Top 10 Must-Visit Nature Reserves in the Netherlands for 2026

A rewilded polder with Konik horses and Heck cattle recreating a pre-human European landscape.

Drentsche Aa National Landscape boasts an impressive 10 km of navigable streams and rivers, offering visitors a serene and unspoiled experience. The landscape's ancient burial mounds, dating back to the Bronze Age, are a significant archaeological find and a testament to the region's rich history. In comparison to other national landscapes in the Netherlands, Drentsche Aa's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance makes it a standout attraction. With over 30% of its area protected as a nature reserve, Drentsche Aa is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Lauwersmeer National Park is a former sea inlet turned bird paradise, boasting an impressive 200,000 migratory birds each year. The park's unique dark-sky status allows for breathtaking stargazing experiences, with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the night sky. Compared to other national parks in the Netherlands, Lauwersmeer's diverse range of habitats and wildlife make it a top choice for nature enthusiasts. With over 70 km of hiking trails and 20 km of cycling routes, visitors can explore the park's vast expanse and experience its natural beauty firsthand.

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park offers a unique blend of coastal dunes and forests, covering over 20 km along the Dutch coast. The park is home to the European bison, a rare and majestic species, which roams freely in its natural habitat. Compared to other national parks in the Netherlands, Zuid-Kennemerland's coastal location and diverse range of flora and fauna make it a standout attraction. With over 50% of its area protected as a nature reserve, Zuid-Kennemerland is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

De Maasduinen National Park is home to the longest river dune in the Netherlands, stretching over 10 km along the Meuse. The park's varied habitats, including woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands, support a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered nightjar. Compared to other national parks in the Netherlands, De Maasduinen's unique combination of natural beauty and scientific significance makes it a top choice for nature enthusiasts. With over 40 km of hiking trails and 15 km of cycling routes, visitors can explore the park's vast expanse and experience its natural beauty firsthand.

Dwingelderveld National Park stands out for its unparalleled size, boasting the largest continuous wet heathland in Western Europe. Spanning an impressive 2,000 hectares, this unique ecosystem is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. What's more, Dwingelderveld is a sight to behold each August and September, as it transforms into a breathtaking landscape of purple hues.

Veluwezoom National Park is a hilly haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a diverse landscape of forests and heathlands. One of the highlights of visiting Veluwezoom is the opportunity to witness the red deer in their natural habitat during the autumn rut. With over 3,000 deer roaming the park, visitors can expect to see these magnificent creatures up close. In fact, Veluwezoom is home to the largest population of red deer in the Netherlands, making it a true wildlife enthusiast's paradise.