Geen categorie

Make This Valentine’s Special with Outdoor Dates

I am not a big fan of Valentine’s Day to be honest. But I never mind an outdoor date whenever possible. I prefer it much over a date night in the city. I prefer to spend my time outdoors. Like going for day hikes or an outdoor activity, like riding my bike. If you are an outdoor lover like me, you will like one if these five date ideas.

An outdoor picnic
Going for a picnic is always a good idea. You can bring some delicious food with you while you go hiking. Alternatively, you can go outside just for the purpose of having a picnic. Both are good choices. All you need is some blankets and some food and you are good to go. You can choose a spot somewhere in nature. If it is a rainy day, you can use the booth of your car for a car picnic. Just make sure to park your car somewhere with a beautiful view. For example in Zeeland you can park your car at the lighthouse in Westkapelle.

Bring some food you normally wouldn’t take. Try some tapas and some gluhwine. Enjoy a picnic with just the two of you.
Go stargazing
When the weather is clear, you can pack up some blankets to go stargazing together. Put them in the boot of your car to create a cozy spot to just sit back and relax. Find a spot where you have a free view of the sky. Make sure there is not a lot of light pollution. Bring some hot beverages and blankets to keep you warm. Also don’t forget some snacks. A stargazing trip without snacks isn’t complete. I went stargazing on La Palma once and it was the most perfect date night ever.
Go camping
Head out for the weekend with a tent. Find a campsite where you are allowed to pitch a fire next to your tent. In the Netherlands you can look at the ‘Natuurkampeerterreinen’. And bring some marshmallows to roast and enjoy a cozy night next to the fire. Afterwards you can bundle up together in the tent.
Try a new outdoor sport together
It doesn’t matter if you are both into climbing, or hiking, or something else. Try something new together, try out a new trail, or go to a different climb spot. Or just try something new entirely, something you both have never done before, like tennis or golf. You for sure will have a fun filled day together.
Go for a sunset walk on the beach

It is always a good idea to go to the beach in my opinion. It is even a better idea to go to the beach for sunset. Walk along the beach, even in winter time, this is a fun date idea. After your sunset walk, visit one of the many beach restaurants along the coast. Enjoy a drink or even a meal together to end this beautiful night.

Let me know in the comments if you will try one of these five date ideas. Or let me know what are your tips for a perfect outdoor date idea.

A micro adventure in Limburg

I love to go camping, and it is something that we haven’t had time for the past year. Due to renovating our new home. But at the end of September, we decided we would enjoy the beautiful weather and go for a one night camping trip in the beautiful province of Limburg, The Netherlands. And it didn’t disappoint.

Nature camping

We are a big fan of the Dutch nature campsites, or in Dutch the “natuurkampeerterreinen”. Every year we get the green card, so we can go camping at these campsites. We decided on “Hoeve Krekelenberg” for this mini adventure. We packed all our gear in the car, and we headed over there by car. Unfortunately it was a busy Saturday and it took us longer than we had planned to get to the campsite. But all was forgotten as soon as we arrived at this beautiful campsite.

I had called ahead and they had told us they only had spots left on the children’s field. Upon arrival though, we enquired about the tent fields, and there were a lot of open spots there. So we pitched our Coleman Darwin tent at one of the tent fields. Which was the best decision we could make. We had a beautiful view over the surrounding vine yards. And with the beautiful sunset that night it was a magical evening. With a glass of wine and some snacks overlooking the vine yards. It was a beautiful end to our Saturday.

Hiking

After a perfect night of sleep in the outdoors. We decided to go for a hike directly from the campsite. We headed over to Mulderplas, through the forest, which starts at the back of the campsite. With the rolling hills in Limburg, it actually feels like you are not in The Netherlands. A short hike takes us to the beautiful Mulderplas, and we decided to hike around it, we saw some beautiful water birds and reflections. It was such a peaceful place on a sunny Sunday morning.

After wards we walked past the small restaurant and headed back uphill, along a beautiful church which is situated in the middle of the forest, which is called the Maria chapel. We continue our hike through the forest, and eventually we get to an open field, which gives you a beautiful outlook of the surrounding landscape. After that it was time to head back into the forest, to the campsite and pack up our things and head back home.

It was a beautiful 24 hour adventure, something we will do again next year. Would you go on a 24 hour overnight camping trip? Let me know in the comments.

