Hilversum Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hilversum with this travel guide that includes a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy and more.


Introduction to Hilversum

Hilversum is a charming, well-connected city situated in the Gooi en Vechtstreek region of the North Holland province in the Netherlands. This leafy suburb boasts lush parks, bustling shopping streets and a mix of historic and modern architecture, making it a great destination for tourists visiting the Netherlands.

List of Places to Visit in Hilversum

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Museum Hilversum

Museum Hilversum is a modern multimedia museum, focused on media, fiber optic and graphic design arts. The museum hosts many exhibitions focused on society, culture and the media.

Dudok Architecture Centre

The Dudok Architecture Centre is a museum and an information centre about the architecture of Hilversum and the Dutch architect Willem Marinus Dudok.

Hilversum’s City Hall

Hilversum’s City Hall is a stunning piece of architecture from the 1930s, designed by the renowned Dudok. The Municipal Museum will organize a visit to the city hall exclusively for groups of up to 20 people.

Natural Attractions of Hilversum: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Goois Natuurreservaat

The Goois Natuurreservaat is a nature reserve located north of Hilversum. It is a beautiful, sprawling natural area that offers stunning views, scenic hiking trails and dense forests to explore.

Loosdrecht Lakes

The Loosdrecht Lakes are a series of scenic, interconnected lakes located southeast of Hilversum. They offer watersports, cycling, and bird watching opportunities throughout the year. There is also a sailing school where guests can learn to sail.

Hilversumse Hei

Hilversumse Hei is a green oasis located east of the city center. It is a great place to take a walk, jog or bike ride while enjoying the views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hilversum

Hilversum offers many scenic hiking and biking routes that take visitors through beautiful countryside and past historic landmarks. The routes can be accessed from the city center or from nearby train stations.

Hiking Routes

Route 1 - The Hilversum Forest & Corversbos

This route takes you on a scenic walk through the Hilversum Forest and the Corversbos. You’ll enjoy the beauty of the forest, open fields, and historic farmhouses.

Route 2 - Vreelandseweg

This route will take you to one of the oldest and prettiest streets in Hilversum - Vreelandseweg. Along the way, you’ll see several historic buildings and scenic gardens.

Biking Routes

Route 1 - Around the Loosdrecht Lakes

This biking route is a must-do for cyclists visiting Hilversum. It takes you on a scenic tour of the Loosdrecht Lakes, with stops at charming villages and waterfront restaurants.

Route 2 - Hilversum’s Hidden Gems

This route will take you on a tour of Hilversum’s lesser-known sights, including the secretive Anna’s Hoeve and the serene Zuiderheide.

Best Things to Do in Hilversum: Activities and Tours

Explore the City Center

Hilversum’s city center is filled with art deco buildings and bustling shopping streets. Take a walk around to explore the historic architecture and local shops.

Go Shopping in Hilversum

Hilversum’s shopping streets offer a wide range of options for shoppers, with everything from local boutiques to big-name brands. There are also several farmers’ markets held on Saturdays that are worth checking out.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hilversum

Day 1 - Explore the City Center Day 2 - Visit Natural Attractions of Hilversum Day 3 - Enjoy Hiking/Biking Routes of Hilversum Day 4 - Experience the City’s Architecture and Museums Day 5 - Shopping in Hilversum’s Boutiques and Local Markets Day 6 - Visit Nearby Mountains and Waterfalls Day 7 - Relax on Hilversum’s Stunning Beaches

Food and Drink Scene of Hilversum

Must-Try Dishes

Hilversum’s local cuisine is influenced by neighboring countries, including Belgium, Germany and France. Some of the must-try dishes include Stoofpot (rich beef stew), Kibbeling (battered fish), and Poffertjes (mini pancakes).

Local Beverages

One of the most popular beverages in Hilversum is Gooische Bierbrouwerij, which is a local brewery that makes a variety of hand-crafted beers. Other popular beverages include jenever (Dutch gin) and Dutch coffee, the latter served with a small cookie on top

Where to Stay in Hilversum: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Hilversum has many options for accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular options include the Amrâth Hotel, Hotel Gooiland and Hotel Ravel.

What to Buy in Hilversum: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

One of the best souvenirs from Hilversum is locally made cheese. Gooische cheese is one of the most popular kinds and can be found in local shops and markets.

Local Culture and Customs of Hilversum

Hilversum has a rich cultural history that is celebrated each year through the city’s various events and festivals, including the Hilversum Film Festival, Hilversum Roze Film Dagen and Hilversum On Air.

Best Time to Visit Hilversum

The best time to visit Hilversum is between May and August, when the weather is mild and the city is bustling with activity. During this time of the year, the city hosts many outdoor concerts and festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hilversum

Do:

  • Respect the city and its local traditions
  • Take your time to explore the city
  • Try the local cuisine and drink

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the city
  • Wear shoes inside people’s homes
  • Ask personal questions to people you do not know

Safety and Health

Safety in Hilversum

Hilversum is an incredibly safe city, with a low crime rate. However, as with all cities, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.

Health in Hilversum

Hilversum has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors can find many respected hospitals and medical centers throughout the city.

Getting to Hilversum: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hilversum

The closest airport to Hilversum is Schiphol Airport, which is located just 30 minutes away by train.

Bus Stations Near Hilversum

Hilversum has several bus stations, including Hilversum Rail Station and Bus Station. Both are centrally located and offer easy access to the city’s attractions.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Hilversum by car, train or bike. The city has several train stations, and the public transportation system is efficient and affordable.

How to Get Around in Hilversum

Hilversum is a compact city and easy to explore by bike, foot or public transport. The city is connected by buses and several train stations, and bike rentals are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Hilversum: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Amsterdam

Located just 25 minutes away by train, Amsterdam is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the Netherlands.

Utrecht

Utrecht, a medieval Dutch city, is also easily accessible from Hilversum and is well worth a visit for its beautiful canals and architecture.

Conclusion

Hilversum offers a unique mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks and modern amenities, making it a great destination for tourists visiting the Netherlands. With its charming culture and rich history, there’s always something new to discover in this hidden gem of a city.

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