A Flower Lover's Guide to Hiking Routes in Holland
The Netherlands transforms into a spectacular floral wonderland throughout the year, offering hikers colorful landscapes far beyond the famous tulip fields. This Ellermann Flower Boutique guide highlights the best walking routes for those who want to combine their love of flowers with exploring the Dutch countryside.
Spring Spectacles (March - May)
The Keukenhof Route, Lisse
While Keukenhof itself is a paid garden, the surrounding bulb field region offers stunning free walking routes. The Bollenstreek Wandelroute (approximately 25 km, divisible into shorter sections) winds through seas of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths from late March through May. Start in Lisse and follow the marked trails through Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout, where commercial flower fields create striped carpets of color.
Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, Zandvoort
This 3,400-hectare nature reserve bursts with wildflowers in spring. The dune landscape hosts over 700 plant species, including rare orchids. Multiple marked trails range from 5-15 km, taking you through flowering dune valleys and past grazing Highland cattle. The orchid season peaks in May and June.
Veluwezoom National Park
The Netherlands' oldest national park features extensive heathlands that bloom with purple heather from August through September, but spring brings carpets of bluebells in the forest sections. The Posbank route (8 km) offers panoramic views over flowering heathlands and mixed woodlands.
Summer Blooms (June - August)
Naardermeer, Naarden
This oldest nature reserve in the Netherlands is a paradise for wetland flower enthusiasts. The 6 km circular route around the lake showcases yellow iris, purple loosestrife, and water lilies. Visit in June and July when aquatic plants are at their peak. Guided tours are available on Sundays.
Schiermonnikoog Island
The entire island is a national park with extensive dune systems. The Westerplas route (12 km) passes through dune valleys filled with evening primrose, sea holly, and rare dune orchids. The car-free island makes for peaceful hiking among flowers and birds.
Biesbosch National Park
This freshwater tidal wetland offers unique flora. The Griendhout route (10 km) from Dordrecht showcases willow forests and flower-rich grasslands. Summer brings yellow flag iris, flowering rushes, and meadowsweet creating a fragrant waterside experience.
Heather Season (August - September)
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Home to the famous Kröller-Müller Museum, this park transforms into a purple sea during heather season. The Ericacea route (16 km) specifically highlights heather landscapes. Free white bicycles make exploring the 5,400-hectare park easier, but walking allows you to appreciate the flowers up close.
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
Less crowded than the Veluwe, this heathland region offers spectacular purple vistas in late summer. The Holterberg route (11 km) climbs to the highest point in Overijssel, with sweeping views over flowering heathlands.
Dwingelderveld National Park
One of the largest and best-preserved wet heathland areas in Western Europe. The Lheederzand route (14 km) takes you through both dry and wet heather, creating color variations from pink to deep purple. Ancient juniper trees dot the landscape.
Practical Tips for Flower-Focused Hiking
Timing Your Visit
Tulip fields: Mid-April to early May
Forest wildflowers: Late April to May
Orchids: May to June
Heather: Mid-August to mid-September
Water plants: June to July
What to Bring
Macro lens or smartphone with good camera for close-ups
Field guide to Dutch wildflowers
Binoculars (many flower areas are also excellent for butterflies and birds)
Respectful behavior: stay on marked paths, never pick flowers in nature reserves
Getting There Most locations are accessible by train and bus. The NS (Dutch Railways) website offers hiking route suggestions with public transport connections. Consider the OV-fiets bike rental at stations for reaching more remote trailheads.
Route Marking Look for the distinctive Dutch hiking markers: white-red rectangles for long-distance routes (Lange Afstand Wandelpaden), and mushroom-shaped posts with colored markers for regional routes.
Best Resources
Wandelnet.nl: Comprehensive route database
Natuurmonumenten and Staatsbosbeheer: Major nature organizations with maintained trails
VisitHolland.com: Seasonal flower bloom updates
Year-Round Opportunities
Even in winter, Holland offers flower-focused walks. The Kruidfestival (Herb Festival) gardens remain interesting, and greenhouses like those in the Westland region provide colorful escapes. Early spring brings snowdrops and crocuses to parks and estates throughout the country.
The Netherlands may be small, but its diversity of habitats—dunes, heathlands, wetlands, and forests—creates a remarkably varied floral calendar. Each season paints the landscape in different hues, making Holland a year-round destination for flower-loving hikers.