In the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh

Would you like to follow in the footsteps of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh?
You can in the beautiful province of Brabant. National Park Van Gogh provides you the opportunity to dive into the nature that has inspired Vincent Van Gogh. Even though the landscapes have evolved in the years, they still hold the beauty Vincent Van Gogh once used as an inspiration for his paintings.

National Park Van Gogh
The National Park stretches from Zundert in the west of Brabant all the way to Helmond in the east of Brabant. The National Park offers five hiking routes, all starting from a different point of interest. In this blog I will tell you more about the hike starting at the church in Helvoirt.

Hiking route Helvoirt
The hike is 15 kilometers long and starts at the Saint Nicholas Church in Helvoirt. This hike will give you an insight in the places Vincent Van Gogh loved, as well as were his family settled down.

The starting point of the hike is the Saint Nicholas Church, where his father was minister from 1871 up until 1875. Vincent Van Gogh never lived in Helvoirt himself, because he was studying during that period of time and lived elsewhere. But he did frequently come back to visit his family.

A peek inside the church is a must when you start your hike here. There is even an original bible who was donated by Theo Van Gogh to the church. Don’t forget to look up to the ceiling when visiting the church, as it holds some fascinating carvings. There are tours given in the church, visit this link to learn more about the tours provided in the church.

Zwijnsbergen Castle
From the church the hike takes you across the countryside to Zwijnsbergen Castle. Here you find a beautiful bench with a view over Helvoirt. A sketch Vincent Van Gogh also made while he was visiting his family in Helvoirt in 1874. It isn’t a coincidence that he loved the countryside as much, since his father had the rule that his kids had to go outside for an hour everyday to enjoy nature.

Loon and Drunen dunes

From here on out you continue your route all the way to the Loon and Drunen dunes. A place that doesn’t even seem real, with no sea in sight. The area combines beautiful forests, heather fields and dunes. Here you can roam freely along the dunes, but since we are enjoying the hiking route, we stick to our route.

In the Loon and Drunen dunes you find a special tree, the maritime pine. Which is closely connected to the paintings. As the maritime pine is a source for terpentine, which is used to make paint.

Farmshop Ons Jos
Before you return back to Helvoirt you will pass the farmer shop Ons Jos. Here you can pick up all necessities for a picnic. They have the most amazing farm fresh produce, bread and milk.

You could also stop here on your way over to the starting point, as there are many beautiful picnic spots along the route.

Let me know in the comments if this is a hike you will do in the near future. I would love to hear your experience on this beautiful trail.

Winactie, een weekend Voorne-Putten

Win een weekend weg naar het prachtige Voorne putten

De afgelopen twee jaar mocht in de herfst genieten van al het moois dat het eiland Voorne-Putten te bieden heeft. Fietsen over het eiland, langs uitgestrekte landschappen of wandelen door de duinen. Het kan hier allemaal. En jij kan een weekend naar deze prachtige najaarsbestemming winnen. Hoe? Dat lees je onderaan deze blog post. Voor nu neem ik je even mee in mijn tips voor Voorne-Putten.

Wandeling Duinen en Valleien in Rockankje

Deze wandeling start vanaf het bezoekerscentrum Tennellaplas in Rockanje. Een prachtig opgezet bezoekerscentrum, wat zeker een bezoekje waard is. Deze wandeling neemt je mee door de prachtige duinen van het eiland. Hier waan je je even alleen op de wereld. Met prachtige weidse landschappen gedurende de wandeling heb je even helemaal niet het gevoel in Nederland te zijn, maar midden in de natuur.

Verdedigingslinies Hellevoetsluis

Over de verdedigingslinies in Hellevoetsluis is veel te vertellen, ga met een gids mee van “Stichting Verdedigingswerken” Zij kunnen je alles vertellen over waarvoor de bunkers dienden tijdens de verschillende periodes in de geschiedenis van Hellevoetsluis. Een informatieve en leuke ochtend gegarandeerd.

Wandelen in het Ravense hout, Hellevoetsluis

Een schitterend bos, net buiten de stad Hellevoetsluis. Hier kan je heerlijk wandelen, langs de watertjes, over bruggetjes en door schitterende bomen lanen. Een korte, maar leuke wandeling.

