Hiking in the Netherlands – Nijmegen

Hiking in The Netherlands is great, thanks to the numerous opportunities to escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in nature. With its enchanting forests, dunes, and rivers, Holland is a hiker’s paradise. In this article, I’m excited to recount my adventure on the N70 hike in Nijmegen, a journey that left me in awe of Holland’s natural beauty.

Nijmegen, nestled in the picturesque west of Holland in the province of Gelderland, is a city of unique charm and beauty. It’s not just the home of the renowned ‘4-day walk in July,’ the largest walking event in the world with over 45,000 participants from 70 different nationalities. Nijmegen also boasts the Seven Hills Walk in September, a strenuous hike through the hilly forests that surround the city.

These unique features make Nijmegen a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Let me share my experience hiking the beautiful forests and hills of Nijmegen!

If you’re planning a trip, visit in May or October, when the weather is excellent, and you can avoid the tourist masses that come in the summer. Remember to pack a bottle of water and some snacks, as the hike is long, and there is only a Pancake restaurant along the route.

About this Nijmegen Hike

This walk is perfect for those interested in hiking in the Netherlands. Some hiking sites have named this route the most beautiful in The Netherlands.

The walk mainly occurs through the forest, but some stretches pass through the city. The path is well-marked. There are many ups and downs and some steps, but everything is easy to achieve.

We start the walk at the Tante Kosje cafe restaurant. When we arrived early in the morning, it had not yet opened; this cafe opened at noon. Look for a trail marker painted green nearby. You will also see a board with the words Natuurroute N70. Follow that path; that is the beginning of the trail in Ubbergen!

Heerlijkheid Beek

Nestled on the steep hillside between Beek and Berg en Dal, just east of Nijmegen, is the stunning nature reserve of Heerlijkheid Beek. With its surprising height differences, walking through this landscape felt almost like I was not in the Netherlands.

The Romans once used these high grounds as a lookout, bringing chestnut trees to the area, which you can still see today. The weather was beautiful this autumn; the ground was covered in vibrant red leaves.

Different landscapes

As I hiked through the forest, leaving behind the towering trees, I emerged into a serene countryside scene at sunrise. Before me, a group of cows grazed peacefully in a misty field framed by gentle, rolling hills and scattered trees.

Like a gentle veil, the mist draped over the landscape, giving everything an enchanting, dreamlike quality. In the distance, the sky was painted in warm shades of yellow and orange, with silhouettes of trees standing starkly against the light.

Birds and Mushrooms

This hike allowed us to see some birds and mushrooms besides the cows we encountered! We found signs warning of the presence of deer, but unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to see any.

Gnome Tree

At a certain point, I stumbled upon the Gnome Tree, a towering giant I’d read about—so tall and thick, standing at 850 centimeters and likely 450 years old!
This ancient tree is the heart of the Gnome Route, a magical path where children search for hidden gnomes tucked into mushrooms and branches, bringing the forest’s mysteries to life. It is said to be the thickest and oldest tree in the Netherlands.

The Chestnut Valley

After staying for a while to admire the oldest and thickest tree in The Netherlands, I followed the route until I found a small stream. Passing the stream, I left this beautiful area called Chestnut Valley.

The Washerwoman

Following the route, I left the forest to reach a corner with a small park. There stood the statue of the Washerwoman (“Wasvrouwtje”), honoring Beek’s laundry heritage. Created in 1984 by local artist Jan Schoenmakers with help from volunteers, the statue sits beside an old water wheel.

The Old Tram Power Station

Walking along Van Randwijckweg, I discovered “The Power Station,” a brick-faced building that once housed three generators supplying electricity to a tram connecting Beek with Berg en Dal and Nijmegen in the early 1900s. This historic landmark, now a museum, preserves the region’s industrial history, but I could not visit it as it was closed.

Old German Border

After passing in front of the power station and following the street, I turned left to enter the nature trail again. In a corner, the former German border, a significant part of our shared history, was hidden behind tree branches.
The signpost has stood in this spot for over a century, pointing towards Germany and the Netherlands. Two of its arms bear an inscription: “Let friendship heal what borders divide.” This was where the national boundary ran until the border adjustment in 1949. An old borderstone remains here, though the border now lies two kilometers east.

The Duivelsberg – Devil’s hill

After crossing the former German border, the landscape transformed dramatically, unveiling the serene beauty of the Duivelsberg – Devil’s Mountain. This tranquil nature reserve was originally part of Germany but became Dutch territory after the Second World War. We witnessed a harmonious scene of cows grazing peacefully as we strolled through.

Landscapemuseum

Tucked in a small road is the Landscapemuseum. Unfortunately, it was closed when I tried to visit. At the Landschapmuseum, visitors can explore miniature landscapes representing iconic rural scenes from the Netherlands and southwest England. These detailed models illustrate the diverse and captivating beauty of the Dutch countryside.

We continued walking through the beautiful forest until we reached a point where you could find a board explaining the story of Devil’s Hill, a hill and nature reserve with a dark name and an even darker history.

The Duivelsberg Pancake Restaurant

Why not take a break and enjoy some traditional Dutch pancakes? If you’re lucky, you might find a table on the terrace. This restaurant is quite popular since there are no other places in the forest to grab a drink. Children particularly love this spot! This is a popular place as there are no other places in the forest where you can drink something. Children love this place!

The Witches Dance

I’ve read that the story or urban legend surrounding this place involves witches once killed there. An informational board explains various aspects of the origin of the name, including a tragic murder. Please take a look at it to learn more about this mysterious place.

Philosophers Bridge

Before reaching the Philosopher’s Bridge, we walked through a breathtakingly beautiful area, crossing a forest and stepping on a carpet of orange-brown leaves. Autumn truly adds a magical touch to this place! After crossing the bridge, I came across another road signpost.

The Spoelput -Rinsing well

After crossing the street, we discovered some beautiful, large villas. We took a narrow road and came across the Spoelput, a restored rinsing well. It reminds us of the laundries that used to be here.

End of the Hike

We walked again along Heerlijkheid Beek and the Holleweg in Berg en Dal, then hiked along the unpaved forest paths. We also explored the grounds of the Natuurmonument, Hengstdal, which beautifully connects the city with nature, featuring both forest and grassland.

After passing through this area, we returned to our starting point at Tante Koosje restaurant cafe, ending our hike with a well-deserved coffee!

Final thoughts

The route I just shared is one of the most beautiful places in The Netherlands to hike. It is in the forest’s heart, especially if you appreciate nature. I visited this area early in the morning in autumn and relished the tranquility it offered. I encountered a few runners and people walking their dogs during my hike. The morning mist added a magical touch to the forest. Children and adults can give way to their imagination!