Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park

Sallandse Heuvelrug Overview

Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, known in Dutch as Nationaal Park Sallandse Heuvelrug, is located in the province of Overijssel in the eastern Netherlands.

Covering approximately 13.42 square miles (34.8 square kilometers), this national park is renowned for its rolling hills, extensive heathlands, and dense woodlands, offering a unique landscape that is uncommon in the otherwise flat terrain of the Netherlands.

The park is situated between the towns of Hellendoorn and Holten, making it an accessible and popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The landscape of Sallandse Heuvelrug was formed during the Saalian Ice Age, when glacial movements created a series of low, undulating hills. The highest points in the park include the Holterberg and Haarlerberg, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Expansive heathlands, particularly striking in late summer when the heather blooms into a sea of purple, dominate much of the park, interspersed with mixed forests of pine and deciduous trees. This unique mixture of terrains provides a striking contrast to the otherwise low-lying Dutch countryside. Sandy soils and nutrient-poor heathland make it a challenging environment for plant life, but resilient species such as juniper shrubs and birch trees thrive here.

One of the park’s most significant ecological features is its role as a habitat for rare and specialized wildlife. The park is home to the critically endangered black grouse, a bird species that has become increasingly rare in the Netherlands. Other notable bird species include the nightjar, woodlark, and raven, which find refuge in the open heathlands and forested areas.

Mammals such as roe deer, red foxes, and badgers roam the park, while reptiles like the sand lizard and adder can be found in the drier heathland regions. The park also hosts a variety of butterflies and insects that thrive in its diverse habitats, making it an important site for biodiversity conservation.

Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park offers several well-maintained trails that attract hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. The Pieterpad, one of the most famous long-distance hiking trails in the Netherlands, passes through the park, offering visitors a chance to experience its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

The Holterberg area is particularly popular for its panoramic views, while the Buitencentrum Sallandse Heuvelrug, a visitor center in Nijverdal, provides educational exhibits about the park’s ecology and conservation efforts. Families often visit the Sterrenwacht Hellendoorn, an observatory located in the park, for stargazing opportunities due to the relatively low levels of light pollution.

Conservation remains a priority for park management, as the delicate heathland ecosystem is under threat from nitrogen deposition, encroaching vegetation, and climate change. Efforts to maintain the heathlands include controlled grazing and removing invasive species to protect the habitat of the black grouse and other native wildlife.

While the park faces challenges in preserving its biodiversity, active conservation programs and ecological restoration efforts have helped maintain its unique landscape. Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park continues to be a vital natural sanctuary, offering both a refuge for wildlife and a place of exploration for visitors who seek to experience its rare and stunning landscapes.

Park Map

Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The diverse habitats of Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park make it an excellent location for birdwatching. The park is especially important for rare and protected bird species, including some that are difficult to find elsewhere in the Netherlands.

Eurasian Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
A master of camouflage, the nightjar is most active at dusk and dawn. It has a distinctive, churring call and feeds on insects, catching them in flight.

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
This large, striking woodpecker with its black plumage and red crown is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming on tree trunks.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
A widespread bird of prey, the common buzzard is often seen soaring high above the heathlands. It hunts small mammals, birds, and carrion.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
An elusive raptor, the goshawk is a powerful hunter, known for its agility in dense forests. It preys on birds and mammals, using its sharp talons and strong beak.

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
A rare but exciting sight, the hoopoe is recognizable by its striking black-and-white wings, long, curved bill, and distinctive crest.

Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
One of the most iconic birds of the park, the woodlark has a melodious song and thrives in heathland and open woodland habitats.

European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Unlike other raptors, this buzzard specializes in hunting wasps and bees, often digging up their nests for larvae.

Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
Nicknamed the “butcher bird,” this predator impales its prey—small rodents, birds, and insects—on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption.

Willow Tit (Poecile montanus)
A small, energetic bird, the willow tit is often found in coniferous forests, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Recognizable by its crossed bill, which it uses to extract seeds from pine cones, the red crossbill is a year-round resident of the park’s forests.

Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park offers a rich diversity of species, making it an excellent destination for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.

Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, located in the eastern Netherlands, is a unique landscape of rolling hills, heathlands, and dense forests. This park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife species, from elusive mammals to rare reptiles. Below are some of the more popular species that visitors may encounter in the park.

European Badger (Meles meles)
A nocturnal and shy mammal, the European badger digs extensive burrow systems called setts. These social creatures live in small family groups and play an essential role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil and controlling insect populations.

Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
One of the most common large mammals in the park, the roe deer is known for its reddish-brown coat in summer and a thicker, greyish one in winter. They are most active at dawn and dusk, browsing on shrubs, grasses, and leaves.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
This highly adaptable predator thrives in the forests and heathlands of Sallandse Heuvelrug. With its striking red fur and bushy tail, the red fox is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on small mammals, birds, and fruit.

European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Often found in the park’s grassy and woodland areas, the European hedgehog is a nocturnal insectivore covered in spines for protection. It hibernates during winter and plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Occasionally spotted in the park, wild boars are powerful, intelligent animals that forage in the undergrowth for roots, tubers, and insects. They are important for maintaining the health of the forest by aerating the soil while digging for food.

Common European Adder (Vipera berus)
The only venomous snake in the Netherlands, the adder prefers sunlit clearings in the park. Though its bite is rarely fatal to humans, it is best observed from a safe distance.

Grass Snake (Natrix natrix)
This non-venomous snake is often found near water sources, where it hunts amphibians and fish. The grass snake is harmless to humans and can be recognized by its olive-green body and yellow collar behind the head.

European Pine Marten (Martes martes)
A sleek, tree-dwelling predator, the European pine marten is agile and fast, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. It is a rare but exciting sight in the park.

Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara)
Thriving in the park’s heathland areas, the common lizard is active during warm months and can shed its tail to escape predators. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates.

European Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Larger than rabbits, the European hare is known for its incredible speed and long, powerful hind legs. It prefers open landscapes like heathlands, where it feeds on grasses and herbs.