Westerborkpad
Westerborkpad: Complete Guide to the Historic Long-Distance Hiking Trail in the Netherlands
Embark on a journey along the Westerborkpad, a moving long-distance hiking trail stretching over 340 kilometers through the heart of the Netherlands. Traversing from bustling urban centers to tranquil forests and rolling countryside, this route leads you past historic towns, quiet villages, and poignant memorials. Along the way, you’ll experience a captivating blend of the Dutch landscape, including leafy parks, expansive meadows, and serene waterways.
Walking the Westerborkpad is more than just a scenic trek – it’s a path rich in history, commemorating the route towards the former Westerbork transit camp. Whether you are captivated by cultural landmarks or the natural beauty of rural Holland, this trail offers an immersive experience into both the history and scenery that define the region.
Route Overview
The Westerborkpad is a point-to-point long-distance trail starting at the Hollandsche Schouwburg in Amsterdam and ending at the Camp Westerbork Memorial Center in Drenthe. The route is approximately 342 kilometers long and typically takes around 15 days to complete when hiking a standard daily distance.
Key locations passed along the route include Amsterdam, Naarden, Amersfoort, Zwolle, and Assen, as well as numerous small villages and rural landscapes in the provinces of North Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Overijssel, and Drenthe. The terrain is predominantly flat, with trail surfaces ranging from paved footpaths and urban streets to gravel and dirt tracks through forested and agricultural areas. While the trail is generally well-marked, hikers are advised to carry navigation aids due to occasional gaps in signage, especially in more rural sections.
Facilities such as restrooms, water sources, and accommodation options (including hotels, hostels, and campsites) are available in larger towns or adjacent to the route, but may be limited in remote sections. The trail can be completed in all seasons except mid-winter, with spring, summer, and autumn being optimal due to milder weather and longer daylight hours. The Westerborkpad is suitable for hikers of most fitness levels, provided they are prepared for the overall distance and are comfortable with potential exposure to variable Dutch weather.
Historical Context of the Westerborkpad
The Westerborkpad follows a historically significant route that traces the journey taken by thousands of Jews, Sinti, Roma, and other targeted groups during World War II. The path leads from Amsterdam’s Hollandsche Schouwburg, a location that once served as a Jewish theater before it became a gathering point for deportation, all the way to the site of the former Camp Westerbork in Drenthe. Between 1942 and 1945, Westerbork was used as the main transit camp in the Netherlands, with more than 100,000 people transported from here to concentration and extermination camps in Germany and Poland.
Along the trail, memorials, monuments, and information panels provide insight into the stories of those who traveled this path under tragic circumstances. Hikers pass through places of remembrance such as Amersfoort and Zwolle, as well as rural areas that would have marked the final Dutch landscapes witnessed by many. The route not only calls attention to the human stories and individual journeys but also encourages reflection on the broader themes of remembrance, resilience, and the consequences of intolerance.
Today, the Westerborkpad functions as both a commemorative pilgrimage and an educational experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the wartime history of the Netherlands. The trail stands as a tribute to those who suffered and as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and human rights.
Notable highlights
Hollandsche Schouwburg (Amsterdam): The trail starts at this historic theater, which became a Jewish deportation center during World War II. Today, it serves as a memorial and museum dedicated to the victims.
Amersfoort: This historic city features important WWII memorials, charming cityscapes, and offers opportunities to explore medieval architecture and local museums.
Zwolle: A vibrant city combining rich history with modern Dutch culture, Zwolle offers scenic canals, the Sassenpoort gate, and several remembrance sites connected to the trail’s legacy.
Nature Reserves & Forests: Sections of the trail pass through tranquil Dutch forests and nature reserves, such as the Veluwe, providing peaceful natural scenery and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Small Villages and Countryside: The route takes hikers through traditional villages and picturesque countryside, giving an authentic taste of rural Holland along quiet lanes and scenic farmland.
Camp Westerbork Memorial Center: The poignant endpoint of the trail, this site includes the preserved remnants of the former transit camp, a museum, and moving monuments dedicated to the memory of those deported from Westerbork.
