
Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
Vast national park with pine & beech forests, offering extensive hiking, cycling, and lookout tower views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical fall colors abound

Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
Best Time
Magical fall colors abound
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast national park with pine & beech forests, offering extensive hiking, cycling, and lookout tower views.
"Superrrrr nice park. Insanely huge. Walked 28km there. Soooo much stuff like playgrounds, pyramid, camper van parks..."

🐾 Keep Dogs Leashed
Wolves have been sighted; always keep your dog on a leash for safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets available, so be prepared for longer excursions.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amerongse Berg
Amerongen
Hike through forests and ascend the highest point for stunning autumn views.

Kaapse Bossen
Doorn
Explore diverse greenery, from dense forests to open sandy fields and small lakes.

Lookout Tower
Various locations
Climb for panoramic views over the sprawling national park and surrounding landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Leash Up for Wildlife Encounters
Plan Your Hydration & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Keep Dogs Leashed
Wolves have been sighted; always keep your dog on a leash for safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets available, so be prepared for longer excursions.
🚴♀️ Cycle Paths Galore
Enjoy well-maintained cycleways perfect for touring.
👟 Trail Running Adventure
Challenging up-and-down trails offer a unique running experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Keep Dogs Leashed
Wolves have been sighted; always keep your dog on a leash for safety.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
No toilets available, so be prepared for longer excursions.
🚴♀️ Cycle Paths Galore
Enjoy well-maintained cycleways perfect for touring.
👟 Trail Running Adventure
Challenging up-and-down trails offer a unique running experience.
📸 Capture the Haze
Morning mist creates a beautiful, frosty atmosphere for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park for its immense size and diverse natural beauty, offering a welcome escape with extensive walking and cycling trails. Many appreciate the varied landscapes, from forests to open fields and lakes, and the serene atmosphere. However, a significant drawback noted by many is the severe lack of public toilets throughout the park.
"It is a beautiful forest. Walking in it gives me very relaxed feeling🙏🏽"
Phensiri Voortman
"This is a great national park to visit with many bike trails within it, provides a nice respite from the city. The ride here is very picturesque from Utrecht making it worth it tho far. Don't expect any spectacular views and you won't be disappointed. They even have wild blackberries."
RV
"Superrrrr nice park. Insanely huge. Walked 28km there. Soooo much stuff like playgrounds, pyramid, camper van parks , parking, tenting and camping area, picnic tables, and soooo much different greenery. Fields and forests and little rivers and lakes. Super diverse. However there are no toilets anywhere !!! So be ready for that"
eli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach parts of the park from Utrecht Central Station via bus or train. Look for routes heading towards Amerongen or Doorn for access to popular hiking areas like the Amerongse Berg and Kaapse Bossen.
Yes, there are several parking areas within and around the park, making it accessible for those traveling by car.
Absolutely! The park is connected by excellent cycleways, offering a scenic ride from Utrecht towards the German border.
While it's a large area, popular starting points for hikes and bike rides include Kasteel Amerongen and areas near Doorn and Rhenen.
Some main paths may be accessible, but the diverse terrain, including sandy areas and hills, might pose challenges. It's best to check specific trail conditions if accessibility is a concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park itself is generally free. However, some specific attractions within or near the park, like castles, might have their own admission fees.
As a natural park, it's typically open year-round from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like visitor centers or cafes may have set hours.
There are no specific fees for hiking or cycling within the national park. Enjoy the natural beauty freely!
Yes, dogs are welcome, but it's crucial to keep them on a leash due to wildlife, including recent wolf sightings.
While not always advertised, local nature organizations or visitor centers might offer guided walks, especially during peak seasons or for specific wildlife spotting. Check local listings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park offers a variety of trails, from well-maintained cycling paths to challenging hiking and trail running routes with significant elevation changes.
Unfortunately, public toilets are scarce throughout the park. It's essential to plan ahead and use facilities before entering or at designated spots.
Climbing the lookout towers offers fantastic panoramic views. The Amerongse Berg also provides scenic vistas, especially during autumn.
Yes, there are numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the park, making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch amidst nature.
Besides diverse flora, you might encounter deer, various bird species, and even wolves, so always be mindful of your surroundings and keep pets leashed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself is primarily natural, you can find cafes and restaurants near popular entry points, such as the Kasteelstallen at Kasteel Amerongen.
Absolutely! The park is dotted with picnic tables, and bringing your own food is a popular way to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Consider stopping at cafes near Kasteel Amerongen or in nearby villages like Doorn after your exploration.
Food vendors are not a common feature within the park itself. It's best to rely on nearby establishments or pack your own provisions.
If you're camping, you'll need to bring your own food or visit nearby restaurants. Some camper van parks might have limited facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The lookout towers offer panoramic shots, while the diverse forests, especially during autumn, provide stunning natural scenes. Morning mist can also create magical photographic opportunities.
With diverse flora and fauna, including potential wolf sightings, it can be, but always maintain a safe distance and respect the animals' space.
Early mornings often offer beautiful light and atmospheric haze, while late afternoons provide golden hour warmth.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check specific park regulations before flying.
A versatile lens for landscapes and potential wildlife, a wide-angle lens for expansive views, and a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions would be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists & Bike Tourers
🏃 Trail Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails: Hiking & Cycling
For cyclists, the park features well-maintained cycleways that are part of longer touring routes, even connecting towards the German border. Trail runners will appreciate the undulating terrain, with routes like the Utrechtse Heuvelrug Ultra Trail (UHUT) offering significant elevation changes and a true test of endurance. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for varied terrain.
When planning your route, consider the diverse landscapes available, from the highest point at Amerongse Berg to the varied greenery of Kaapse Bossen, which includes forests, open sandy areas, and small lakes. Always check trail conditions, especially after wet weather, and be aware of your surroundings, particularly regarding wildlife.
Wildlife Encounters: From Deer to Wolves
These sightings underscore the importance of responsible park visitation. Visitors are strongly advised to keep their dogs on a leash at all times to prevent potential conflicts with wildlife and ensure the safety of both pets and animals. Maintaining a respectful distance from all wildlife is crucial for their well-being and your safety.
Beyond the more elusive animals, the park's diverse habitats also support smaller creatures and a rich plant life. Keep an eye out for wild blackberries during the season, adding a sweet treat to your exploration. The presence of these animals highlights the park's ecological significance and the ongoing efforts in nature conservation.
Photography Opportunities: Capturing Nature's Beauty
For those seeking atmospheric shots, early mornings are particularly rewarding. The morning haze can create a mystical, frosty ambiance, adding a unique character to your photographs. The diverse greenery, from dense woods to open sandy areas and small lakes, offers a rich palette for nature photographers.
When photographing wildlife, remember to use appropriate lenses and maintain a safe distance. The park's natural beauty also lends itself to capturing candid moments of outdoor activities, from cycling tours to trail runs. While drone photography might be restricted, the accessible viewpoints and natural scenery provide ample subjects for stunning images.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit