Nature Holidays: Find Peace & Experience Nature Intensely

A well-planned nature holiday offers a direct connection with the environment, leading to greater peace and a deeper experience. Nature holidays are about slowing down, observing, and actively experiencing what the destination has to offer. Discover how, with the right preparation, you can put together a trip that is not only relaxing but also enriching.

The Added Value of a Nature Holiday

A nature holiday is a form of travel where the natural environment takes centre stage. Instead of a bustling city break, you opt for the tranquillity of forests, heathlands, coastlines, or mountains. This aligns with the principles of slow travel: you take the time to truly get to know a region, travelling more consciously and often more sustainably. By slowing down and focusing on your surroundings, there is more scope for spontaneous discoveries and a lasting sense of relaxation.

‘ Good preparation is the key to a successful journey. ’

Active Through Wilderness and Landscape: Hiking and Cycling

Hiking and cycling are excellent ways to explore landscapes at your own pace. Good preparation is key to a successful trip. Consider choosing a route that matches your fitness level, having the right equipment, and realistic daily planning.

Hiking Holidays

Long-distance routes such as the Pieterpad or the Trekvogelpad offer an excellent way to traverse the Netherlands on foot. National parks like the Utrechtse Heuvelrug or the Sallandse Heuvelrug have an extensive network of shorter, well-marked trails.

Route Selection: Choose a route based on landscape, length, and difficulty.
Equipment: Invest in good hiking boots, a comfortable backpack, and weatherproof clothing.
Accommodation: Book accommodation such as hikers' cabins or B&Bs along the route in advance, especially during peak season.

Cycling Holidays

Cycling holidays can range from day trips from a fixed location to multi-day treks. Plan your stages carefully, taking into account distance, terrain, and points of interest along the way. E-bikes make hilly areas, such as the Limburg hills, accessible to a wider audience. Ensure you have good panniers to transport your luggage efficiently.

Staying Overnight in Nature: Camping, Wild Camping, and Ecolodges

Your choice of accommodation partly determines your nature experience. From a basic tent to a comfortable lodge, the options are diverse.

Camping

Traditional campsites often have facilities such as sanitary amenities and electricity. Nature campsites are typically located in quieter areas and have a more basic setup. Book your spot, especially during holiday periods, to ensure availability. In some areas, you can have unique experiences, such as camping with the forest ranger.

Wild Camping

Wild camping, or free camping outside designated areas, is subject to strict rules in many countries. In the Netherlands, it is generally not permitted, except at a few designated 'paalkampeerplaatsen' (pole-camping sites). Always check local legislation to avoid fines and disturbance to nature. Safety and the 'Leave No Trace' principle are paramount: leave the spot as you found it.

Ecolodges

Ecolodges are accommodations focused on sustainability and minimal environmental impact. They are often built with eco-friendly materials and support the local community. A stay in an ecolodge combines comfort with the assurance that you are contributing to the preservation of nature.

Unforgettable Routes Through National Parks

National parks are protected areas featuring unique landscapes and ecosystems. They provide a suitable setting for various outdoor activities. Consider hiking in the vast heathlands of Dwingelderveld National Park, canoeing through the freshwater tidal area of the Biesbosch, or cycling over the forested hills of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Many parks have visitor centres where you can find information about routes, excursions, and the flora and fauna you might encounter.

Wildlife and Birdwatching Trips

Observing animals in their natural habitat is a special experience. Good planning increases your chances of success.

Wildlife Holidays

Delve into the behaviour of the animals you wish to see. Beavers, for instance, are most active during twilight, an experience you can enjoy during a boat trip in the Biesbosch. In autumn, you can hear the rutting red deer in areas like the Veluwe. Use binoculars to observe animals from a distance without disturbing them.

Birdwatching Trips

For birdwatchers, marshlands and coastal zones are ideal. Alde Feanen National Park in Friesland is known for its immense bird diversity. In spring and autumn, large groups of birds migrate through areas such as Lauwersmeer National Park. A good bird guide and binoculars are indispensable.

Diving Holidays and Trips to Polar Regions

For those seeking a different kind of nature experience, the underwater world and polar regions offer unique possibilities.

Diving Holidays

Diving reveals a world that normally remains hidden. For diving holidays, you need a diving certificate. Popular destinations are known for their clear waters, coral reefs, and rich underwater life. Safety is paramount; always dive with a buddy and within the limits of your certification.

Polar Nature Trips

Trips to Arctic or Antarctic regions are often organised expeditions. These journeys focus on observing the unique landscape and wildlife, such as polar bears, penguins, and whales. A specialised travel organisation handles the logistics and safety in these extreme environments. The right clothing and equipment are essential.

High in the Mountains: Alpine Holidays

The Alps offer challenging hiking opportunities with impressive panoramas. Multi-day hut-to-hut treks are a popular way to experience the high mountains. Good planning is essential.

Acclimatisation: Take your time to adjust to the altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
Mountain Huts: Book overnight stays in mountain huts well in advance, as they get booked up quickly.
Route Planning: Study the route, weather forecast, and difficulty level. Know how to navigate with a map and compass or GPS.

Nature Experience Without a Car: Travelling by Public Transport

Many natural areas are surprisingly well-accessible by public transport. A train journey takes you to a station near a national park, after which you travel further by local bus, shuttle, or a rented bicycle. This requires a little extra planning, but the result is a relaxed and sustainable way of travelling, where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

Nature Holidays for Every Traveller

Nature holidays are suitable for everyone, provided you tailor the trip to your wishes and company.

Solo Nature Holidays

Travelling alone in nature provides a great sense of freedom. Safety is a key consideration: always let someone know your route and be self-sufficient with navigation and a first-aid kit. If you desire company, participate in organised group activities or excursions.

Nature Holidays with Children

Taking children into nature is a wonderful experience. Opt for shorter, varied routes and visit special play forests or nature playgrounds. Many national park visitor centres organise educational activities specifically aimed at children. Take plenty of breaks and turn the walk into a journey of discovery.

Practical Preparation and Sustainable Choices

Good preparation is half the battle. Create a checklist for your equipment and packing, tailored to your destination and planned activities. Check the best travel time per area; in August, the heather is in bloom, while spring is very suitable for birdwatchers. Travel consciously and with respect for nature. This means protecting flora and fauna, minimising your waste, and supporting the local economy where possible.

With the right planning and information, a nature holiday becomes a worry-free experience. The practical guides and in-depth tips from Traveler Tips help you prepare for your trip smarter and more consciously. This way, you not only get more out of your destination but also out of the journey itself, leading to greater peace and a richer experience.