Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park
Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park is one of the largest contiguous dry heath areas in Western Europe. This beautiful nature reserve in the province of Overijssel is a dynamic nature reserve with a diverse population of animals and plants. The Sallandse Heuvelrug is a moraine that was created during the penultimate ice age. This moraine has been a National Park since 2004 and feels almost out of place in the Netherlands due to the height differences. Walk through the woods or cycle along the heathland – Sallandse Heuvelrug offers all kinds of outdoor leisure activities.
- Discover the characteristic landscape of the National Park.
- Explore the area on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback.
- Escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
A dynamic habitat for plants
In Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, the flora and fauna are diverse. For example, the heathlands are home to heather, a characteristic plant in these parts. In the summer it blooms with beautiful purple flowers. Heath also grows in the wetter parts of the park and often produces small pink flowers. In the forests, you’ll mainly find birch trees, which grow quickly on dry sandy soil, and oaks, which provide shade for various animal species. The sundew, a carnivorous plant that catches small insects, often grows in the wet parts of the park.
Many animal species and the rare black grouse
The fauna of Sallandse Heuvelrug is just as varied as its flora. The park is home to over 75 bird species. The rarest of these are the stonechat, raven, nightjar and black grouse. As the only place in the Netherlands where these birds can still be found, the park is famous for its grouse. They mainly live in the open heathlands and grasslands. Other animals that can be observed in the park are deer, vipers, pine martens, slow worms, buzzards, newts, various types of butterflies and much more.
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© Ellen van den Doel -
© Barbara Trienen -
© Sjoerd Bracke & Cuno de Bruin via MarketingOost -
© MarketingOost -
© Ellen van den Doel via Sallandse Heuvelrug
Outdoor activities
The Sallandse Heuvelrug nature reserve is ideal for hiking and cycling, with several marked routes through heathlands, forests and rolling hills. There are trails for every level, from leisurely walks to challenging mountain bike routes. Sturdy shoes are recommended as some terrain can be difficult. You can also explore the area via nearby cycling junctions, allowing you to see more of this beautiful landscape.
Activities in nature
The park also hosts a wide range of nature-related activities. Located at the foot of the Holterberg, Nature Museum Holterberg is a good place to learn more about the local flora and fauna. The museum has exhibitions and activities for visitors of all ages. The information centres at the park entrances are great sources of information about the history, nature and activities offered in the area.
Nature reserves in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has no fewer than 40 nature reserves, 21 of which are National Parks and 20 National Landscapes.
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