Overnacht in Boutique Hotel de Oude Veste in Hellevoetsluis

Ik mag een overnachting voor twee personen weg geven in het prachtige Boutique Hotel de Oude Veste, te Hellevoetsluis. Een bijzonder hotel, want dit hotel is gevestigd in een historisch pand uit 1878. Dit pand is jaren in gebruik geweest door de Koninklijke marine. Nu dient het als kleinschalig hotel, met 7 hotel kamers. Met elk hun eigen stijl. Wij verbleven in kamer 6 met uitzicht op de haven van Hellevoetsluis en de molen. Heerlijk wakker worden met de grote raampartijen en dit uitzicht.

Wil jij dit nou ook?

Laat dan je gegevens achter via deze link en wie weet overnacht jij binnenkort in dit prachtige hotel! Deze winactie sluit op 8 oktober 2023.

Voor meer informatie over een weekendje Voorne-Putten, bezoek mijn blogs:
A weekend hiking at Voorne-Putten
Weekendje weg op Voorne-Putten

Wandelen in de grensstreek, LAW Het Grenslandpad, etappe 1 Sluis-Aardenburg

De eerst etappe van het Grenslandpad voert je van de vestingstad Sluis naar de oudste stad van Zeeland, Aardenburg. Een wandeling door de grensstreek.

Wandelen in de eigen streek. We doen het allemaal. Als we op reis zijn zoeken we de mooiste tochten uit om te wandelen. In onze eigen streek doen we dit minder snel. Ik moet eerlijk zeggen, dat ook ik mijn vaste rondjes wandel.

Er is alleen zo veel moois te zien. In Nederland zijn er tal van wandelpaden. Van vooruitgezette routes tot knooppuntroutes, maar ook de zo bekende lange afstands wandelpaden.

Een van deze lange afstanden wandelpaden, start toevallig in de voor mij mooiste regio van Nederland, West Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. En om preciezer te zijn start het Grenslandpad in de mooie vestingstad Sluis.

Het Grenslandpad

Het Grensladpad loopt van Sluis, Zeeland, naar Thorne, Limburg. Een wandelafstand van in totaal 372 kilometer. Het Grenslandpad telt 21 etappes, waarbij er met de variaties nog eens 6 extra etappes mogelijk zijn.

Ik heb de eerste etappe van het Grenslandpad gewandeld. De eerste etappe start in de gezellige binnenstad van Sluis en eindigt in het historische Aardenburg. Wist je dat Aardenburg, de oudste stad van Zeeland is?

De eerste etappe is 16,5 kilometer lang. Dit kan iets afwijken, afhankelijk van waar je besluit te overnachten of terug te keren naar het startpunt.

Ik start de wandeling aan de Kaai in Sluis. Vanaf de Kaai sla ik rechtsaf het Jaagpad in, welke direct langs de Damse vaart loopt. De Damse Vaart verbindt Sluis met de Belgische stad Brugge. Langs de Damse vaart, wandel ik Sluis uit, onder door een prachtige bomenlaan. Dit zou je niet direct verwachten als je in een stad als Sluis bent. Dit laat maar weer zien hoe groen de omgeving hier is. Na 500 meter zien we al direct het prachtige weidse landschap dat om Sluis heen ligt.

Sluis uit wandelend kom ik zowel andere wandelaars, als fietsers tegen. Een populair stukje Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Maar dat is ook niet zo gek, want het is prachtig wandelen langs de Damse Vaart onder de statige bomen. Met uitzicht over de omliggende polders rondom Sluis.

Ik wandel ongeveer 2,5 kilometer vanuit Sluis langs de Damse Vaart, tot dat ik bij een pontje aankom. Het pontje is een attractie op zich zelf, want deze mag je zelf bedienen. En mijn route gaat verder aan de andere kant van de Damse Vaart. Dus ik mag met het pontje oversteken. Even de arm spieren trainen dus.

Eenmaal aan de overkant aangekomen, staan de routes goed bewegwijzerd. Hier kruizen namelijk meerdere lange afstandswandelingen elkaar. De route staat overal goed gemarkeerd met rood-witte markeringen, wat standaard is bij lange afstandswandelingen.

Ik vervolg mijn wandeling door de Belgische polders, want zoals de naam het al zegt, loopt de route over de grens. Hierdoor loop je een gedeelte van de route in Nederland en een gedeelte van de route in België. Geen drielandenpunt, maar een tweelandenpunt. Bij de authentieke grenspalen, kan je even in twee landen tegelijk zijn. Met het ene been sta je in België en met het andere been sta je in Nederland. Even geen bereik, even helemaal er tussen uit.

