In this guide
From paddleboarding on a lake at sunrise to walking the heathland of the Veluwe or cycling along the coast, the Netherlands rewards people who go outside. This guide lists the main types of outdoor activity, where they are popular and how to get there. Prices and opening details change, so check the provider’s own page before you go.
Cycling
Cycling here is everyday infrastructure. The Dutch cycle network is signposted with numbered junctions (knooppunten): you plan a route by stringing together junction numbers, and the signs do the rest. Apps such as Komoot or Fietsknoop can help you plan a route.
Popular areas for a day ride:
- The Bollenstreek (bulb region) between Haarlem and Leiden, best known for the spring flowers.
- The coast, for example the North Sea coastal stretches near The Hague, Zandvoort or Bergen aan Zee.
- The Utrechtse Heuvelrug, a wooded ridge east of Utrecht with forest and heathland.
- Zeeland, with dikes and bridges between the islands and water views on most routes.
- The Hoge Veluwe National Park, where you can cycle (check the park’s website for bike options and rules). The Kröller-Müller Museum in the park has a sculpture garden (krollermuller.nl); museum admission is separate.
Outdoor swimming
Use zwemwater.nl: it maps designated swimming spots, shows the current water-quality status for each, lists current warnings and lets you filter by facilities. Water quality can change, so check the status on the day you go.
Spots that people commonly mention include the North Sea beaches near Scheveningen, Zandvoort and Bergen aan Zee, the Vinkeveense Plassen and Loosdrechtse Plassen lakes, and river beaches along the Maas in Limburg. Whether a particular spot is designated and in good condition varies, so rely on the map rather than on a list in an article.
Paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing
- Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): the sheltered lakes and rivers suit beginners. Many water sports centres rent boards and run lessons.
- Kayaking and canoeing: the Biesbosch (a tidal delta), Weerribben-Wieden in Overijssel and the Frisian lakes are known paddling areas.
- Sailing: the IJsselmeer, the Randmeren, the Frisian lakes and Zeeland waters all have sailing schools and boat hire. Zeeland has tidal currents and is more demanding than the sheltered inland lakes.
Rental and lesson prices differ per provider; compare current price lists. A lifejacket is sensible on any open water, and wind picks up quickly on large lakes.
Hiking
- Veluwe: the largest heathland and forest area in the Netherlands, with waymarked walking routes of many lengths.
- South Limburg: the hilly south, with valleys and sunken lanes. The Pieterpad passes through it.
- Dunes: the coastal dune areas, for example Kennemerduinen near Haarlem, Meijendel near The Hague and the Schoorlse Duinen, have walking paths.
- Pieterpad: a waymarked long-distance walking route of 502 km from Pieterburen near the Wadden coast in Groningen to the Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht, in two parts with 26 day walks in total. The route is described and marked in both directions (pieterpad.nl).
Beach sports
The coast has kite surfing, windsurfing, beach volleyball and beach tennis in summer. Check the local rules and wind conditions, and take lessons from a school if you are a beginner. Some beaches have lifeguards in the season; swim where the beach says it is supervised.
Nature areas worth a trip
- Weerribben-Wieden (Overijssel): reed beds, channels and peat lakes, good for paddling and cycling.
- Biesbosch (Brabant and South Holland): a freshwater tidal delta with kayaking.
- Loonse en Drunense Duinen (North Brabant): shifting sand and pine forest, for walking and mountain biking.
- Oostvaardersplassen (Flevoland): a wetland reserve on the IJmeer, good for birdwatching.
- Hoge Veluwe National Park: entry fees are charged because the park is run by an independent foundation. In 2026 admission is EUR 13.85 for adults and children from 13, EUR 6.95 for ages 6 to 13, and free under 6; a car costs EUR 9.80 extra, and the Kröller-Müller Museum is not included (Hoge Veluwe, prices valid 1 January to 31 December 2026).
Getting there without a car
Most areas above can be reached by train and bike.
- Your own bike on the train: you can usually do this off-peak with a Fietskaart Dal. Space is limited and not all bikes are allowed (NS).
- OV-fiets: rent a bike at one of about 300 locations, paying per 24 hours, for up to seven days (NS).
- Car sharing or a rental car: useful for the coast and remote nature areas that are hard to reach by train.
Weather and safety
Dutch summer weather is changeable, so bring a windproof layer and check the forecast and wind for water sports. Before swimming, check zwemwater.nl for the status of your chosen spot. A cycling helmet is not required by law for adults on regular bikes, but you may want one for longer rides or mountain biking.
Joining a sports club
Local sports clubs (sportverenigingen) and running groups are a common way to meet people. Look up the national federation of your sport for affiliated clubs, and ask about a trial session (proeftraining) before you join. Fees differ per club and sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I swim outdoors in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands has many designated outdoor swimming spots, including North Sea beaches, lakes and river beaches. The site zwemwater.nl shows each swimming spot on a map with its current water-quality status (good, being investigated, risk of health complaints, swimming not advised, or swimming prohibited) and a filter for facilities. Check it before you go.
Is there real hiking in the Netherlands?
Yes, though the terrain is gentle. The Pieterpad is a waymarked long-distance walking route of 502 km from Pieterburen near the Wadden coast in Groningen to the Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht, split into 26 day walks (pieterpad.nl). Heathland and forest areas such as the Veluwe and the hills of South Limburg are popular for shorter walks.
How do I get to outdoor spots without a car?
Take the train and continue by bike. With your own bike you can usually travel off-peak with a Fietskaart Dal, subject to limited space (NS). Or rent an OV-fiets at one of about 300 locations, up to seven days at a time (NS).
What does it cost to visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park?
In 2026 admission is EUR 13.85 for adults and children from 13, EUR 6.95 for ages 6 to 13, and free under 6; a car costs EUR 9.80 extra. Admission to the Kröller-Müller Museum is not included (Hoge Veluwe, prices valid 1 January to 31 December 2026).
Can I go sailing or paddleboarding as a beginner?
Yes. Water sports centres and sailing schools around the larger lakes offer rentals and lessons for beginners. Prices differ per provider, so compare the current price lists. Wear a lifejacket and check the wind forecast before going out.