A national forest so great it spans through multiple cities! Step outside and get a glimpse of that sweet Dutch nature.
Also known as the Green Forest, Het Groene Woud is a massive stretch of nature in The Netherlands. It was named as a national park back in 2005, and has since been a Dutch favourite! It’s so big, it spreads across three cities: Tilburg, Eindhoven, and ‘s-Hertogenbosch. Just how big is it? The national park is 7,500 hectares filled with agricultural landscape. There are 21 nature reserves within the Green Forest, and we think you should see all of them! The types of scenery you’ll witness in the park includes woods, streams, grasslands, marshes, sand dunes, and farms.
What can you do? Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and horseback riding are all popular activities in the park! There are tons of paths you can choose from. Go by foot, or level up with some wheels if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s perfect for a day trip, but if you do feel like extending your visit try out camping on the property. Take new heights in a climbing forest, or stop by the prehistoric museum: both great options for the little ones!
Did you know? The whole region used to be a religious area in Protestant Holland. That means you’ll encounter beautiful churches and monasteries all around! You’ll feel like you’re getting a glimpse of how ancient Holland used to look. Also make sure to check out the farms, mills, and country houses in the area! If you’re lucky, you may even walk by the “bolle akkers” or round fields - a farming technique to shape the sand into fruitful fields.
- Animals in the park: Keep your eyes out for one of the many animal inhabitants in the park! Red deer, badgers, hedgehogs, beavers, foxes, and other furry friends may all peek out to greet you on your visit!
- Farmers on the property - If you’re interested in seeing the making of fresh local products, you can visit one of the farms on the property!
- Great for kids! Getting out into nature is always an excellent time for the whole family. No matter which way you go through the park, it’s bound to be a fun filled day for everyone.
- Location is everything - Since Het Groene Woud is surrounded by several Dutch cities, it’s a quick drive to these other great activities: Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Efteling theme park, and Jheronimus Bosch Center!
- Grab & Trap: The national park offers a bike tour where you can cycle your way through the nature and taste local specialties! The cost is 44.24€ and the route is about 40km.
Tips and Tricks
- Bikes and canoes can be rented on the property for various prices.
- Check out the “Routes in Het Groene Woud” app as a handy way to navigate your way through the park! It even offers info on all the special locations on your path.
- Feel like being the navigator of your own trip? You can create your own route to walk or cycle on the website.
- There are several visitor centers throughout the national park that can help provide helpful info for your visit.
Getting There:
- By Car: Parking is available at the various visitor centers in the park. The A58, A2, and N65 all direct you into the national park.
- By Bus: There are various buses that easily go from Tilburg, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven
- By Train: There are various trains that easily go from Tilburg, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and Eindhoven
Park is open 24/7; visitor center hours vary.
All Seasons
Free entry; rental prices vary.
Open; national COVID guidelines apply.
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