While summer holidays have wrapped up for many, late summer delivers perfect weather for exploring the Netherlands' breathtaking natural areas. Natuurmonumenten's seasoned foresters have handpicked these immersive late summer outings, drawing on years of expertise in our landscapes.
Searching for Shells and Spotting Seals
Join the Balgexpress on Schiermonnikoog. De Balg is Schiermonnikoog's top seal-viewing spot. At low tide, seals lounge on the opposite sandbank and often swim curiously nearby. It's also ideal for shell collecting. Multiple dates, see: nm.nl/balgexpres
Boots On and Explore!
Farmer Dennis Rerink guides weekly meadow walks in Twente, sharing vivid stories of wildflowers, vibrant red cattle, and farm life amid colors and scents. Watch cows graze, sip coffee on the patio or terrace, and spot chickens scurrying about. Saturday, August 29 – 10:30 to 11:30, see: nm.nl/bio-boerderij
Taste, Smell, Hear, Feel, and See
Walk with a volunteer forester through Dintelse Gorzen, engaging all your senses amid stunning views of Krammer-Volkerak and dry creeks. Saturday, August 29 – 14:00 to 14:30, see: nm.nl/smaakelijke-wandel
Survival on a Historic Fortress!
Dare to overnight in a thrilling spot? At OERRR fort survival in Fort bij Spijkerboor, fort guards reveal soldiers' past lives, with overnight stays inside. Saturday, September 5 – 6:00 pm to Sunday, September 6 – 9:00 am, see: nm.nl/survival-fort-nagelboor
Scheelhoek, Bird Observatory Tij, Haringvliet, South Holland, Netherlands, Europe
Evening Excursion to Tij Bird Observatory
Scheelhoek is typically off-limits, but this guided walk to the new Tij bird observatory offers exclusive access to this pristine reserve—a rare natural gem. Tuesday, September 8 – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, see: nm.nl/evening-excursion-scheelhoek
Walking an Ancient Church Path
With Jeroen Wiersma, author of De Greidhoeke: Cultural History of a Rich Meadow Bird Area, trace the historic church path through Lionserpolder. His captivating tales bring the visible landscape history to life. Saturday, September 12 – 10:00 to 11:30, see: nm.nl/cultuurhistorie-friesland
Spot Ferns and Bats
On this thrilling boat trip across Nieuwkoopse Plassen, use sensitive detectors and spotlights to observe hunting bats silently snatching insects in the night. Saturday, September 12 – 20:00 to 22:00, see: nm.nl/vleermuizen-nieuwkoop
