The best city hikes and walks in De Horsten
4.4
(8895)
63,125
hikers
496
hikes
Urban hiking trails in De Horsten traverse a historic royal estate characterized by diverse landscapes. The area features dense forests, expansive meadows, and various water features including canals and a large lake. A notable natural landmark is the Seringenberg, a sand dune over 20 meters high, offering elevated perspectives. The terrain generally consists of well-maintained paths through wooded areas and open grounds.
Best urban hiking trails in De Horsten
- The most popular urban hiking route is Windlust Corn Mill Wassenaar…
Last updated: May 12, 2026
11
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
5.31km
01:20
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(11)
80
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful park with neat gardens, statues, animal enclosures and a restaurant in a former royal orangery.
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Voorburg still has many truly beautiful historic buildings, some of them a bit hidden away. Recommended tours with descriptions can be found at https://www.mooivoorburg.nl/rondleidingen/
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The porch of the church was open, from there you have a beautiful view into the church.
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The old centre was a real surprise for us. Beautiful old facades.
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The cottage now functions as an overnight stay for tourists. A bit busy in front of the door but a cool location!
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Built all around, here lies the beautiful old village centre of Voorburg. What a gem in the crowded Randstad.
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What a great entrance. This bridge (more like a small bridge) takes you directly to the old center of Voorburg.
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That there was a church in Voorburg early on, dedicated to Saint Martin, is evident from the Blaffert (a notebook) of the diocese of Utrecht from the year 960. A new church, the current Oude or Martinikerk, was built in the course of the thirteenth century. This building had to be given up after the Reformation in 1575. From then on, Catholic meetings had to take place in secret and pastoral care was provided by the Jesuit fathers from The Hague. After the Peace of Münster in 1648, tolerance for Catholics improved. Catholics could set up permanent spaces for worship. As long as it was not visible from the outside that it was a church. In 1654, the country estate ‘Bijvliet’, on the site where the church and cemetery are now located, was purchased and set up as a church. Over the centuries, this church has been rebuilt several times, but is still invisible from the road as a church. After 1800 and certainly after the new constitution of 1848, the visibility of the church can become greater. In 1866, the current rectory was built next to the existing church. In 1890, it was decided to build the current church. On 24 April 1893, the consecration took place by the bishop of Haarlem. After the Second World War, three new bells were offered in 1946 instead of the previous bells that had to be handed in during the war. In the fifties of the last century, a votive window, a new baptismal chapel and the Maria chapel were added. After that, the church was thoroughly adapted to the modern liturgy. In 1960, the new main altar was consecrated by the bishop of Rotterdam. An extensive restoration took place from 1990 to 1993. On 1 June 2002, the three parishes of H. Martinus, O.L. Vrouw ten Hemelopneming and De Goede Herder merged. As of January 1, 2008, the three parishes have finally merged into one parish. After the merger of the three Voorburg parishes, the Martinuskerk eventually became the parish church after a thorough renovation and refurbishment on January 15, 2012. (https://www.mariajozef.nl/geschiedenis/st-martinuskerk/)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many urban hiking trails are available in De Horsten?
De Horsten offers a wide selection of urban hiking trails, with over 470 routes available. The majority of these, around 397, are classified as easy, making them accessible for most hikers. There are also 72 moderate trails and a few more challenging options for experienced hikers.
What kind of terrain and difficulty can I expect on urban hikes in De Horsten?
The urban hikes in De Horsten primarily feature easy terrain, often flat or with minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for casual strolls. The landscape is diverse, encompassing dense forests, expansive meadows, and picturesque water features. While most routes are easy, there are some moderate options available for those seeking a bit more challenge.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the urban hiking trails in De Horsten?
Yes, De Horsten is rich in natural and historical landmarks. You can visit the Seringeberg Lookout, a sand dune over 20 meters high offering beautiful views. The De Horsten Royal Estate itself is a significant historical site. Other points of interest include the Mill Path and the charming Wooden Bridge Over the Pond.
What is the best time of year to go urban hiking in De Horsten?
De Horsten is beautiful year-round, but spring is particularly stunning when the extensive rhododendrons are in bloom. The diverse landscape of forests, meadows, and water features offers pleasant hiking conditions in milder weather, making spring and autumn ideal for enjoying the vibrant colors and comfortable temperatures.
Can I bring my dog on the urban hiking trails in De Horsten?
Generally, dogs are not permitted on the walking paths within De Horsten estate. This policy helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and protect the diverse wildlife found in the area. It's best to check specific trail regulations before planning your visit with a pet.
Are there any family-friendly urban hiking options in De Horsten?
Absolutely. With a large number of easy trails, De Horsten is very family-friendly. The varied landscapes, including forests and meadows, provide an engaging environment for children. Many routes are relatively short and flat, perfect for families with younger children. The estate's natural beauty and wildlife also offer educational opportunities.
Are there any circular urban hiking routes in De Horsten?
Yes, many of the urban hiking trails in De Horsten are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example of an easy circular route is the Windlust Corn Mill Wassenaar loop from Wassenaar, which is just over 4 km long.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see while urban hiking in De Horsten?
De Horsten is a habitat for diverse wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species, including the Green Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Golden Oriole, Buzzard, Hawk, and even nesting Kingfishers near the water features. The serene environment makes it an excellent spot for nature observation.
Are there any amenities like cafes or places to rest along the urban hiking routes?
Yes, for a pleasant break during your hike, the former royal hunting lodge on the estate now serves as a charming tea house. This provides a convenient and picturesque spot for refreshments and a rest, allowing you to enjoy the historical ambiance.
How can I access De Horsten urban hiking trails by public transport?
While the guide focuses on the trails themselves, De Horsten is located near Wassenaar and Leidschendam, which are accessible by public transport. You can plan your journey to these towns and then connect to the estate's entrances. Specific public transport routes will depend on your starting location.
What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in De Horsten?
The komoot community highly rates De Horsten, with an average score of 4.36 stars. Reviewers often praise the estate's peaceful atmosphere, diverse natural beauty, and well-maintained paths. The blend of dense forests, open meadows, and historical elements, such as the royal estate, makes for a unique and enjoyable hiking experience.
Can you recommend an easy urban hike that includes water features?
Certainly. The Leidschendam Lock loop from Leidschendam is an easy urban hike, just over 3 km, that takes you along water features. This route offers pleasant views of canals and locks, characteristic of the Dutch landscape, making for a refreshing walk.
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