Nature and activities in the Gooi
The 'garden of Amsterdam' and the 'water garden of the Netherlands'; both fitting nicknames for the beautiful green, nature- and water-rich region around the area of the Gooi and the Loosdrechtse Plassen. The comfortable lodges at the new park Suitelodges Gooilanden are the perfect base to explore the inspiring surroundings of the Gooi and, of course, the Loosdrechtse Plassen. You will be amazed by the beautiful nature, the lovely villas and the picturesque villages you will encounter!
Nature in the Gooi area
The Forest Raabos
The first adventure starts right outside the door. Opposite the entrance to Suitelodges Gooilanden is a lovely forest - part of the Goois nature reserve: the Raabos. This forest is perfect for extensive walks in the woods along the surprising lakes and discovery trips with the kids and or the dog.
The country estates of ´s-Graveland
On the ten stately 's-Gravelandse country estates, near Hilversum, prosperous merchants from the Golden Era spent their summers. Today, the estates are a beautiful destination for a relaxing bike ride or walk. The surroundings are equally beautiful all year round; in spring and summer you will enjoy the splendour of the flowers, in autumn the colours of the trees are truly magnificent and in winter the peace and quiet are extremely pleasant.
The Loosdrechtse Plassen
The Loosdrechtse Plassen are sometimes described as the water garden of the Netherlands. In prehistoric times, there was an almost impenetrable swamp here, which developed into moor over the years, and from the fifteenth century the ground was dredged to extract turf. This created a very varied landscape with ponds, water ditches, meadows, reed fields, swamp woods and picturesque ribbon villages.
This beautiful, watery area is just four kilometres from Park Suitelodges Gooilanden. On the lakes, you can sail splendidly and enjoy the peace and quiet. The area is also ideal for SUPping, wakeboarding, cycling, walking and swimming. The Vuntus and Breukeleveense Plas are home to many water plants and birds: an eldorado for walkers, cyclists and canoeists!
Activities in the Gooi
Boating
During a relaxing boat trip, you will get up close and personal with the Loosdrechtse Plassen, the unique water sports and nature area near the park. Pack a picnic basket on a sunny day, rent a sloop with your family and go out! In good weather, it is advisable to book a boat in advance at one of the boat rental locations. You can find beautiful boating routes at VVV-kantoren and at the boat rentals.
Canoeing
One of the most fun and active ways to explore the nature of the Loosdrechtse Plassen up close is to take a canoeing tour. The 5-kilometre ‘Kanoroute Vuntus’ takes you through the wild nature of the Vuntus via a maze of narrow water ditches and ponds accessible only to boats without engines. As a result, it is wonderfully quiet and you can really experience nature up close. Listen to the reed warbler, spot the rare purple heron and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Cycling
Explore the Gooi with your bikes! How about a tour of Hilversum (41 km), the Erfgooiersroute (53 km) and the "Gooische Vrouwen Shopping Bikeroute"? Or grab your bike for a dip in the Loosdrechtse Plassen (lakes)? Bicycles, e-bike cargo bikes and an e-bike with dog cart trailer are available for rent at Park Suitelodges Gooilanden.
Walking
The beautiful nature in the Gooi and the Goois Natuurreservaat offer plenty of space for varied walks. Several beautiful routes departe from the tourist interchanges (TOP).
At the s-Gravelandse country estates you will find numerous walking- and bike routes of different distances to choose from. A varied walk for the whole family across the 's-Graveland Estates is the 3.27 km route ‘Hilverbeek and Spanderswoud‘. In the stylish park forest with winding paths and meandering water features, there is much to discover. And afterwards the ‘Proeflokaal De Serre‘, located on the oldest biodynamic market garden in the Netherlands, the ideal place to recharge with a piece of home-baked cake, coffee or a tasty lunch.
Geocaching
As a family, playfully discover the region's most special places during the Geocaching. If you are going Geocaching for the first time, it is the Geogame Park op buitenplaats Boekesteyn highly recommended. Here you will learn the tricks of the treasure hunt game quickly, easily and for free and go in search of 3 caches. Once you have found them all, a reward awaits you!
