10x the most beautiful hiking trails North Holland
Take your time in our beautiful region
10x the most beautiful hiking routes - On foot through Laag Holland
From green farmland trails and primeval Dutch stages to city walks through town and idyllic villages. North Holland is the perfect place for hiking. Put on your steps and be surprised by extraordinary views, beautiful nature and unique landscapes. We have listed the 10 most beautiful walking routes in Noord-Holland for you.
Purmerend city walks
Discover this historic market town
Did you know that the North Holland municipality of Purmerend is also a great place to walk? The canal route, tree walk, art route and town walk will all teach you more about the town. Get carried away on one of the routes and be surprised by the stories and sights of Purmerend.
The four city walks are between 3 and 4 kilometres long and good to do for young and old. Walk past centuries-old squares, special trees, beautiful works of art or historic canals.
Discover all town walks in Purmerend.
Marches route
Go in search of Scottish Highlanders in Het Twiske
Discover recreational area Het Twiske and the ribbon village of Landsmeer during the 8-kilometre Marches Route. The paved and unpaved paths take you through rough meadows and past green sand hills. The walk also takes you past the authentic Twiske windmill and the old Luijendijkje.
Along the way, don't forget to enjoy the inhabitants of this beautiful area. You will find Scottish Highlanders in De Blokken and many meadow, water and reed birds in De Vennen.
Route: Marches route.
3. Yard route
Experience the former island of Marken on foot.
Walking along dykes and yards, you will get to know the charming peninsula of Marken. The 7-kilometre Wervenroute shows you the typical Marker residential neighbourhoods. These neighbourhoods were created on yards, artificial hills that used to protect against flooding.
Sample the atmosphere of yesteryear on this walk past simple wooden cottages and characteristic buildings. You can clearly see what life was like here decades ago.
! This route is not always accessible until 2028.
Route: Yards route.
Volendam artists' village
Follow Leendert Spaander through Volendam
Do you know the story of Volendam? Art collector Leendert Spaander will be happy to tell you based on the paintings in his collection during the audio tour. As you walk across De Dijk and through cosy streets, you will learn all about the village's special places.
In the accompanying app, you can compare the places where the paintings of the Chip Collection originated with the present day. Be surprised by special stories and fun facts.
Route: Volendam Artists' Village.
Gablestone route
Keep looking up in Monnickendam
Another town in Noord-Holland where you can have fun walking is the harbour town of Monnickendam. With your nose up, you will discover the historic gable stones during the Gevelstenenroute. No other town in the Netherlands is as famous for its gable stones as Monnickendam.
Admire the unique stories behind the stones from the 17th century to the present day. Some are newly installed, but most are as old as the listed building itself.
Route: Gablestone route.
Ferry route
From meadow to pasture
Ready to step through a typical Dutch hiking area in North Holland? The 5-kilometre Pontjesroute takes you into farmland. Along the way, you will enjoy wide vistas with farms and windmills or greet curious cows grazing in the meadow.
Using the rope ferry on this route, you can cross farm ditches yourself. So you hop from meadow to meadow. This diversions is also sure to please children.
Route: ferry route.
7. Etersheim experience route
Go on an expedition in Etersheim and find out if you recognise places from the stories
This route takes you through the Etersheimerbraak polder and over its dike. From here, you have stunning views over the Markermeer and the Kleiput, the deepest point in North Holland. Now that is pure enjoyment!
This 3 km long audio tour takes you past sights and objects with a rich history.
Route: Bevelingsroute Etersheim
Herring & Hemp
Taste the history of the Island Polder
Surely, one of the most beautiful walking routes in North Holland is the Haring & Hennep one. This 13-kilometre walk takes you right through the Eilandspolder. As you spot the protected bird species in this watery meadow landscape, you will find peace and quiet.
Along the way, you walk through Graft, which was very important in the 17th and 18th centuries for catching herring and growing hemp. Today, the historic village has just 890 inhabitants and a few old farmhouses.
Route: Herring & Hemp.
9. World Heritage squared
Follow the geometric allotment pattern of the Beemster
Dykes, forts, sluices, cheese-cover farmhouses and wide views. The 17-kilometre route 'World heritage squared' leads you through two special world heritage sites, namely Droogmakerij de Beemster and the Hollandse Waterlinies. An ideal route if you want to learn more about history at the same time.
Traverse the polder landscape some 3.5 metres below sea level and get to know the unique combination of two world estates. This landscape in North Holland is truly a paradise to walk through.
Route: World Heritage in the Square.
10. Recreational & historical Oostzaan
Walk through town & country
Walk through the historic heart of Oostzaan and enjoy the peace and nature of recreation area Het Twiske. Along the way, you will pass the Twiskemolen, the Stootersplas and special historical sites in the village. A varied route full of nature, culture and beautiful views - perfect for a relaxing day out.
Route: Recreational & Historic Oostzaan.
