Hiking in Netherlands
Including Arikok National Park, Biesbosch National Park Wetland Trails, and Brandaris Trail. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here means flat horizons, open polders, and endless skies where the wind sets the pace rather than steep elevation changes. Late spring brings long, mild days through blooming bulb fields and coastal dunes at your own unhurried rhythm. It feels mostly local and refreshingly DIY, with well-marked junction networks where you rarely need more than a sturdy pair of shoes and an eye for the weather.
Arikok National Park
Aruba
Caribiana / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok offers rugged desert-like terrain, dramatic limestone cliffs, and volcanic rock formations. Hikers can traverse the island's interior to reach hidden caves, natural pools, and windswept coastal vistas.
Access. Accessible by car from Oranjestad; the park has a visitor center where you pay an entry fee and receive a map of the marked trail network.
Notes. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is very little shade; trails can be hot and exposed.
Biesbosch National Park Wetland Trails
North Brabant
G.Lanting / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Discover one of the last extensive freshwater tidal wetland areas in Europe, characterized by a maze of willow forests, creeks, and river islands. Boardwalks and footpaths allow hikers to navigate the soggy landscape and spot beavers and ospreys.
Access. Accessible via visitor centers near Dordrecht or Werkendam, often combined with electric boat tours.
Notes. Rubber boots or waterproof footwear are highly recommended due to tidal water levels.
Brandaris Trail, Bonaire
Netherlands
Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Located within Washington Slagbaai National Park, the Brandaris trail leads to the highest peak on Bonaire. The hike offers expansive views of the island's salt pans, surrounding turquoise waters, and the neighboring islands on clear days.
Access. Accessible via the park's main road network; a park entrance fee is required to enter Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Notes. The trail is rocky and exposed to high winds and sun; bring plenty of water.
Christoffel National Park, Curaçao
Curacao
René Bongard / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The hike to the summit of Mount Christoffel is the highlight of this protected area, offering panoramic views of the island's rugged landscape and coastline. The terrain is arid and rocky, featuring unique flora like the endemic Sabal palm and various cacti.
Access. Located on the western side of Curaçao; accessible by car with a park entrance fee required.
Notes. Start early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat; the final ascent requires some light scrambling.
Hoge Veluwe National Park and Sand Drifts
Gelderland
qwesy qwesy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Wander through the largest lowland nature reserve in Northwest Europe, featuring expansive pine forests, open heathlands, and the unique moving sand dunes of Kootwijkerzand. The trails offer peaceful day walks across varied terrain with excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Access. Easily accessible from Arnhem or Apeldoorn via regional buses or by using the park's famous white rental bicycles.
Schiermonnikoog National Park
Frisia
Frank Vassen from Brussels, Belgium / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Traverse the pristine easternmost inhabited Dutch barrier island, featuring untouched dunes, wide salt marshes, and Europe's widest sandy beaches. The quiet trail network offers serene coastal walking with complete bans on private cars.
Access. Ferry service departs from Lauwersoog to Schiermonnikoog; cars are not permitted on the island.
Notes. Bicycles and walking are the primary modes of transport on the island.
Sint Barbara Estate Coastal Trails
Curacao
dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Offering a more manicured but equally scenic hiking experience, these trails wind through the limestone hills and salt flats of the eastern end of the island. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the Spanish Water lagoon and the open Caribbean Sea along well-maintained paths.
Access. Access is managed through the Sint Barbara resort area. Travelers should inquire at the resort reception or designated trail kiosks for day-pass entry to the hiking zones.
Notes. Private property; always verify current trail access status with the estate management before heading out.
Texel Dunes National Park
North Holland
Txllxt TxllxT / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore a diverse coastal ecosystem of rolling sand dunes, moist dune slacks, and quiet pine forests stretching along the western coast of Texel island. Well-marked walking paths wind through protected bird breeding grounds and wide sandy beaches.
Access. Take the 20-minute ferry from Den Helder to Texel, then reach trailheads by bus or rental bike.