Zodra ik wegloop van de Damse vaart richting Aardenburg kom ik niemand anders meer tegen. Even waan ik mijzelf alleen in deze prachtige grensstreek. Nederland en België gaan hier vloeiend in elkaar over.

Ik wandel langs graanvelden, langs prachtige bomenlanen en tussendoor de weilanden met koeien. Tijdens de wandeling kan ik in de verte diverse kerktorens zien liggen, zoals de kerktoren van Lapscheure, maar ook de kerktoren van Aardenburg zie ik al van een afstand liggen.

Ondanks dat het een lange afstandswandeling is loop je in alle rust. Geen stukken langs grote wegen. De wandeling combineert dan ook polderwegen, met onverharde paden en grindpaden. Het grootste gedeelte van de route loopt over grindpaden.

Onderweg stop ik bij een weiland om even te genieten van het uitzicht en de koeien die in de wei naast mij staan te grazen. Wat een stilte ervaar je hier. De perfecte plek om even een hapje te eten en wat te drinken.

Waarna ik mijn weg verder vervolg langs de weilanden en de graanvelden. Net voor het Zeeuws-Vlaamse dorpje Heille steken we de Belgisch-Nederlandse grens weer over. Ook hier staat weer een authentieke wit zwarte grenspaal, op een plek waar je dit niet zou verwachten. Gewoon midden in de polder, langs een grindpad. De grenspalen zijn in de streek goed bewaard gebleven, je vindt ze nog altijd op veel grensovergangen langs de Zeeuws-Vlaamse grens met België. Je herkent ze aan hun wit-zwarte kleuren. Wist je dat alle grenspalen ook een eigen nummer hebben? Nummer 1 staat in Vaals, Limburg, en de laatste grenspaal tussen Nederland en België, nummer 369 staat in Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Bij Heille passeren wij grenspaal nummer 354.

Weer terug in Nederland wandel ik nog een stuk tussen de akkers door, tot ik weer op de polderwegen kom net voor Heille. Hier wandel je tussen de wilgen door, wat een prachtig gezicht deze tijd van het jaar, vol in het groen. De kronkelende wegen leiden mij verder richting Aardenburg, het eindpunt van deze schitterende wandeling.

Net voor Aardenburg, zijn er enkele horeca gelegenheden. Ik besluit om te stoppen voor een drankje bij de Schaapskooi. Met dit weer even de benen rust geven met zicht op de polders. Je zou het slechter kunnen treffen. Bij de Schaapskooi kan je ook terecht voor een heerlijke lunch. Na mijn drankje vervolg ik mijn weg door de polder richting de oudste stad van Zeeland, Aardenburg.

Ik wandel Aardenburg binnen door het Elderschansbos, wat een totale verassing. Zo veel groen had ik niet verwacht. Hierna vervolg ik mijn weg door een van de mooiste straten van Zeeland, de Herendreef. De huizen en de bomen, maken dit een idyllische straat.

Ik wandel door tot ik in het nog mooiere hart van Aardenburg kom, de Kaai, met de grootste attractie de Kaaipoort. Oftewel stadspoort van Aardenburg, die nog volledig in tact is. Wat is hij prachtig. Even waan je je terug in de tijd. Hier kan je goed zien dat Aardenburg een stad is met veel historie.

Het Grenslandpad gaat verder onder door de Kaaipoort. Aan de linkerkant na de Kaaipoort vind je een prachtige muurschildering, want als oudste stad van Zeeland, wil je natuurijk deze historie in beeld brengen. Wat een prachtig beeld.

Het laatste stukje van de wandeling voert mij over de Wallen van Aardenburg. Het is fijn om de laatste kilometers door het groen te wandelen. Ik eindig mijn wandeling net buiten Aardenburg bij restaurant In den Wijngaard. Nog even nagenietend van een drankje en deze prachtige eerste etappe van het Grenslandpad.

Praktische informatie

Het Grenslandpad start aan de Kaai in Sluis. Hier is voldoende parkeergelegenheid, mocht je met eigen vervoer tot aan hier komen. Let wel op dat in het centrum van Sluis het betaald parkeren is.

Vanuit Sluis volg je de rood-witte markeringen. De route staat goed aangegeven, maar ik had wel een geprinte route meegenomen. Je wandelt namelijk in de grensstreek, en het telefoonbereik is hierdoor niet altijd op zijn best. Daarmee dat ik hier nooit alleen op mijn telefoon vertrouw.

