Finally!The Coast to Coast is a National Trail

The Netherlands is not a country most people picture when they think of long-distance walking. But look beyond the famous cities and flat northern plains and you'll find a country of surprising variety - ancient forests, sweeping heathlands, river valleys, moraine hills and a landscape shaped by thousands of years of human history.

At the heart of it all is the Pieterpad, the Netherlands' most celebrated long-distance walking trail. Stretching roughly 500km from the windswept coastal village of Pieterburen in the north to the limestone hills of Sint-Pietersberg near Maastricht in the south, it is a journey that takes you across an entire country on foot.

Created in the late 1970s by two Dutch friends who simply wanted to walk the length of the Netherlands without following a busy road, the Pieterpad has grown into a much-loved national treasure. Today it passes through prehistoric dolmen fields, UNESCO-protected landscapes, castle estates, abbeys, quiet farmland and traditional Dutch villages - offering a side of the Netherlands that most visitors never get to see.

Walking the Pieterpad is not just a holiday. It is an achievement. Over 28 days you'll watch the scenery change around you, feel the kilometres accumulate beneath your feet, and arrive in Maastricht with a deep sense of having truly crossed a country. With luggage transferred daily and comfortable hotels waiting each evening, the only thing you need to think about is the path ahead.

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Find your The Netherlands trip

The Netherlands highlights

 

Why travel with us

Local Knowledge of the Netherlands

We place great emphasis on researching, planning and crafting innovative itineraries of the Netherlands to ensure you get the very best experience out of your trip. We believe relationships are important and have been working with many of our hoteliers and local suppliers for years. This means that they know exactly what our travellers expect.

Personal Experience of the Netherlands

Our team have been cycling in the Netherlands for over 5 decades. We are passionate about the UK & Europe, active holidays and delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of the UK & Europe and bring a multi-disciplined, multicultural and whole-hearted love of all things travel.

Great Value & Quality Trips in the Netherlands

Our active holidays in the Netherlands are well priced offering great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. When you book, your trip will be fully organised by a dedicated member of our in-house team, so you will always know who you are dealing with. We take the stress out of organising your trip.

Responsible travel

 

Reducing waste

Our Waste Management Policy encourages our travellers to take their own reusable water bottles, coffee cups and reusable stuff sacks to avoid single use plastics. In the mountains of the Pyrenees and Mont Blanc our local partners reduce the amount of packaging taken on tour and ensure all waste is carried out from refuges that do not have road access to help dispose of it properly.

Supporting local

In the regions that we travel tourism is the main source of income for many local people. We support them by only working with local family run hotels and suppliers so your money supports the community that hosts you.

Paddock to Plate

The paddock to plate across Europe is one we encourage by choosing to work with accommodations that source produce from local farms. This provides you with fresher meals and ensures your money directly assists local economies.

Accommodation

Hotels

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Barges

Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location and you unpack only once. Berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day's activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.

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Essential information

Currency

Euro

International Dialing Code

+31

Electricity
Type C plug

Electricity in The Netherlands is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas

**IMPORTANT NOTE**

ETIAS will be introduced in the last quarter of 2026. No action is required from travellers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the specific date for the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

see https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Until then, visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/visa-policy_en . Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Safety

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.