When you think of adrenaline pumping adventures, the Netherlands might not be the first place you think of. But, after several years on the road, we were surprised to discover just how many exhilarating activities there were to enjoy in our home country — certainly enough to rival some of Australia’s adventures!
For example, did you know you could go bungee jumping in the Netherlands? Or abseil hundreds of meters from one of Rotterdam Harbour’s most iconic sights? How about skydiving? It’s true, there are hundreds of ways to get your thrills on a Netherlands activity!
So, if you’re looking for excitement and adventure without crossing half of the globe, read on to discover our top adrenaline pumping outdoor activities Netherlands.
About Outdoor Netherlands
Especially during the lockdown I discovered a lot of outdoor activities in the Netherlands and I have to say I was really surprised about the huge amount of activities. So I decided to make a list of my 21 absolute favorites if you like adventure sports in the Netherlands. No matter if you like watersports, bike tours, adrenaline sports, bushcraft and outdoor workshops everything is covered.
Video: Outdoor activities Netherlands inspiration
Best outdoor activities in the Netherlands
1. Kitesurfing Dutch Coast
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Location: Zandvoort, Helios , 2051 EC Zandvoort, Netherlands Open in Google Maps
(Other locations available: Scheveningen, Oostvoorne, Wijk aan zee, IJmuiden beach, Strand Horst)
The Netherlands has a lot of places which offer kitesurf lessons, Zandvoort is one of the most popular locations, because it’s just 45 minutes from Amsterdam. This kiteschool is IKO certified and offers small group lessons as private lessons for those who really want to jump start their kitesurf skills. The first lesson is an introduction and you will practice on land before you enter the water. As I lived near the beach of South Holland my entire life I had some lessons in the past and really like to grab the wind now and then. So are you ready to jump on your board?
Book here your ticket for kitesurfing.
2. Beerbike
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Location: Amsterdam
Enjoy the streets and canals of Amsterdam while enjoying your beer from the tap which is built in the bar in the middle of the bike. How unique is that, a bar on wheels! Don’t worry your driver won’t drink as he or she really needs to make sure you have a relax, great and last but not least a safe time. During the tour you will pass some must see places of the city and the guide will tell you stories about the places and neighborhoods.
Book your Beer Bike ticket here.
3. Canoe Adventure with Picnic Lunch
- Duration: 5 hours
- Location: Termini 25, 1022 LB Amsterdam, Netherlands Open in Google Maps
The Netherlands is unique for the Holland’s Waterlands and from Amsterdam you can have an unique experience during this tour. There is a pickup service from Metro Station Amsterdam Noord, as mentioned in the location above, just click on the “Open in Google Maps” link and you get the directions on your phone. During this tour you will enjoy traditional Dutch villages, canals and you will enjoy a nice lunch(included) on an incredible island. During warmer days you can even dive into the water, don’t be afraid the guide knows exactly if the water is safe for a swim. What I really liked about this tour is the small number of people, they limit the group size up to 10 people.
Book your Canoe Adventure ticket here.
4. Splash Tour
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: Rotterdam harbour, open in Google Maps
This tour is really unique, as I lived for 4 years in Rotterdam. I always took foreign friends on this trip and they really liked it. You will drive around the city highlights and the guide will tell you about the history of the city, they use multilingual audio so everyone will be covered. After the drive in the city the bus will dive into the famous Maas River and turn into a boat. While sailing the river you can enjoy the skyline of Rotterdam from a really nice point of view.
Book your Splash Boat ticket here.
5. Bungee jump from Scheveningen Pier
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: Scheveningen, The Hague. Open in Google Maps
You don’t need to head to the jungles of Australia to try bungee jumping! Scheveningen Pier in The Hague might not sound like the kind of place you’ll experience an adrenaline rush, but it’s the only place to try this Netherlands activity. Rather uniquely, brave jumpers will drop 60 metres headfirst towards the sea, taking in fantastic views of the beach and town on the way back up!
Book your Bungeejump ticket here.
6. Amsterdam Archery Experience
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: Tom Schreursweg 8, 1067 MC Amsterdam, open in Google Maps
In Amsterdam you can choose between different kinds of Archery activities. Archery tag is played with safety arrows and the Amsterdam Archery Experience is the real game with real arrows. They have 3 lanes which makes it really nice when you are with a group. The vibe is really good and safety is really important for the guides, so don’t be afraid for accidents.
Book your Archery ticket here.
7. Fatbike Volendam
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Location: Volendam harbour, open in Google Maps.
Discover the old villages in the area of Volendam on the E-fatbike. Along the route you will cross typical Dutch windmills, the lake called “Gauwzee”, unique green houses and lots of sheep and cows. You can discuss the options for routes with the bike shop, places such as Edam and Monnickendam. If you have time don’t forget to take the Volendam-Marken Express Ferry to Marken Islands, a really must visit!