In Aardenburg zijn er tal van mogelijkheden om te overnachten, van mooie bed en breakfasts, tot een hotelovernachting.

Je kan er ook voor kiezen om met de bus vanuit Aardenburg terug te keren naar Sluis, mocht je enkel deze etappe wandelen. Aan de Kaaipoort in Aardenburg is een bushalte. Deze bushalte ligt precies op de route. Hier is een dagelijkse busverbinding.

Ik ben benieuwd of jij ook deze mooie etappe van het Grenslandpad gaat ontdekken.

In search of the light in Van Gogh National Park

Situated in Brabant, The Netherlands, you will find Van Gogh National Park.
As a photographer I am always in search of the light, inspired by one of the most famous Dutch Painters, Vincent Van Gogh.

In the Van Gogh national park culture and nature meet. Let yourself be inspired by one of the greatest artist of The Netherlands, Vincent Van Gogh. There are 5 Van Gogh hiking routes situated in the National Park, which stretches from the West to the East of Brabant. Let me tell you more about the hiking routes near Van Gogh his birth place, Zundert.

Poem route Henriette Roland Holst

First let’s start with a 5k hiking route, starting at the beautiful Angora Hoeve, in the Oude Buisse Heide. Which is situated close by Roosendaal.

The Angora Hoeve was the home of Henriette Roland Holst, a Dutch poet. There is a parking lot at the Angora Hoeve. Next to the Angora Hoeve, you will find the ‘atelier’. Which was burned down, right after it was restored by an artist who couldn’t agree with it’s remarkable architecture. But today it is restored to its full glory. You can take a little detour to visit the Atelier.

The poet route will take you along Rhodendron lanes, towards beautiful oak lanes and into the fens. It is a diverse hiking route, which is well marked.

Along the way you will find Henriette’s poems displayed. Inspiring you with her words and the beautiful nature surrounding the poems.

Van Gogh hiking route Etten-Leur

Etten-Leur is the place where Vincent Van Gogh started his career as a painter in 1881. So it is the perfect place to follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh. You can experience the places that inspired Vincent Van Gogh his work.

The perfect place to start this hiking route is The Menmoerhoeve. Which is the perfect place to stop for a lunch or a drink after your hike. The hike is 14k and takes you along the different landscapes that inspired Vincent Van Gogh. You will cross heather fields, as well as beautiful forests and fens.

It is a diverse hike, and if you are lucky you might even find some sheep or cows during your hike.

The van Gogh House

If you still have some time left and you want to learn more about Vincent Van Gogh. You can visit his birthtown Zundert, where you will find The Van Gogh House. Which will tell you more about his art, as well as other expositions which are held here.

One thing you can’t miss when you visit Zundert is the time square. Because if you look carefully, you might notice something special about the pattern of the square. A little hint, you can only take it completely in when watching it form above.

I hope this blog has given you new inspiration to let yourself be inspired by one of the most famous Dutch Painters, as well as finding beauty in the Dutch landscapes of Brabant.

A magical winter getaway: Hotel 48 Nord

Are you looking for a magical winter weekend getaway that isn’t too far? Stop scrolling and let me tell you more about the beautiful region of the Alsace in France. Last year Valerie invited me for a stay at Hotel 48 Nord in the Alsace. A beautiful four star hotel located in Breitenbach, France. A landscape hotel, where nature and comfort go hand in hand.

Hotel 48 Nord

Hotel 48 Nord is located in the beautiful region of the Alsace. Where you will find the most picturesque towns and beautiful vineyards. A place where you can still enjoy complete stillness and watch the stars right from your hottub or private sauna.

Hotel 48 Nord isn’t your typical hotel. It features 14 cabins, scattered on their grounds. Where you will head down to dinner with a night lamp. One of the unique experiences of staying at this beautiful hotel.

Even though you will be staying in one of the cabins, you won’t have to turn down on any luxury. As most of the cabins are equipped with their own sauna or hottub.

A culinary treat

If you are anything like me, you love to eat. Well, while staying at Hotel 48 Nord, you won’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy the most amazing food. All the food is grown in their own organic vegetable garden, or is locally sourced. A fully vegetarian meal is even possible. As a non-vegetarian I loved their vegetarian dinner.

Their breakfast buffet is also incredible, with an incredible assortment of different sorts of breads and lots of fruits and vegetable options.

