After walking 200 kilometres on the pilgrim's path to Santiago de Compostella in Spain, this year it is time to try out the most beautiful walks in the Netherlands. And that is perfectly possible here. Because apart from being a cycling country, the Netherlands is also a walking country.
We all secretly wander around the busy cities and winding forest paths of our country. I have already blocked off some weekends in my diary in the near future to go out deliberately. In my opinion, these are four of the most beautiful walks in the Netherlands. Do you want to join me?
1. The Dutch waterline route - The secret of the Netherlands
Honeyguides Simone and Brechje already walked a bit on the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie and their story sparked my enthusiasm. The Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie is a long-distance walking route 85 kilometres long. From Muiden to the Biesbosch. This beautiful path takes you along our country's old defence line. Here you will discover the forts and castles that are hidden there. Nice to know: the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.
2. Barefoot paths in the Netherlands - With both feet on the ground
In summer, I regularly come home with black feet. After all, there is nothing nicer than walking barefoot through the garden. Or feeling the sand on the beach tickling between your toes. You can really experience this on a number of barefoot paths in the Netherlands.
On a barefoot path, you walk a short route over different surfaces: from soft sand and grass to wood chips and thick branches. Barefoot walks are becoming increasingly popular in the Netherlands. For instance, you have barefoot path Opende in Groningen. And Bergen op Zoom also has one. Just take off your shoes and go!
3. Wadlopen - On land and at sea
I feel that mudflat hiking is something all Dutch people must have done at some point. The Wadden is a unique piece of nature. Since the Wadden Island Vlieland is very high on my wish list anyway, I think it would be fun to combine a visit with mudflat hiking. The special thing about mudflat hiking is that it is only possible if the natural elements allow it. From the mainland, you walk towards a mudflat island. On the way, your guide will teach you all about the wadden region. You can choose an active or a more educational trip.
4. Gelukkigerwijspad - On the Utrecht Hill Ridge
The name alone makes this walking route appeal to me: The Gelukkigerwijs path. From pilgrim city Amersfoort, the Gelukkigerwijspad winds some 125 kilometres through the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug towards the river Lek near Rhenen and returns to its starting point via Wijk bij Duurstede and Utrecht. In the 15th century, Amersfoort was a place of pilgrimage. Hundreds of miracles took place and pilgrims came from far and wide. Now it's up to us to try our luck.
Grab your friends and discover the special nature in the Netherlands together or go out on your own. Who knows, we might run into each other! Will you share your hiking adventures with us on Instagram? You can do so by tagging us @honeyguide.nl/en or using #heyhoneyguide.
Love,
Yalou