Anna's Hoeve is a hilly area between Hilversum and Baarn offering forests, ponds, heathland and grassy areas. It is currently in a process of reconstruction, but is still accessible for the public. The lakes and hills are created by large masses of unemployed people in the Great Depression, as the municipality of Hilversum tried to combat the high levels of unemployment at that time. If you're up for it, go on to Baarn or the Soestdijk Palace.
Bussumerheide, Westerheide and Zuiderheide are heathlands in the north of Hilversum. The remains of a prehistoric civilization called Hilversum Culture come from this area. Clearly visible in the landscape are the 3000 to 4000 year old burial mounds. The Aardjesberg, formed in the penultimate ice age, can be recognised by a group of trees. In the last ice age, the Netherlands probably was an arctic tundra. Remains of a levallois arrow have been found here, which were probably used by Neanderthals for mammoth hunting. Consider continuing your way to Laren.
Corversbos, the closest forest on the west side of town. It's a bit bland and plenty of high school pupils use it as a shortcut to school. It was created after World War II with conifer trees and robinia flowers, which were widely available back then. Interesting is a beekeeper place from the 19th century, where you can see 40 to 60 beehives and the beekeepers' tools. You might come across buzzards, green woodpeckers, goshawks and tawny owls. Easy to combine with Gooilust or the Pinetum Blijdensteijn.
Gooilust (Zuidereinde 49, 's-Graveland) is a typical summer residence of a wealthy trader family from the Dutch Golden Age with an interesting history. Its enormous garden is a must-visit with trees and plants from all over the world. Previously it also held a wide collection of exotic mammals and birds, but they moved in 1939. You could extend your trip to see more of 's-Graveland and its summer residences.
Hilversums Wasmeer is a forested lake with interesting fauna. During warm days, insects from the odanata order can be seen, like dragon flies and damselflies. There are plenty of birds, like hobbies (falcons), as well as coots, tufted ducks, pochards, shelducks, and, if lucky, eared grebes and little grebes. From the south east side, you can have a great view on the lake.
Heathland at Hoorneboegse Heide
Hoorneboegse Heide is a heath that makes up for most of the south. Its slightly sloping landschape was formed in the penultimate ice age 150,000 years ago. The estate (and conference centre) Hoorneboeg is located on a hill and gives great vistas over the heath. Sundays is a great day to head through the Maartensdijkse Bos to Lage Vuursche for traditional Dutch pancakes. Further options are the artificial lakes and dykes in Loosdrecht and Loenen.
Laarder Wasmeer (Laarder Waschmeer) is a protected area and can only be partly accessed (in a guided tour, see the Do section). It has a combination of lakes, groups of trees and limited sand storms. There are plans to open larger parts of the area to the public in the future.
Spanderswoud is an interesting forest on the north side of town. Authorities have not interfered in natural processes of the forest since the 1980s, which make it more authentic. Several summer residences are at the west side of it, while Trompenberg, one of the wealthiest and leafy neighborhoods of the country, is at the south side. You can continue to the Bussumerheide, Westerheide and Zuiderheide by taking the Wildlife Crossing Zanderij Crailo, the largest wildlife crossing in the world.
If you want to explore these areas, first head over to the tourist office for some quality maps. It can be found at the Kerkbrink, which also happens to be the beginning point for most hiking and biking routes.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Hilversum
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Hilversum - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Hilversum hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Hilversum Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