Educational Information Panels: Throughout the path, numerous signs and panels share stories, historical context, and personal testimonies, deepening the significance of the journey for every hiker.
Challenges to expect
While the Westerborkpad is generally considered an easy trail due to its flat terrain, its total distance of over 340 kilometers can be physically demanding. Completing the entire route requires consistent daily mileage and good endurance, particularly for those not accustomed to long-distance hikes. The trail passes through both urban areas and remote countryside, so some stretches involve lengthy walks without opportunities for rest, food, or shelter.
Weather conditions in the Netherlands can also present challenges, especially in spring and autumn when rain showers are common and paths may become muddy. Unpredictable weather means hikers should always be prepared for wet, windy, or chilly days, even during summer months. Staying updated with local forecasts and bringing appropriate gear is important for comfort and safety.
Navigational issues may arise in rural sections where signage can be sparse or temporarily missing. Carrying a detailed map, GPS device, or having a reliable mobile navigation app is recommended to avoid accidental detours. In more urban areas, busy roads and complex intersections can require increased attention to wayfinding, particularly when crossing through larger towns or cities.
Netherlands - Urban
- Forest
- Paved
- Gravel
- Dirt
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Campsites
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Restrooms
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
This first stage departs from the Hollandsche Schouwburg in central Amsterdam, following winding city streets past significant WWII memorials and tranquil canals. After leaving the city center, the trail weaves through Amsterdam’s green outskirts and enters the residential suburb of Diemen, providing a gentle introduction to both urban history and the transition to quieter neighborhoods.
Leaving Diemen, this segment takes you along the banks of the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and through scenic parks and open landscapes. The route continues east, passing historic windmills and quiet waterways before arriving in the fortified town of Weesp, known for its picturesque waterfront and traditional Dutch architecture.
Day three leads south past open fields and small villages into the scenic Naardermeer nature reserve, offering opportunities to spot local birdlife. Your destination, Naarden, is famous for its star-shaped fortress, impressive ramparts, and historic core.
This section begins by leaving the fortified town of Naarden and entering the wooded trails and heaths of the Gooi region. The route is characterized by tranquil nature, estate parks, and the modern city of Hilversum, a recognized media hub and green city.
From Hilversum, the trail crosses woodland, farmland, and moors, with options to see several war memorials. The day concludes in the vibrant city of Amersfoort, rich in medieval history, art, and culture.
Leaving the historic center of Amersfoort, you'll traverse suburban districts and rural farmland. The route passes through small villages and open agricultural areas, with gentle terrain leading to the quiet town of Nijkerk.
The path continues into the scenic Veluwe region, leading you through farmland, woods, and peaceful heathlands. This stage ends in Putten, a tranquil town with its own WWII memorial history.
Moving further into the Veluwe, the landscape alternates between forests and open meadows. The route leads north to Harderwijk, a lively town on the Veluwemeer known for its Hanseatic heritage and waterfront.
Today's hike stays close to the Veluwemeer, passing through lakeside paths, marshes, and old polder land. The stage ends in the walled town of Elburg, renowned for its medieval fortifications and straight street plan.
Leaving Elburg, the route heads east through lowland fields and quiet dikes towards the bustling riverside city of Zwolle. Expect a mix of rural scenery and historic city sights at the stage's conclusion.
Continue along levees and winding rural roads, with the route closely following the Vecht river. Passing small hamlets and farmland, you reach the scenic village of Dalfsen, surrounded by gentle countryside.
This segment crosses through wooded parkland and along the river Vecht, offering peaceful natural surroundings and small Dutch villages. Ommen is a popular hiking base with woodland charm.
From Ommen, the route leads northeast past stretches of heathland, forest, and gentle agricultural landscapes, entering the province of Drenthe. The day ends in Zuidwolde, a village with typical Drenthe character.
Approaching the final stretch, this section moves through Drenthe’s tranquil woodlands and sandy heath. The mostly rural route leads to Hooghalen, a village just south of the Westerbork camp site.
The final segment leads from Hooghalen through peaceful forest and heathland to the Camp Westerbork Memorial Center. Here, you can reflect on the journey and visit the extensive memorials, museum, and preserved portions of the former transit camp.