What to do while you are staying at Hotel 48 Nord?

The weekend we stayed at Hotel 48 Nord, we had the luck of witnessing the first snow fall of the season. In my opinion there is now better snowfall than the first snowfall. It just holds something magical. The entire world is covered in this beautiful white dusting. Ofcourse we couldn’t visit the Alsace without going for a hike, but with the snow, a regular hike wasn’t possible on top of the mountain. So we headed out with our tour guide to go snowshoeing. It was the first time ever for me, but it was the most incredible experience ever. At first it is a bit awkward to walk in snow shoes, but as soon as you get the hang of it it is incredible. We did an entire loop on the mountain, where the hotel is located, which was absolutely stunning. I would highly recommend heading out with a guide.

Riquewihr, a Disney village

As I said earlier, the Alsace is known for it’s picturesque villages and their vineyards. We visited one of the most beautiful towns while we were there Riquewihr. Which the hotel owner Emil, described as a Disney like town. And this couldn’t be more true. It is truly a magical village. Especially around Christmas time, it is worth a visit.

As you can imagine it was a weekend worth remembering in one of the most beautiful hotels. This hotel is truly unique with it’s beautiful cabins, with the most beautiful view of the Alsace. A place to discover and come back to enjoy comfort and peace amongst nature’s beauty.

Weekend getaways in The Netherlands and Belgium

Are you looking for a perfect weekend getaway in The Netherlands or Belgium? In this post I will share some of my personal favorites with you.

The Forest, Belgium

On a private domain in Belgium, you will find this tiny house, the Forest. Where you can take a bath within the forest. The tiny house has room for two people and the cabin is heated by a cosy fire place.

In summer time there is a BBQ you can use, or you can cook on open fire and roast some marshmallows.

There is a large pond next to the cabin and you can take the canoe out for a spin.

Buitenplaats Beekhuizen

In the middle of the forest at the Veluwezoom, you will find pods and glamping tents from Buitenplaats Beekhuizen. It is the perfect place to go when you love to go hiking in the forest.

I love the fact that you are surrounded by the forest, wherever you look. At night it is still completely dark here and you will need a lantern to go outside. It is the perfect place to enjoy a campfire and watch the stars.

Bed and breakfast Zuidoord

This beautiful bed and breakfast is located on the island of Voorne Putten, only a short ride away from the city of Rotterdam, but still in the middle of nature. Surrounded by the countryside of The Netherlands, you will have a beautiful view for miles right from the garden of the bed and breakfast. The perfect place to relax and recharge.

Close to the city of Hellevoetsluis and surrounded by beautiful beaches and nature. You can rent a bike and go for a bike ride along Voorne Putten. Or you can put on your hiking boots and take a long walk along the beach of Rockanje or Voorne Putten.

Hotel de Sterrenberg

Right outside of national park the Veluwe you will find Hotel Sterrenberg, an adults only hotel, with an amazing restaurant. If you want a little bit more luxury this is the place to go. You can start your visit to the national park right from the doorstep of the hotel or you can stay at the hotel and enjoy a relaxing day at their spa and afterwards an amazing dinner at their restaurant, Woods.

Camping de Blauwe Haan

If you are looking for something different, right in the middle of nature, camping the Blauwe Haan is the place to go. It is a beautiful campsite situated in the beautiful province of Drenthe, The Netherlands. You will find this campsite right at the entry of the forest, so you can hike straight from your tent or rental property. We stayed in one of the domes, which houses up to 4 guests. With a fully furnished kitchen and a toilet. The only thing you will need to leave the dome for is a shower. It is close to the beautiful nature reserve of Dwingeloo, where you can take beautiful hikes.

4 Hikes to explore The Netherlands

The Netherlands isn’t only a country where you can ride your bike, but The Netherlands is also a good country for hiking. After hiking 200 kilometers of the Pelgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostella in Spain last year, it is time to explore some special hikes in The Netherlands.

Unconsciously we walk a lot in busy cities and forests in The Netherlands. Honeyguide Yalou will tell you about 4 beautiful hikes in The Netherlands. So take some time of the next few weekends to explore some of these beautiful hikes. Will you join Yalou on her hikes?

ALONG CASTLES AND FORTRAGES

1.De Hollandse Waterlinie Route

As soon as I heard of the hike along ‘De Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie’ I was excited. This long distance hike is 185 kilometers long. It starts in Muiden and finishes in The Biesbosch. During your hike you will walk along the old defense lines of The Netherlands. Along these route you will find castles and fortrages. This hike is definitely a must see, as it is even on the World heritage site Stelling van Amsterdam.

