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Nature ParksThe Netherlands has 20 national parks, they are areas with exceptional wildlife fauna and landscapes. All of the parks are over 10 Km² and have been developed for visitors to enjoy them, with walking routes and cycle paths. In some cases bikes can be rented free of charge.
Note: Smoking is prohibited in the woods and dune areas of Wassenaar from the 17 April to 15 September. The higher temperatures cause a risk of fire. Delftse HoutDelftse Hout (Delft woods) is a nature area within walking distance of the centre of Delft. There are marked routes, several cafés and the centre regularly organises guided walks. The Delftse Hout is also home to a five star campsite.
Dagstrand Oost-Maarland Recreation ParkThis 27 hectare recreational park located just south of Maastricht has a bathing area and beaches, outdoor and indoor playgrounds, as well as cafés and bars.
Stein Woods Recreational CentreThe Stein Woods Recreational Centre has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 52m water chute, as well as go-karts, pony riding, rowing and fishing.
Hiking & WalkingThe Netherlands are well-suited to walking and rambling - costal walks along the dunes and mud flats, to trekking in the national parks - and there is a wealth of information on these activities. The official Dutch Walking Association is the Stichting Wandelplatform.
The country has a network of paths and walks mapped out by the LAW. The LAWs are longer routes but they can be joined and exited at various points. The ANWB also has a comprehensive guide for walking in Holland. They publish guide books and route maps and in association with Pedigree dog food there are a series of dog friendly walking routes.
For combined city/sightseeing routes local Tourist Offices are the best source of information and can supply maps and details of guided tours in the area.
The VierdaagseThe Netherlands host the largest marching event in the world, for four days every summer, beginning on the third Tuesday in July, tens of thousands of people walk for four days. The event follows different routes each day and there are different circuits depending on age and fitness, either 30, 40 or 50 Km a day. The walk began in 1909 as a military event and although it is now dominated by the public many countries still send troops to complete the walk. Participants must register well in advance as there are now around 40,000 people taking part.
Canoeing and KayakingThere are plenty of inland waterways in the Netherlands suited to canoeing and kayaking, as well as the sea which provides a different challenge. The Nederlandse kanobond (NKB) is the national association for canoeing in Holland. It organises competitions and events throughout the year. To compete in events paddlers must be members and have a licence, which is issued by the NKB. To become a member, either apply directly to the NKB or join an affiliated canoe club and that will ensure automatic membership. The NKB organises flat water and white water races as well as slalom competitions and canoe polo.
Further Information
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This is the "The Great Outdoors" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Holland South. AngloINFO Holland South's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in South Netherlands, in English!". AngloINFO Holland South is your Holland South information source, for everyone living in Holland South or moving to Holland South, covering everything from the Holland South property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Holland, to all aspects of everyday life in the Holland South international community for those living their lives in Holland. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
