24 hours of Adventurous Hilversum
Hilversum adventurous? Absolutely. In and around the city, you’ll discover how nature and architecture come together. Head out, take it all in and explore remarkable places along the way. From botanical gardens and lunch in the outdoors to iconic buildings with a story: there’s always something new to learn. From your first stop to an overnight stay in the city: hop on your bike and experience Adventurous Hilversum for yourself.
Pinetum Blijdenstein
Van der Lindenlaan 125
Start your day at the botanical garden Pinetum Blijdenstein. Tucked away in a leafy residential area, this remarkable garden is home to one of the most complete conifer collections in the world. Alongside conifers, you’ll find rhododendrons, cycads, poppies and even Tasmanian flora. A place where you not only enjoy nature, but also learn more about unique plant species and their origins.
TIP: Planning to come back? On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons (1:30–4:00 PM), the terrace is open for a drink and something sweet.
Proeflokaal De Serre
Leeuwenlaan 34
After a lovely walk through the botanical garden, it’s time to take a break and enjoy a good lunch. Head to Proeflokaal De Serre, part of the oldest biodynamic farm in the Netherlands: Land en Boschzigt. Where chickens once roamed, you’ll now find a modern greenhouse serving fresh, seasonal dishes straight from the land. Sit inside by the wood-burning stove or outside on the terrace, surrounded by greenery with views over the fields.
TIP: Don’t miss the old garden shed, now transformed into a natural food shop. The freshly harvested vegetables show exactly what this place is all about.
Hilversum Town Hall
Dudokpark 1
After lunch, cycle back to the city centre, where an iconic building awaits: Hilversum Town Hall. This masterpiece by architect W. M. Dudok attracts visitors from all over the world. Impressive from the outside, and just as striking inside.
From Thursday to Sunday, you can join a guided tour and explore special spaces such as the mayor’s office and the wedding hall. To top it off, head up the tower for sweeping views. On a clear day, you can even spot the Loosdrecht Lakes and Amsterdam’s ArenA. Tours are in Dutch, but an English brochure is available.
TIP: Make sure to visit the basement, where the Dudok Architecture Centre is located. Here, you’ll learn more about Dudok’s work and vision, with regularly changing exhibitions.
Zonnestraal estate
Loosdrechtse Bos 17
From the Town Hall, cycle on to the Zonnestraal estate, an icon of the Nieuwe Bouwen (Modernist) movement. Once a sanatorium, it’s now a lively estate where architecture and nature come together. You’ll find a brasserie, a vineyard, a shop with a pick-your-own garden and even a campsite.
TIP: Take your time to wander the grounds and take it all in. Settle down for a coffee at Brasserie Zonnestraal or relax in the vineyard with a glass of locally produced wine.
Hilversum Airfield
Noodweg 49
Want to see things from a different perspective? Cycle from Zonnestraal to Hilversum Airfield. Yes, Hilversum has its own aerodrome! From here, you’ll experience the surroundings in a whole new way. At weekends, you can spot gliders and helicopters up close as they take off and land. Take a moment to watch and observe: you’ll start to see the landscape from a completely different angle.
Head into nature
Goois Nature Reserve
Fancy heading further into the outdoors? Set off through the Goois Nature Reserve and discover the diverse landscape surrounding Hilversum. From wide open heathlands to shady forests, this area lies right on the edge of the city and gives you all the space to map out your own walking or cycling route. Along the way, you’ll see Charolais cattle grazing on the Hoorneboeg Heath and spot birds like the great spotted woodpecker in Spanderswoud.
Discover walking and cycling routes
Restaurant Parc
Oude Haven Park, Havenstraat 58
For dinner, head back towards the city. At the edge of the atmospheric city park De Oude Haven, you’ll find Restaurant Parc, built on top of the Dudok-designed Sand and Salt Bunker and awarded the Hilversum Architecture Prize. The menu is rooted in classic French cuisine with influences from around the world. On sunny days, the terrace offers great views over the park.
TIP: Prefer to stay in nature a little longer? At weekends, restaurant Bij de Tuinman is a great alternative. Cross the heath and settle in for seasonal vegetable dishes and garden-inspired cocktails. In the cosy restaurant and on the terrace by the kitchen garden, you’ll taste what’s grown right here.
Hotel Gooiland
Emmastraat 2
Ready to end the day in style? Book a room at Hotel Gooiland, right in the city centre. This modern listed building, designed by architect Jan Duiker, is a great example of his vision of light, space and clean lines. With comfortable rooms and an eye for detail, it’s the perfect place to unwind before starting your next day refreshed with a generous breakfast. A truly architectural night away.
More about Hilversum?
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What's on?
Curious what else there is to do in Hilversum? Check out the online events calendar for the latest exhibitions, concerts, festivals and fun activities for kids.
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Staying the night?
Make the most of your evening and stay over. From an architectural gem to a stylish boutique hotel or a cosy bed & breakfast in the city centre. Where will you rest your head?
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Unique architecture
Hilversum is a stage for architectural highlights. A city like an open-air museum, where icons such as Dudok, Cuypers and Duiker take centre stage. When it comes to architecture, there’s so much to explore here.