What we’re about
This is a group for people (Dutch and international) enjoying nature and discovering the Dutch countryside. We will do small weekend hikes (between 10km and 20km) somewhere in The Netherlands mostly following the NS-wandeling routes.
You can find more information about all the routes here: https://www.ns.nl/dagje-uit/wandelen#/ ;
We use public transport to get to a location and walk from there, through beautiful countryside, to the next station.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- The Drowned Forest Hike 🌳 Forts, Bunkers, and Waterlines --MOVED TO 17.05 --Houten Castellum NS train station, Houten€2.50
Please complete the contribution payment below
https://tikkie.me/pay/42lpangkgqjqbmat4qcfThis payment covers meetup subscription costs and confirms your attendance. You can read more about it at the bottom of this text.
--- Please complete the tikkie when you RSVP ---WhatsApp Group Link📞📍Please join the Whatsapp group to communicate about updates and follow group location if needed.
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NATURE WALK DESCRIPTION
Join us for a special day out walking a unique route packed with surprises – from colorful neighborhoods to eerie drowned forests and powerful historical landmarks. This 12 km walk starts in the lively and modern Castellum district of Houten, where pastel-colored houses hug quiet canals and pedestrian bridges link the streets like a miniature Venice.We’ll then head out into nature, following waterways old and new – from the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to hidden side streams and finally the river Lek. One highlight is the Verdronken Bos (“Drowned Forest”), where we’ll walk across a 300-meter boardwalk built right over the water, surrounded by trees that died standing when their roots were flooded.
For those who joined the last Drowned Forest Hike, this one follows the same route—just in reverse! The views are even better this way, and ending in Culemborg feels like a treat. It’s a peaceful old town, perfect for winding down with a drink. Since the weather’s getting warmer, we’ll keep the walk a bit shorter this time and leave more room to relax and socialize over something cold.
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### 🏰 Along the Way:
- Forts, bunkers & canals from the New Dutch Waterline – a remarkable 85 km defense system built between 1815–1940 to flood land and keep invaders out
- Ferry crossing with the Liniepont (available in spring/summer) – a scenic float across the Lek
- Steenwaard floodplains – wild, untouched nature filled with birds and river views
- Charming end in Culemborg, where we can rest on a sunny terrace or grab a drink near the station
We will exercise 2 times 30 minutes of mindful silence along the way.
### Details
📍 Meeting Point: Castellum Station
🏁 End Point: Culemborg Station
🚶 Distance: ~12 km (shorter options possible)
⏳ Duration: ~4 hours (including breaks)
🥪 Bring: Water, snacks/lunch, and sturdy footwear (some paths may be muddy)This is a social but easygoing hike—come enjoy the fresh air, good company, and a bit of history along the way!
About contribution:
While the goal is to include as many people as possible, spots are limited to maintain the necessary calm for the event, and no-shows have previously prevented willing wait-listers from joining. Your contribution is therefore a commitment to attendance and an act of respect for those genuinely interested. At the end of the year, whatever is left after covering meetup costs will be donated to Doctor's Without Borders.
