The Netherlands, often celebrated for its tulip fields, windmills, and charming canals, also boasts a treasure trove of natural wonders. Beyond its urban landscapes, the country is home to several national parks that offer stunning nature trails and diverse wildlife. For those planning a Netherlands trip, exploring these parks should be a top priority. With well-organized Netherlands trip packages, you can seamlessly incorporate visits to these parks into your itinerary, ensuring a perfect blend of culture and nature.
One of the primary attractions of a Netherlands trip package is the opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty up close. The national parks in the Netherlands are not only picturesque but also rich in biodiversity. They provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species, making them perfect destinations for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. Here are some of the best national parks in the Netherlands that you should include in your travel plans.
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest and perhaps the most famous national park in the Netherlands. Spanning over 55 square kilometers, it offers a unique mix of heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. The park is a haven for cyclists and hikers, with over 40 kilometers of well-marked trails.
Visitors to Hoge Veluwe can explore its diverse landscapes, which are home to red deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. The park also houses the Kröller-Müller Museum, which features an impressive collection of Vincent van Gogh’s works, making it a cultural as well as a natural attraction.
De Biesbosch National Park
De Biesbosch National Park is one of the few freshwater tidal areas in Europe, offering a unique wetland environment. The park is a maze of rivers, creeks, and islands, making it perfect for boating and canoeing. Its wetlands support a wide range of wildlife, including beavers, kingfishers, and rare water plants.
Guided boat tours are available for visitors who want to explore the park’s intricate waterways. Additionally, there are several hiking and cycling trails that allow you to experience the serene beauty of this unique landscape.
De Hoge Kempen National Park
Although technically located just across the border in Belgium, De Hoge Kempen National Park is easily accessible from the Netherlands and is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park covers over 120 square kilometers and features expansive forests, heathlands, and lakes.
The park is a hotspot for hiking, with numerous trails that vary in difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and experienced hikers. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot red deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. The park also offers a range of activities, including horseback riding and mountain biking.
Schiermonnikoog National Park
Schiermonnikoog National Park, located on the island of Schiermonnikoog in the Wadden Sea, is a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse habitats, including dunes, mudflats, and salt marshes, attract a wide variety of bird species, making it one of the best birdwatching spots in the Netherlands.
The island itself is car-free, ensuring a peaceful and pristine environment. Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, with several trails offering stunning views of the island’s natural beauty. The surrounding Wadden Sea is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich biodiversity.
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park
De Weerribben-Wieden National Park is the largest freshwater wetland in northwest Europe. The park’s landscape is characterized by a network of lakes, canals, and reed beds, which provide a habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including otters, herons, and butterflies.
Visitors can explore the park by boat, with several routes available for canoeing and kayaking. There are also numerous walking and cycling trails that offer picturesque views of the park’s unique wetland environment. The park is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the reed beds are in full bloom.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is located near the North Sea coast and features a stunning mix of dunes, forests, and wetlands. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, rabbits, and a range of bird species. It also supports a herd of European bison, which were reintroduced to the area in recent years.
The park offers several hiking and cycling trails that allow visitors to explore its diverse landscapes. The coastal dunes provide breathtaking views of the North Sea, and the park’s forests are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
Drents-Friese Wold National Park is one of the largest continuous forest areas in the Netherlands. The park’s varied landscape includes heathlands, sand drifts, and peat bogs, providing habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species.
Hiking and cycling are popular activities in the park, with numerous trails that cater to different levels of fitness. The park is also home to several traditional Dutch farms, which add to its charm and offer a glimpse into the country’s rural heritage.
Dwingelderveld National Park
Dwingelderveld National Park is the largest wet heathland in western Europe. The park’s landscape is dominated by heathlands, woodlands, and small fens, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including rare butterflies, birds, and reptiles.
Visitors can explore the park on foot or by bicycle, with several trails that offer stunning views of its unique landscape. The park is particularly beautiful in late summer when the heathlands are in full bloom, creating a sea of purple flowers.
Lauwersmeer National Park
Lauwersmeer National Park, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, was created when the Lauwers Sea was dammed off from the Wadden Sea in 1969. The resulting freshwater lake and surrounding wetlands have become a haven for wildlife, particularly birds.
The park is a popular destination for birdwatching, with over 100 species of birds present throughout the year. Visitors can explore the park by boat, on foot, or by bicycle, with several trails and observation points offering excellent views of the park’s diverse habitats.
Conclusion
Exploring the national parks in the Netherlands offers a refreshing escape into nature, showcasing the country’s rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, these parks have something to offer. By including visits to these parks in your Netherlands trip package, you can experience the best of the country’s natural beauty and create unforgettable memories.
