7x free slow travel trips in the Netherlands

Geocaching is an activity in which you use an app to search for hidden caches. These caches can be anywhere. Think city, park or forest. In the Willemsbos in Apeldoorn lies the geo-art:'De Overval'. A mystery route consisting of 16 caches and a bonus. The Willemsbos is a beautiful and varied forest area with winding paths, clearings and small waters. Take a break at De Kooiberg, a hilly area with beautiful paths and views over the surrounding forest. Perfect for a nice photo of the panoramic view.

Rotterdam is bursting with outdoor art, and one example is the ALL CAPS route in Beverwaard. This route was created by Rewriters010 and really comes highly recommended. In three kilometres, you walk or cycle past 11 huge, colourful works on buildings. The route shows raw port areas and creative neighbourhood projects, a lively mix of city and art. At Rijckholterf, for example, there is a portrait of a woman that brightens up the whole neighbourhood. This one was created by artist Garrick Marchena. With her expressive gaze, she seems to be looking straight at you from the wall. The combination of light and colour gives the portrait an almost palpable energy. This free route shows Rotterdam's creativity, resilience and energy.

Tip: Rewriters010 also has other routes full of street art in Rotterdam, each with its own atmosphere. Check them all out here. For example, you can follow the ALL CAPS Feijenoord route with more than 30 murals. Or the Crooswijk Street Art route with surprising works of art in the neighbourhood. Discover them all via the free Rewriters010 app and experience even more free outings Holland full of colour and creativity.

Get on your bike and discover Hollandse Duinen National Park. During this 54-kilometre route, you ride from Noordwijk aan Zee to Scheveningen. Cycle past dunes, the coast, historic estates and charming villages. In Noordwijk Binnen, you will see monumental buildings such as Voorstraat 87, a former cantonal court and national monument. In Katwijk aan Zee, the Katwijks Museum displays paintings of the artists' colony and fishing history. On the route, you'll pass beautiful break spots. Picnic at Landgoed De Paauw in Wassenaar overlooking Prince Frederik's historic country house. Visit Boerderij Meyendel for pancakes with hot cherries or a cup of coffee. Don't forget the Thalasso Platform and Scheveningen Pier. Here you have a beautiful sea view. The route takes about three hours and 20 minutes.

Just outside the centre of 's-Hertogenbosch is Het Bossche Broek, a 116-hectare nature reserve. The walking route of about eight kilometres passes Bastion Oranje, the river Dommel and vast meadows. Along the way, you might see black-tailed godwits, redshanks, snipes or even the bluethroat among the reeds. Het Bossche Broek is a protected Natura 2000 area. You can reach this special piece of nature close to the city via the free foot ferry.

Will you bring your four-legged friend? Dogs are allowed to run free in the northern part of Het Bossche Broek.

Every Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, the Rotterdam Harvest Market takes place on Noordplein. The market has some 35 to 45 stalls with fresh produce from local producers. Ideal for lovers of local food, it is one of those free outings in the Netherlands that nicely bring city and region together. You will find seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, cheeses, bread, honey and apple juice from Rhoon. Almost all come from within a 50-kilometre radius. Popular products include Westland grapes, fresh herbs and artisanal jams. Besides food, there are handmade products such as ceramics, illustrations and wooden toys. You can taste, walk around and experience the lively market with local products. The market is ideal for families and lovers of local food.

The A.Vogel gardens are located in Zwaluwenburg. Here you walk through a vast green oasis full of herbs, flowers and plants. At the A. Vogel brand, they have specialised in natural products and remedies for decades. As you walk along the paths, you will discover fragrant herbs such as lavender, chamomile and lemon balm. These are also used in products they offer.

In the Visitor Centre, you will learn about the history of A. Vogel and how herbs work. You will see demonstrations of herbal preparations and educational explanations of natural health. There are fun activities such as the barefoot path, where you can feel different surfaces. Also, the picking and tasting garden, where you can taste fresh herbs and edible flowers.

The Netherlands and cheese belong together, but how often do you really stop to think about the story behind this delicacy? At the Cheese Museum in Amsterdam, you will learn about the history and production process of cheese. You will see traditional production methods and discover surprising facts about this iconic Dutch product. The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 and completely free. The best part? You can taste different Dutch cheeses. Think varieties from Gouda and Edam. The tastings give you a delicious overview of what the Netherlands has to offer in terms of cheese. So you combine an educational museum visit with a tasty experience, all at your own pace.