It’s summertime in the Netherlands and that means there are plenty of things to do in the warm evenings. You aren’t afraid of the dark, are you?
A (hopefully) moonlit stroll through the dunes
The Berkheide dune area between Scheveningen and Katwijk is a great place to head around dusk for birdwatching and the chance of possibly seeing a fox in the wild. The IVN (the Institute for Nature Conservation Education) hosts evening walks and several are scheduled throughout the summer months.
Get ready for an adventure, especially if you join one of their twilight walks afterward. Getting over dunes while tromping on sandy paths can be intense, especially in the dark. We tagged along on one during a moonless night in late April. It was a workout, but getting to see a bank of mist roll in over a small pond populated by croaking frogs was worth the effort.
Stomp over to Schiermonnikoog
You’ve probably heard about the tours that lead stout-hearted hikers across the mudflats to Schiermonnikoog during low tides. These journeys are strictly reserved for people who are in good shape and willing to get dirty. For those eager to kick things up an extra notch, it’s possible to embark in the dark during the summer months on a tour hosted by Wadloopbelevingen.
A minimum of 30 fearless souls will be needed for them to press ahead with the three treks tentatively planned for August and early September. Each one kicks off at 2:45 am, takes about six hours, and is bound to leave you feeling completely exhausted, but it’s also one you’ll definitely get to brag about.
Stargaze up north…
Dark Sky Park Lauwersmeer is located outside the seaside village of the same name. Unlike many areas of the Netherlands where light pollution makes it difficult to see more than a handful of stars, the Milky Way is usually visible on clear nights up there. Winter is the ideal time since the nights tend to be darker, but the weather is bound to be better behaved this time of year.
There are two viewing platforms along its various paths and roads. One cycling route has been described as the darkest in the country, so be sure to plan accordingly if you’re bringing bikes with you. You can find further details and tips on the park’s website.
…or over on Terschelling
Terschelling is another good locale for stargazing. De Boschplaat is a nature reserve on the island and where to go, especially if you’ve brought along a telescope with you.
It’s home to the country’s first dark sky park. If you’d like to head out there with a guide, there’s occasional ‘Dark Sky Excursions,’ too. Check out the agenda on Terschelling’s webpage for the park for additional information.
Summer evenings at the Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s botanical garden will stay open late every Sunday night up to the end of August. You can stroll through the garden or just relax on the terrace with a cool drink.
If you are not travelling this summer, go on a quick jaunt around the world via its ‘climate houses’ where you can experience the tropics, a desert, and other distant regions all within mere footsteps of one another. There will also be live music.
They only come out at night?
Dusk and sunrise are often the best times to go looking for wildlife in the Netherlands, especially in the Veluwe. If you want to increase your chances of spotting a family of wild boar or a badger out there, you’ll probably need to get up early or stay out late.
If you’re unwilling to go it alone, check out the list of evening nature walks hosted by rangers in the Veluwe and other nature areas around the country.
Get downright batty
Head over to Westerschouwen in July or August if going in search of bats sounds like a great way to spend a Monday night. A ranger will take you into the forests of this seaside area to look for them with special bat detectors during a two hour walk. You’ll find all the details here.
Brave the mozzies under the stars
Plenty of opportunity this summer to get bitten to death while watching a film in the open air, with just some of the venues including the VUE Open Air Festival Apeldoorn (August 22-30), the Lumière Open Air Festival (August 8-19) in Maastricht, Pluk de Nacht in Amsterdam ( August 20-30) and Utrecht (August 7-16) and the Pleinbioscoop in Rotterdam (August 14-30) in Rotterdam.
A night at the theatre
Maybe hiking trails, stargazing, and wildlife spotting just aren’t your thing. Venturing to one of the many outdoor theatres across the country is another way you can enjoy a summer evening outdoors.
The Openlucht theatre in Brunssum will host several tribute bands this summer along with an outdoor screening of Dirty Dancing. Here’s the rundown on dates along with further details. The schedule for the popular Bostheater in the Amsterdamse Bos is once again packed with theatrical shows and live music. The slate for 2025 includes Altin Gün on 10 August.
Can you manage to find some moths?
Moths are typically considered a nuisance, especially if they find their way into your closet, but they can be quite beautiful. If you’d like to track down some in the wild, there will be a gathering on 22 August that kicks off at the Gasterij Groote Heide, a restaurant outside Venlo.
At dusk, guides will attempt to attract them by using sheets and special lights. If you go, bring along a flashlight. Further details can be found here.