WITH YOUR FEET IN THE MUD

2. Barefoottrails in The Netherlands

There is nothing that compares to walking on your feet in the garden during summer time. The only downside is that I come home with dirty feet. Or do you know that amazing feeling of sand in between your toes? You can also experience this feeling on one of the barefoot trails in The Netherlands.

During a hike on a barefoot trail, you will walk on al sorts of materials. This varies from soft sand to grass, wooden branches or even wooden wood chips. Barefoot trails are getting more and more popular these days. Groningen is one of the places where you can experience a barefoot trail, it is called ‘Opende’ and a little bit more to the south you will find the barefoot trail of ‘Hof van Twello’, which is a farm with a barefoot trail. Do you live closer to Bergen op Zoom in Brabant? Then you are in luck, because here you will find a barefoot trail at ‘Landgoed Lievensberg’!

CROSSING THE SEA

3. Wad Walk

Something that can’t be forgotten on a hiking list of every Dutchman is hiking along the mudflats. I have been wanting to visit the island of Vlieland for a long time and I would like to combine a visit to the island with hiking on these unique piece of nature. Because hiking along the mudflats is only possible if everything lines up. Which also makes it so special. You can hike from the mainland to one of the islands and learn from a guide more about the beautiful ecosystem of the mudflats. Are you looking for a more activa tour? Or would you prefer a more educational tour? The choice is up to you!

TOWARD THE RIVER ‘DE LEK’

4. GELUKKIGERWIJSPAD

The Gelukkigerwijspad, which translates to the happy wisdom path. The name itself makes you want to experience this trail. This trail is 125 kilometers long and start in the pelgrims city of Amersfoort through the forest where you will end up on the Utrechse Heuvelrug. The trail winds along the river ‘De Lek’ close to the city of Rhenen, towards Wijk Bij Duurstede and Utrecht back to the start in the city of Amersfoort. Back in the fifteenth century Amersfoort was a place of pilgrimage, where miracles happened and pilgrims came for every corner. Are you coming to test your luck?

This guestblog was written by the editorial staff of Honeyguide, the Dutch inspirational platform of concious and special traveling. On the website http://www.heyhoneyguide.com they collect the most beautiful hidden gems and expierinces in The Netherlands. This is how Honeyguide insprires you to go beyond the beaten track and to enrich your spare time with the most beautiful adventures around the corner.

Oeschinensee Switzerland

The Oeschinensee is located in Kandersteg, Switzerland at an altitude of 1.578 meters. The lake is surrounded by the Bluemlisalp, whith the peaks of the Oeschinenhorn, Frundenhorn and the Doldenhorn. These peaks of more than 3.000 meters make for an impressive sight.

The water of the lake has this amazing shade of blue, due to the constant supply of melting water.

There is a lift that leads pretty much right up to the lake, which makes it a popular location. But the Oeschinnensee is also known to be the most beautiful mountain lake of Switzerland.

Hiking around Oeschinensee

Most people will just hike up to the lake, but it is a beautiful area to go for a longer hike. We hiked up to the Oberbargli hut, which is a small hut, where you can get some refreshments, but nothing to eat. Which we actually had counted on.

The hut is located at 1.973 meters. On your way up you will pass the waterfalls that supply the water for the lake.

This hike gives you amazing views over the lake. When you get to the hut, you can either continue to the next hut, the Bluemlisalphutte, where you can also spend the night, or you can hike back from here. You have two options, hike back the same way you came in, or head left along the ridge.

Which is what we did. It will take you up along the trail higher up, which gives you some incredible views over the Oeschinensee.

It is quite a narrow trail and parts of it has rocks on it, where you have to scramble across. But the views are definitely worth it. Half way through you will come to a bench overlooking the lake, from there you have some amazing views.

The total loop was 11 km, but we also hiked back down to Kandersteg. We did take the gondola up to the lake though.

How to get there?

The Oeschinnensee is located in Kandersteg Switzerland.
There is a parking lot at the bottom of the gondola.

Where to stay?

In Kandersteg you will find numerous hotels.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, there is also a campsite at the foot of the gondola. Which is where we stayed. Campsite Rendez -Vous, is a family owned campsite, where you will find all the conveniences you need.