easy accessibility and the multitude of trails. A potential downside is that popular hotspots can get crowded during vacation periods, so it’s wise to start early or explore lesser-known areas like the Deelerwoud.

The Biesbosch is a water-rich nature reserve with creeks, willow forests, and peaceful hiking trails suitable for short loops and slightly longer day hikes. Many routes follow semi-paved paths along waterways, such as at the Noordwaard and the Pannekoekspolder. Thanks to the combination of water and greenery, you’ll regularly spot beaver tracks and waterfowl here. Starting points near Werkendam and Dordrecht are well-organized and offer several loop routes that you can follow without complicated planning. In the immediate vicinity, there are small B&Bs, dike cottages, and nature lodges that are ideal if you want to combine your hike with an overnight stay. The Biesbosch is particularly appealing if you enjoy peaceful walks in an area where land and water are in close proximity.

Along the North Holland coast , you ’ll hike through dunes, beaches, and varied wooded areas. Well-known routes can be found near Bergen, Egmond, and Schoorl, where the Schoorl Dunes network is one of the most beautiful and diverse in the Netherlands. The Klimduin Route and the Boomvalk Route are popular because of their combination of elevation changes, forests, and dune landscapes. Don’t miss the hike to the highest dunes in the Netherlands, which offer impressive views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The coast is ideal for those who like to combine dunes with the beach and appreciate having villages nearby. A minor drawback may be that some trails are popular, but with so many alternatives, you can easily choose a quieter route.

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug features an extensive network of forests, heathlands, and historical estates. Popular hikes include the routes around Kaapse Bossen, where the Kaaproute offers a lovely mix of hilly trails and wide forest lanes. The Utrechtpad also runs through this area and offers longer stretches suitable for hikers who want to hike for several days. Don’t miss the De Kaap observation tower, a landmark on a ridge with panoramic views. The Heuvelrug is ideal for hikers who enjoy gently rolling trails and appreciate a mix of nature and culture. One advantage is its easy accessibility by public transportation, though some forests can get busier on weekends.

South Limburg has features such as gentle elevation changes, orchards, and stream valleys. Routes such as parts of the Krijtlandpad and the Geuldal are known for their open views and generally quiet trails. Around Epen, Mechelen, and Gulpen, you’ll find many small-scale accommodations located right along hiking trails, making it easy to plan a weekend with various day trips. Don’t miss the hikes along the Geul, an area known for its nature-friendly banks and historical water mills. One advantage of South Limburg is that the variety of landscapes is much greater than in the rest of the Netherlands. One drawback is that some of the slopes can be challenging for beginner hikers.

Belgium has several distinctive hiking regions, ranging from hilly forests to open peatlands. Trails are often well-marked and offer plenty of peace and quiet, making these areas ideal for longer hikes or a weekend of hiking.

The Ardennes are one of Belgium’s best-known hiking destinations. The landscape consists of forests, river valleys, and gentle elevation changes, making it ideal for those who enjoy varied routes. Popular hikes include the trails around La Roche, such as the one leading to the viewpoint near the castle. The Escapardenne Eislek Trail runs around Houffalize; this long-distance trail is known for its quiet valleys and varied landscapes. Don’t miss the trails along the Ourthe River, where you can enjoy sweeping views combined with peaceful stretches. One advantage of the Ardennes is the large number of hiking trails at various difficulty levels. A downside is that the better-known valleys sometimes attract many visitors, but if you start early, you’ll often have the trails all to yourself.

The High Fens are a unique high moorland area in Belgium. The landscape consists of open plains, boardwalks, and peaceful forests. Well-known routes include those around Signal de Botrange, Belgium’s highest point, and the hikes in the area near Baraque Michel. Don’t miss the boardwalks that wind through the peat bogs—a signature feature of this region. The High Fens are ideal for those who love open, quiet landscapes without significant elevation changes. A minor drawback is that certain sections can get muddy when it rains or may be closed for nature conservation, so it’s wise to check for up-to-date information.

The Kempen region spans Antwerp and Limburg and is known for its vast pine forests, heathlands, and straight sandy trails. The area has a well-defined network of hiking trails, such as those in Hoge Mouw Park or the Turnhout Fenlands, where you’ll walk through open heathland and along fens. Thanks to the peaceful trails, this is a region where you can enjoy relaxed day hikes without complicated planning. Villages such as Kasterlee, Retie, and Mol have many small-scale hotels, nature lodges, and B&Bs that are well-connected to the surrounding trails. This makes it easy to combine a hike with an overnight stay.

The Voer Region is located in eastern Belgium and is known for its rolling hills, peaceful trails, and small villages. Popular routes include the Bronnenwandeling and the hikes around the Gulp Valley. The distances are manageable, making this area ideal for hikers who enjoy a relaxed day of walking without strenuous climbs. Don’t miss the views from open ridges and the trails through old orchards. The Voer Region is popular with hikers seeking peace and quiet and an uncluttered landscape. There are few downsides, though the area can get crowded—especially on weekends—due to 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 to take a longer hike without significant elevation changes. The route passes through polders, wooded areas, and small farming villages. Well-known sections can be found near Retranchement, Sluis, and Zundert. The trail is clearly organized, allowing you to plan both individual segments and full-day hikes. One advantage is that there are starting and ending points in several villages, making transportation easy to arrange. A minor drawback may be that some sections pass through open polder countryside with little shade, but that makes the route appealing to hikers who enjoy walking long, straight stretches.

The Netherlands and Belgium offer plenty of opportunities to discover diverse landscapes, from coastlines and forests 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 a last-minute getaway. If you’d like more inspiration for unique accommodations that pair well with a hiking trip, you’ll find a handy overview in this blog post. Or take a look at all the unique accommodations on Vipio and find your own ideal place to stay.

Listing Accommodations Suitable for Hikers on Vipio
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