- Holterberg ridge — Low but dramatic moraine ridges with open views over the IJssel valley and a patchwork of pine and beech forest. The lookout points are outrageously photo-friendly at sunrise and it’s my personal favorite for a quick, rewarding climb and long vistas.
- Purple heathlands (de hei) — Vast expanses of heather that turn a deep purple in late summer. Walkable, quiet and surprisingly wild-feeling for the Netherlands; best time is August when the color and bees are both in full swing.
- Archemerberg — A gentler hill with grassy slopes, scattered copses and great all-round views. It’s a calm spot for wildflowers, butterflies and to watch how the landscape changes from open heath to small woods.
- Lemelerberg — A different texture: dry sands, old drift landscapes and mixed forest.
- Holterberg ridge — Low but dramatic moraine ridges with open views over the IJssel valley and a patchwork of pine and beech forest. The lookout points are outrageously photo-friendly at sunrise and it’s my personal favorite for a quick, rewarding climb and long vistas.
- Purple heathlands (de hei) — Vast expanses of heather that turn a deep purple in late summer. Walkable, quiet and surprisingly wild-feeling for the Netherlands; best time is August when the color and bees are both in full swing.
- Archemerberg — A gentler hill with grassy slopes, scattered copses and great all-round views. It’s a calm spot for wildflowers, butterflies and to watch how the landscape changes from open heath to small woods.
- Lemelerberg — A different texture: dry sands, old drift landscapes and mixed forest. Trails here feel more “backcountry” and give you that hollow, sandy underfoot that makes walking interesting.
- Schaapskudde (grazing sheep) — Traditional sheep flocks still graze the heath to keep it open. Seeing the herd and shepherd at work connects the landscape to real conservation — and it’s a cute photo op too.
- Heathland wildlife — Not headline-grabbing megafauna, but excellent birdlife (larks, stonechats), reptiles, butterflies and dragonflies. Quiet hours at dawn/dusk are rewarding if you’re into small-beast watching and soundscapes.
- Marked hiking and MTB trails — A dense network of walking loops and mountain-biking routes that take you along ridges, through forests and across open heath. Routes range from short loops to full-day ridge walks, so you can tailor it to energy level and weather.
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Best Backpacking
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.