5 multi-day hikes in the Netherlands
The Netherlands may be known for its flat landscape, but don't let that fool you: it's home to some fantastic (multi-) day hikes! Both short and long hikes take you through a variety of beautiful landscapes: forests, heathland, dunes and meadows. The hikes are split into stages, so you can easily choose one stage for a dayhike, or go for a weekend or weeklong trip. Here are a few of our favourite hikes in the Netherlands:
Dutch Mountain Trail - 101 km
The Dutch Mountain Trail was developed in 2020 and has gained popularity since then. With good reason: it's claimed to be the most challenging of all Dutch trails. It meanders through beautiful landscapes and connects the Seven Summits in Zuid-Limburg, giving it the most elevation of any trail in the Netherlands. In 4 stages, you pass wild streams, meadows and rocky sections. With a bit of imagination it feels as though you're hiking in the Alps, earning it the name of the 'Dutch Mountain Trail'. This, plus the fact that the stages are relatively long, makes it a pretty though trail. You can either camp or book one of the many accommodations on the route.
There's no signposts on the route, it's recommended to use the Dutch Mountain Trail booklet or the downloadable GPX for the navigation.
Length: 101 km
Days: 4
Start: Eygelshoven Station (Kerkrade)
End: Maastricht Central Station
Tip: if you're planning to camp along the route, check out our packing list for a lightweight set up!
Krijtlandpad - 93 km
This 6-day hike in the South of Limburg meanders through lush green valleys and vineyards. The Krijtlandpad is an easier alternative to the Dutch Mountain Trail, with less elevation and shorter daily stages. The hilly landscape of Southern Limburg remains challenging, so don't expect a flat walk!
The Krijtlandpad is a circular trail that starts and ends at the central station of Maastricht. Along the route, you encounter beautiful flowing hills, countryside roads and cute villages with lots of options for a break in the sun. It's a beautiful hike in all seasons, with various accomodations along the route.
Length: 93 km
Days: 6
Start/End: Maastricht Central Station
Tip: 6 days of hiking requires some training and the right gear! Read more about the importance of hiking socks before you embark on your adventure.
Heuvelrughike - 92 km
Starting at the Gooimeer lake, the Heuvelrughike leads through quiet farmlands, forest and heathland in 5 stages. It's the only trail that spans the entire length of the Heuvelrug; a 20,000-hectare expanse of forest and heathland. The trail includes the highest 'mountain' top in the province of Utrecht: Amerongse Berg. At 69,2 m, this is also the highest point of the hike. An advantage of this hike is that all stages are accessible by public transport. This makes it easy to choose one of the stages for a dayhike instead of completing the full trail. The Heuvelrughike is not signposted, but can be navigated with the use of a hiking guidebook or trail app. At the end of each stage, there are various options for an overnight stay.
Length: 92 km
Days: 5
Start: Huizen
End: Rhenen
Tip: for the best temperature regulation, good quality wool layers are your go-to clothing pieces. They keep you warm when it's cold, and cool when it's warm. Check out our merino wool selection.
IJmondpad - 77 km
The IJmondpad captures the diverse landscapes of Heemskerk, Beverwijk, and Velsen in a 3-day hike. The circular trail leads passt picturesque nature reserves and open fields, but also historical defense lines that are part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The route passes Fort Veldhuis, one of the oldest concrete forts of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, making the hike especially interesting for history enthusiasts and students. In summer, the last stage starts with a water taxi ride crossing the North Sea Canal from IJmuiden to Wijk aan Zee.
Length: 77 km
Days: 3
Start/End: Berkenbos Parking/Kennemer Duincamping Geversduin, Heemskerk
Tip: the Netherlands can be a rainy place, but don't let it stop you from exploring its nature. Prepare with proper rainwear, and you're good to go!
Veluwe Zwerfpad stage 1 - 56,6 km
The complete Veluwe Zwerfpad trail is 374 km long and worthwhile if you're looking for a longer challenge. Here, we highlight the first stage, from Arnhem to Lunteren. The distance is perfect for a weekend trip, as you can easily split the 56 km into 2 or 3 stages.
The Veluwe is a protected nature reserve and home to animals such as red deer, foxes, and wild boars. The complete trail passes vast areas of drifting sands, expansive heathlands, and rolling hills of the Veluwe. But also in the first stage you're presented with a variety of landscapes. The trail leads through the beautiful city park of Arnhem to the heather fields of Wolfheze. The trail is easy to follow by the yellow/red markings.
Length: 56,6 km
Days: 2-3
Start: Arnhem Central Station
End: Lunteren Station
Tip: when preparing to hike seriously long trails, your snack and water supply is key. An hydration bladder is one of the easiest ways to stay hydrated, and a must-have on the trails.
Hiking one of these, or other beautiful trails? Share your adventures with us online #IAMNOMAD