Ten spectacular forests in the Netherlands reflect that diversity and are all worthwhile stops, though for various reasons. One day you might feel like taking a long trip in the forest, and the next, you could want to spend the afternoon unwinding by a pond in the heart of a forest.
1. Waterloopbos: Marknesse’s Forest Water Wonder in Netherlands
Like the Haagse Bos, the Waterloopbos is a beautiful forest in the Netherlands, but it’s also worth visiting for its historical significance. The Dutch water laboratory was housed at Waterloopbos between the 1950s and 1990s. To determine the impact of water currents and the ideal location for a port or harbor, the laboratory used scale models.
The models are still present, despite the lab’s removal. This is a great place to go dragonfly watching in the summer because of how beautifully overgrown they are with plants and the combination of running water and darkness from the trees.
This is an amazing video about the beauty of Veluwe National Park in autumn. Let’s enjoy!
2. Veluwe National Park is the Netherlands’ largest forest.
You wouldn’t think such a place could exist in the Netherlands; it’s a paradise for wildlife. You can find wild horses and deer in addition to the normal fungus, insects, and birds.
You can see diverse landscapes because there are many trees and open areas in this area. Besides, you may go on day-long walks in the park because it is so huge. This is one of the most famous forests in the Netherlands you cannot miss.
3. The Netherlands’ historically significant forest is Haagse Bos.
The Haagse Bos is located in the heart of The Hague and extends from Den Haag Centraal practically to the seafront, which is something you wouldn’t expect to find in the middle of a city.
It is a very old location because the Germans launched their V1 and V2 rockets there during World War II. When the Allies attempted to bomb the forest, they unintentionally bombed the adjacent Bezuidenhout.
The forest has many lovely areas where you can sit and enjoy a picnic or read a book. It is also the ideal place to hike, jog, or cycle. Additionally, it features a few large ponds that are crossed by bridges.
4. View Of Tilburg’s Natural Retreat: The Wandelbos
The breathtaking Wandelbos may be found halfway between Tilburg’s downtown and the Reeshof. There is a lot of nature to enjoy in Tilburg, but if we had to pick one, the Wandelbos would be our preferred forested location in this region.
With picnic tables for an outdoor lunch and various-length hiking trails, this place is ideal for families. Additionally, there are many places to unwind by the water, which, as you may have noticed, we love a lot. This is one of the most our favorite forests in the Netherlands.
5. The Mastbos: An Ancient Forest in Breda, the Netherlands
Leaving the Randstad once more, the Mastbos is located in Brabant, close to the charming city of Breda. This 500-year-old woodland is filled with numerous gorgeous mature trees.
Similar to the Haagse Bos, this beautiful forest in the Netherlands includes numerous little lakes where you may unwind. If you intend on visiting this woodland, you might as well plan a quick trip to the adjacent Bouvigne castle.
Oh, and if you’re curious about the origin of the term “Mastbos,” here’s the tale: in the past, ships’ masts were constructed from the largest trees in this forest. This is absolutely the most interesting forest in the Netherlands for me!
6. Amsterdamse Bos
It boasts more than 150 native tree species and vast fauna. Considering how heavily urbanized the Netherlands is, I believe many of us forget what Dutch nature looks like.
However, returning to Amsterdam Bos after a day in the city is a breath of fresh air, both literally and symbolically.
7. Park Sonsbeek
Park Sonsbeek feels like something straight out of a fairytale. However, all forests in Netherlands are lovely. Waterfalls are few in the Netherlands because of how flat the nation is. But in Park Sonsbeek, a lovely meandering stream surges over several waterfalls.
Finding a location close to these two parks is surely not a bad option if you’re searching for a vacation focused on nature. It is also pretty close to Veluwe National Park. Park Sonsbeek frequently has art exhibitions, so keep an eye out for those.
8. Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
Another breathtaking scenery made by glaciers about 150,000 years ago is the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug park’s current rolling hills result from the sand the glaciers left behind as they passed across the region. Heuvelrug, which means “hill ridge,” is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a (moderate) uphill trek.
These hills certainly won’t seem like much to you if you’re from a place with actual mountains, but after a while in the Netherlands, you’ll take what you can get.
9. Nationalpark Maasduinen Park
Maasduinen National Park, between the Maas River and the German border in North Limburg, has the longest river dune belt in the Netherlands. Massduinen is quiet.
Maasduinen isn’t the most distant section of the country, but it seems remote. Follow the river’s gentle meanderings through gently undulating terrain, hazy fens, and wetlands.
First, you pass through heather-covered heathlands, then the woodland, and ultimately the park’s famous sand dunes and lakes.
Trails in the park enable biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There are also campgrounds where you can relax for a few days. Beavers, bats, lizards, and toads live in these beautiful settings, along with lovely plant life.
10. Schiermonnikoog National Park
Schiermonnikoog forest is 45 minutes by boat from the mainland. Its peacefulness and diverse sceneries include sand dunes, tidal flats, woodlands, lakes, and rolling hills. Schiermonnikoog is a birder’s paradise with bluethroats, cormorants, egrets, and more.
Sea and wind are stronger than on the mainland, creating an ever-changing, unspoilt scene. The island’s distinctive flora includes algae, grasses, mosses, flowers, and mushrooms. With a guide, you can hike over the tidal flats while the tide is out.
11. Some Funny Activities That You Can Do In Forests in the Netherlands
Here are some of the interesting things to do in forests in Netherlands. Let’s take note of your travel list!
- Have a picnic
- Go mountain biking
- Hike
- Swing through the trees
- Gaze at the stars
- Build a den
- Go bird watching
- Play pooh sticks
- Team building with your friends
