The best locations for autumn photography

The Netherlands is blessed with a wealth of beautiful nature reserves. The Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Biesbosch, the Hoeksche Waard and the Groene Hart are just a few of the many natural areas the country has to offer. We’ve selected ten photogenic nature areas for you – eight in the Netherlands, one in Belgium and one in Germany – where you can take stunning shots in autumn.

Speulder- en Sprielderbos

The Speulder- en Sprielderbos lies on the Veluwe, east of Putten. Known as one of the most beautiful and oldest forests in the Netherlands, it is characterized by crooked trees, mysterious footpaths and abundant wildlife. There are also several wildlife observation points, so during a day in this forest you might well spot a red deer, a badger or a wild boar.

De Meinweg

De Meinweg National Park lies in the far eastern corner of Central Limburg and is well worth a visit for lovers of nature and photography. The landscape ranges from dry heathland to wet carr woodland. No fewer than 767 species of plants and trees and 266 species of fungi have been recorded in the Meinweg area. A visit here is never boring!

De Chaamse Bossen

De Chaamse Bossen is a nature reserve between Breda and Tilburg. In the catchment area of the Chaamse Beek you can enjoy sweeping views over meadows full of flowers. You’ll also find herb-rich grasslands, wooded banks, ponds, streams and pollard willows. This varied landscape is home to many species of plants and animals. Try walking the boot trail (laarzenpad), for example, or take a stroll through ’t Reservaatje and enjoy the unspoiled nature.

Vierhouten

Vierhouten is also known as the pearl of the Veluwe. The village is surrounded by four forests: the Vierhouterbos, the Vreebos, the Elspeterbos and the Gortelsebos. Here you’ll find gnarled trees, drifting sands, heathland, quiet fens and open spaces, among other things. Did you know there is also a hidden village? It served as a hiding place for people in hiding during the war. You also stand a chance of spotting red deer, roe deer, wild boar, mouflon, badgers and goshawks.

Rijsterbos

The Rijsterbos lies on the shore of the IJsselmeer. In this forest you’ll be surprised by more than 120 species of fungi, gnarled trees and gorgeous views over farmland. The forest consists mostly of deciduous trees such as oaks and beeches, but there are conifers too. If you’re lucky, you might even spot roe deer and squirrels. If you’re very lucky, you might even see a badger – though they usually only come out at night.

Leuvenumse Bos

The Leuvenumse Bos is a varied nature area in the north-west of the Veluwe, close to Ermelo. It consists of four adjoining areas, each with its own character. The Hulsthorsterzand consists of drift-sand plains with high sand dunes. Leuvenhorst consists of Scots pine forests on former drifting sand. The Leuvenumse Bos is a varied forest with the characteristic meandering Leuvenumse Beek, and the Cyriastische veld consists of dry heathland vegetation.

Boswachterij Dorst

Boswachterij Dorst is an extensive forest area between Rijen, Oosterhout, Teteringen and Dorst. This area is ideal for landscape and macro photography. The open landscapes of the drifting sands and the clay pits are especially beautiful in the morning. In autumn, the red oak in particular provides gorgeous colors. There are also all kinds of special plants, dragonflies and fungi to be found, so macro photographers will be in their element too.

Kaapse Bossen

The Kaapse Bossen is an extensive forest area in the heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. It is characterized by winding forest trails, historic church paths and stately beech avenues. It is also home to many species of birds, mammals, fungi and plants. Heading to the Kaapse Bossen? Then be sure to climb the De Kaap lookout tower. From this tower, more than 25 meters high, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view over almost the entire Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Hoge Venen (Belgium)

Not far from the Dutch border lies the beautiful Hoge Venen nature reserve. This area is characterized by typical heath and bog plants, several orchid species, marsh gentian, carnivorous sundew, cranberry and cotton grass. These plants attract all kinds of insects, such as dragonflies and butterflies. Besides insects, this vast nature reserve is home to roe deer, red deer, foxes, wild boar and wildcats. A lynx has even been spotted!

Eifel (Germany)

In the north of the Eifel lies the Eifel National Park. This beautiful nature area offers a combination of open plains, dark forests, lovely (hiking) trails and impressive views. You’ll also find all kinds of reservoirs, such as the Rursee, Urftsee and Obersee. The area is perfect for long hikes. Every season has something special, but autumn is especially recommended. You’re guaranteed to come home with beautiful photos.