Days: 33 (6 rest days)
Km: 681
Paid accommodation: 28 nights
Free accommodation: 5 nights
Best food: Gehaktballen (the best meatball of the Netherlands in a B&B in Holwerd)
Best drink: Champagne (on Moiken’s birthday)
Favorite word: lekker
Favorite place: Haarlem
Netherlands in one word: Dikes
More than just flat trails on and along dikes, our hike in the Netherlands went through hilly dune landscapes, some of them remotely ressembling African savannas, beautiful old towns with their romantic channels, and over impressive dams. Walking over the Afsluitdijk was a very special experience, of which we still keep good memories. Finally, we were close to the sea again, and had some opportunities to walk on long sand beaches.
Autumn was in full swing while we were in the Netherlands, with a lot of fog, strong wind, and cold and cloudy days; but the sun appeared often enough to warm us up and cast light on the amazing scenery. People we met on the way were very helpful and friendly, and communication was no problem, as nearly everybody speaks excellent English.
One of the highlights was the support of the Dutch hiking association, with one of their directors joining us for a day of hiking and giving us lots of ideas to come back and explore more of the Dutch hiking trails.
loading map - please wait...
What an amazing journey you have had! You are inspiring me to venture out beyond France!