The Pieterpad (LAW9) is perhaps the most famous long-distance hike in the Netherlands. This trail runs across the country from north to south and is 498 kilometers long. The starting point is in Pieterburen near the Wadden Sea (Groningen), and the endpoint is at St. Pietersberg in Maastricht (Limburg). The route can be walked southbound or vice versa. The Pieterpad is divided into 26 (day) stages of 14 to 23 kilometers. Each stage starts and/or ends in a city or village. Along the way, you walk through the different landscapes of the Netherlands: from forest to heathland and from meadows to villages and towns. You cross old trading towns and discover the various nature reserves that the Netherlands has to offer. Because you walk the entire length of the Netherlands, you see the landscape and architectural styles of the houses slowly change and you discover that every part of the Netherlands is slightly different!
The plains of Groningen
The official starting point of the Pieterpad is a small village on the Wadden coast called Pieterburen. Most people will know Pieterburen from the seal rescue center there, but it is also a typical Groningen dyke village. From here you leave for Groningen via Winsum. Did you know that Winsum has been voted the most beautiful village in the Netherlands? The path runs through the green meadows along canals and typical Dutch windmills. Once you have arrived in the Hanseatic city of Groningen, you will get an impression of the old buildings, canals, and of course the Martinitoren.
The peace and nature in Drenthe & Overijssel
From Groningen, you walk to the province of Drenthe. Here you can enjoy beautiful nature such as on the Hondsrug and the Drentsche Aa. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open for Hunebedden, you will want to see this one too! You continue your way to the Balloërveld. This is a large heathland that is maintained by grazing Drenthe sheep. This stretch runs through the woods and heathlands, so the landscape is varied. After a while, you will notice that it begins to change again.
In Overijssel, you pass through the river valley of the Vecht. This river provides the characteristic flora and fauna. The path runs through Ommen and Hardenberg and takes you to the next nature reserve: the Sallandse Heuvelrug. In this beautiful nature reserve, you can enjoy the forest, heathland, and erratic boulders that were left behind after the ice age. If you pay close attention and are lucky, you can see the Dutch black grouse here. You have to be a bit lucky, since this bird is threatened with extinction, and this is the only place in the Netherlands where it can still be found. The path takes you over the Archemerberg, Lemelerberg, and Holterberg, where you can enjoy beautiful views.
Rivers and forests in Gelderland
Once you have arrived in Gelderland, you are almost halfway there! The official halfway point is located at Vorden Castle in the town of the same name. This castle with its wooded and green surroundings is a beautiful place to enjoy how far you have come and what is still to come. After Vorden, the trail continues in the direction of a new river area, namely that of the Rhine and the Waal. Here you will also cross the water many times. You walk through the wooded Beek to climb the many hills and the Duivelsberg. The border of Germany is close by, which is also reflected in the rolling landscape.
The rolling and sunny south: on to North Brabant & Limburg
The path continues to the south where you can again enjoy heathland, forests, and the many meadows that the Netherlands has to offer. Also, note how the landscape looks different compared to the north. Near Venlo, you can walk for hours through the woods without meeting other people. Here you almost walk on the border with Germany, and you will briefly cross the border here and there. This is perhaps the most beautiful part of the Pieterpad. The trail now takes you towards Sittard where the landscape becomes increasingly hilly and you have the idea that you are no longer walking in the Netherlands. The last part of the Pieterpad takes you over the Limburg plateau. Enjoy the views, grubs, and marl rocks before entering the hustle and bustle of Maastricht to end on St. Pietersberg.
Preparation details
Don’t forget:
We’ve put together a thru-hiking gear list here, but there are a few specific items to remember for the Pieterpad:
- Suitable (rain) clothing: in the Netherlands, you never know what the weather will do, so good preparation is important.
- Anti-insect/mosquito spray & tick remover: depending on the season, but especially in spring and summer there can be a lot of mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects on the trail.
- Walking shoes: make sure you have shoes that are suitable for both paved and unpaved roads.
Best travel time
You can walk the Pieterpad all year round. Between April and August, the trail is most crowded, but this is also the period in which the weather is best with pleasant temperatures and sunny and dry days. Take less good weather into account during the autumn and winter months. Many trails run through the forest or nature reserves, so it can be muddy if it has been raining a lot. In winter or early spring, the water in the rivers may be very high. If this is the case, diversions will be in order, or the ferries will not be able to sail. It is therefore good to check this before departure or whilst walking.
Good to know
There are plenty of accommodation options along the Pieterpad, so you can put together your own hike very easily. It does not matter whether you want to spend the night in a hotel, B&B or in your tent at the campsite: the possibilities are all there. Camping is a fun way to discover the Netherlands. Please note: wild camping is not allowed in the Netherlands. Fortunately, there are plenty of campsites available along the trail, from small-scale nature campsites and farm campsites to more luxurious campsites. Reservations are often not necessary with a (trekking) tent. Booking hotels or B&Bs is necessary, especially in high season. You don’t have to worry about food on the Pieterpad. Along the route, you walk past shops or eateries almost every day. Sometimes you must deviate slightly from the route. If you prefer not to, it is wise to find out in advance.
Useful links:
Info: Pieterpad