Book your Fatbike ticket here.
8. GPS Tour Dunes
- Duration: 3 hours
- Location: Lisse, open in Google Maps
Not in the mood for hiking or cycling? No worries, with the Renault Twizzy you can ride through sand dunes, coastal villages and the beautiful nature the area of Lisse has to offer. During the ride you have a GPS and audio guide with all additional information about the places you cross. The car is eco friendly and as the sides are open you can smell the sea and feel the wind through your hair. Let’s explore!
Book your GPS tour ticket here.
9. Laser Tag
Duration: 1 hours
Location: Tom Schreursweg 8, 1067 MC Amsterdam open in Google Maps
If you’re looking for some thrills in Amsterdam, check out the amazing Laser Tag Arena! Sprawling over 900 square metres, the outdoor showdown arena is great for individuals and groups alike. An impressive array of shelter and cover provides exciting gaming for up to 20 players at a time, and up to 6-different teams. We always thought it’s a great activity for new hostel friends to try!
There’s also a BBQ to enjoy after the event, as well as other activities on site, such as an escape room, so it’s worth planning to spend half a day or so here. Plus, it’s easy to access, with a direct bus from Amsterdam’s Central Station.
Book your Laser Tag here.
10. Zipline from the Euromast
- Duration: 1 hours
- Location: Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam open in Google Maps
The Euromast is one of Rotterdam’s most iconic sights. Stretching 185 metres into the air, it’s the tallest building in the Netherlands. A visit to the Euromast can see you enjoying some of the best food in the world, sleeping in a luxury hotel, or enjoying panoramic views as you wind your way up to the top on the Euromastscoop, a rotating glass elevator that showcases all of the surroundings.
But, for adrenaline junkies, going up is only part of the fun, and what goes up must come down! And why take the elevator when you can zoom down in 15 seconds flat? The Euromast zipline drops you more than 100 metres from the tower to the ground. In total, you’ll whizz down for 250 metres, hitting speeds of more than 100 kmph!
Click here for more information and ticket information about zip lining the Euromast.
Also read: Best Things to do Rotterdam
11. Water Bike
- Duration: 1 hour
- Location: Havendijk 1, 3846 AC Harderwijk, open in Google Maps.
As you all know I’m a huge fan of biking, but with those water bikes you can discover the area of Harderwijk from the water. The bike speeds up to 15 km/h and is really stable, so don’t worry about falling in the water. During the trip you cross the boulevard, beach island and all other highlights of Harderwijk! Let’s do something new today and step on the water bike.
Book here your ticket for Water Biking Harderwyck.
In the area of Rotterdam and The Hague? You can rent a water bike in Delft, for more information check out the tour below.
Don’t miss: Best things to do Amsterdam
12. Summer sailing Oosterschelde
- Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Location: Sluisplateau 29, 4424 BK Wemeldinge open in Google Maps.
The tour is with just a maximum of 10 people so attention enough to learn during the trip, so really ask the teachers questions and they are really willing to give you some tasks on board. If you prefer to relax, all good no problem it’s all up to you!
Book here your sailing ticket.
13. Fly Boarding
Always dreamt about flying like a bird? On a flyboard you can fly into the air up to 10 meters above the water for the real dare devils.
Book here your Flyboarding ticket.
Best time For outdoor Activities Netherlands
While each season in the Netherlands nature offers something unique, autumn (September-November) is our favorite time of year. The trees transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, and it’s a spectacular sight to witness. Moorlands reach full bloom to create purple landscapes, and the leaves dazzle with shades of orange, red, and yellow.
And the weather provides the perfect temperature to unwind without being drenched in sweat or clutching heavy winter gear. Autumn is a magical time to go hiking in Utrecht due to the breathtaking spectacle produced by Mother Nature.
| Month | Min Temperature °C | Max Temperature °C | Rain mm |
| January | 2.0 | 5.8 | 69.0 |
| February | 1.7 | 6.3 | 57.0 |
| March | 3.2 | 9.1 | 58.0 |
| April | 6.1 | 13.1 | 57.0 |
| May | 9.7 | 16.4 | 68.0 |
| June | 12.5 | 19.0 | 73.0 |
| July | 14.8 | 21.0 | 88.0 |
| August | 14.8 | 20.8 | 86.0 |
| September | 12.7 | 18.3 | 76.0 |
| October | 9.4 | 14.3 | 70.0 |
| November | 5.8 | 9.8 | 68.0 |
| December | 3.0 | 6.6 | 74.0 |
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I love to hear from you
Thank you for reading through this article. I hope you enjoyed the information and wish you lots of fun with all those outdoor activities in the Netherlands. Let me know in the comments below which one you would love to visit most and why.
