5 Dutch nature reserves to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights

Since social engagements are a few, and it isn’t exactly beach weather most of the time in the Dutch dictionary — allow us to take your hand and drag you into the beautiful nature reserves of the Netherlands.

If you’re able to catch some nice weather and have any of these lovely areas in your neck of the woods, why not make the most of the dispersed crowds and explore a bit of nature?

Schoorl Dunes, Noord-Holland

With its leafy pines, the Schoorl Dunes near Alkmaar are not to be missed. It’s heaven for those that enjoy a bit of hiking or climbing as they are the highest and widest dunes in the Netherlands.

Even if climbing or cycling isn’t really your thing, with its high peaks of sand and the sea close by, there’s plenty to explore any time of the year.

Landscheidings Route, Aalsmeer

This nine-kilometre route in the town of Aalsmeer also takes you through the small village of Uithoorn and along the Westeinderplassen dykes covered in grass. It is a historical site with centuries-old water between Amstelland and Rijnland.

If you fancy some panoramic views of the town then this one is definitely for you. Get some shots if you can of the polders and lakes, unless you’re so mesmerised by its beauty that you simply forget.

We would recommend trying the Amb8route if possible, a route where you can walk and stop at various craft shops along the way and even take in workshops.

Dark Dunes National Park, Den Helder

The only walking forest in Den Helder, the Dark Dunes (Donkere Duinen) is a planted pine forest, placed to make the most of the landscape and provide nesting areas for wildlife, many migratory birds and the red-listed Wheatear.

There are a few ways you can explore: either by bike, on foot or on horseback. Just be sure to keep to the designated trails, as you don’t want to be disturbing the wild horses that graze in the park or the nearby nesting areas of the birds.

There is also a camping site, so if you’re thinking of taking a staycation this year, this might just be the place for you (and check out this article on natural camp sites in the Netherlands as well!).

Dijkgatbos, Den Oever

This has by far become one of my favourite places to go for a walk and stretch my legs — it’s one of those places that has something for everyone.

You can take your mountain bikes along and ride the dirt tracks, load up your “trusty steed” in their horsebox and opt for a gentle hack, giant gallop, or even practice for when the showjumping and eventing seasons to get you and your horse competition ready, all whilst enjoying the beauty of the natural outdoors.

Or if a simple quiet walk is all you want, then opt to take one of the trails at 2km, 4km and 8km or lazy about under a tree in the quaint little meadows (more of a grassland really), not far from the car park.

Rengerspark Park, Leeuwarden

If you’re in the Leeuwarden area, you’ll love this spot that’s an hour drive north of Hoorn and around one and a half hours from Amsterdam.

There are a few parks in the area to choose from, but we decided Rengerspark seemed the most dog friendly and it turned out it was a child-free park, which meant it wasn’t too full or noisy.

READ NEXT | A guide to 10 beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

Have you ventured to any of the places mentioned above? What would make your list? Let us know in the comments!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2020 and was fully updated in January 2022 for your reading pleasure.
Feature Image: Iris/Unsplash