10km hike at Soesterberg from Den Dolder train station

Join us for a scenic 10 km circular hike starting and ending at Den Dolder train station. This route offers a rich mix of landscapes and history: tranquil forest trails and wide open fields at the unique grounds of the former Soesterberg Air Base. Along the way, we’ll encounter fascinating remnants of its military past, including old radar installations, guard houses, munitions depots, and the National Military Museum. The highlight? Walking on the runway, an unforgettable experience that gives a true sense of the scale and history of this unique place.

This hike combines nature, history, and open landscapes in a single route, making it a perfect outing for anyone who loves variety and discovery.

Warning: please don't get off the paths during the hike, as there might be unexploded explosives hidden in the ground still. All paths are definitely safe though, they have been checked very well.

Do you think about joining, but you're not sure if it's something for you? Let us explain. Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in or around Utrecht. If you're in for a hike with a bunch of friendly other hiking enthusiasts, you're very welcome to join, no matter whether you're an expat, local, nomad, student, professional, beginner, alone or with friends. The hikes are a way to meet people while being active and going to places you otherwise might not be going to. We call this 'Social Hiking'. If your aim is to hike fast, we might not be the right hiking group for you though.

How should you prepare? Please wear good walking shoes and have a good look at the weather forecast. About 75% of the route is going over paved paths and the other 25% is unpaved. Use SPF and a hat if needed and bring enough water to stay hydrated. Let's hope we won't need any umbrellas or rain ponchos. In case of very bad weather predictions, we may postpone this hike to another day.

Please try to arrive to Den Dolder train station on time. We'll be waiting for the 10:33AM train to arrive, but we'll be departing soon after that. If you're late due to unforeseen circumstances, please write on WhatsApp to +31621177691. We can't keep the whole group waiting for you, but we can send you our live location so you can try to catch up with us.

At Den Dolder train station there are no toilets, so please use a restroom before you arrive. About halfway the hike we'll go for a short sanitary stop.

Unfortunately dogs are not allowed at this hike, as they're not allowed at the grounds of the former air base.

After the hike there is the option to have lunch / drinks in Den Dolder.

Participation in the hike is free of charge, but as we do make some costs in organising (MeetUp subscription, transport costs), donations are very welcome. If you'd like to support us, you can do that via this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=VZhJs7khvGRrZa2w2i0jt8ioH3EZjrRL

If you're having any questions, please let us know.

See you at Den Dolder train station on Saturday 11th of October!