Pioneer Trail in 11 days – walk across the Zuiderzee
Hiking Collection by Klaske Schep
11
days
2-6 h
/ day
135 mi
1,225 ft
1,225 ft
Welcome to the Pioneer Trail, a 210-kilometre (130 mi) long-distance hike through the history of the Netherlands and the young province of Flevoland.
The Pioneer Trail follows in the footsteps of the first inhabitants who settled on the land created by the reclamation of the Zuiderzee. The route runs from Steenwijk to Muiden and takes you through a varied landscape; from vast forests to open polders, picturesque towns to modern cities.
During the walk, you'll learn a lot about the region’s history and how the pioneers reclaimed this new land. You pass several historical sites, such as the former islands of Urk and Schokland as well as newer nature reserves, such as the Oostvaardersplassen and the Marker Wadden.
Walking the Pioneer Trail in its entirety is no small task. If you want to do a multi-day hike, it's important to prepare well. Make sure you've got good walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Also, bring enough water and snacks for along the way. It can be useful to study the route well in advance and take maps or GPS equipment with you if necessary.
Furthermore, it's wise to start slowly and not cover too many kilometres in the first few days. This'll allow your body to get used to the strain and prevent injuries. Also, take enough rest and don't plan your hiking days too full. This way, you can fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the rich history of this region.
Hike the Pioneer Trail and discover the new country of the Netherlands in a unique way!
On The Map
Do it yourself
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Last updated: August 17, 2023
Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Tours & Highlights
- 03:529.51 mi2.5 mph75 ft75 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Are you looking for a unique hiking experience? Then the Pionierspad through Flevoland is really something for you! During this tour you walk straight through Flevoland on the former bottom of the Zuiderzee, which has been dry for only half a century. It is a journey through forests and along marshes…
by Klaske Schep
- 03:539.58 mi2.5 mph75 ft50 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Are you ready for stage 2 of the Pionierspad through Flevoland?
Between Giethoorn and Dwarsgracht the route continues through the straight polder Giethoorn. Once you have arrived at the Jonen ferry, you will enter the Leeuwterveld. This area is known as a meadow bird area and is an important part of Weerribben…
by Klaske Schep
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- 02:215.74 mi2.4 mph75 ft100 ftFerryIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Welcome to the third stage of the Pionierspad, a beautiful route through Flevoland. During this stage you walk from Vollenhove to Enservaart, a distance of 12.9 kilometers.
You start your trip along the Vollenhover Canal, which used to be part of the Zuiderzee. Here you can still clearly see the influence…
by Klaske Schep
- 05:0412.5 mi2.5 mph100 ft100 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
From the Enservaart, the Pionierspad route continues through the Noordoostpolder. A walk through a landscape characterized by straight lines and tight patterns of plots, ditches, roads and rows of trees. You literally walk here on the former bottom of the Zuiderzee, which has been dry for half a century…
by Klaske Schep
- 06:5016.8 mi2.5 mph125 ft125 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
During this stage you walk from the Ketelmeer to the Klokbekerweg in Lelystad, over a distance of 20.1 kilometers. You start this stage with a walk over the Ketelbrug, which takes you over the Ketelmeer. On windy days the lake can be quite spooky, but on calm days it is a true paradise for bird watchers…
by Klaske Schep
- 06:1415.3 mi2.5 mph175 ft175 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
If you are going to walk the sixth stage of the Pionierspad, a beautiful walk through different landscapes awaits you. You start at the Klokbekerweg and continue to the Hollandse Hout, a route of approximately 21.7 kilometers.
Along the way you will pass various waters and forests, and enjoy the beautiful…
by Klaske Schep
- 05:3313.6 mi2.5 mph175 ft150 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Welcome to the seventh stage of the Pioneer Trail! This stage takes you from Hollandse Hout to Knarbos over a distance of 21.9 km. The path offers a unique experience to walk through the beautiful Dutch landscape.
You walk towards the Oostvaardersplassen, a unique marsh landscape that extends over large…
by Klaske Schep
- 04:4211.6 mi2.5 mph100 ft100 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
You start this walk of over 18 kilometers in the Knarbos, a beautiful wooded area where deciduous and coniferous trees alternate and open spaces provide a varied landscape.
After the forest you walk through an open area towards Zeewolde. Along the way you can enjoy wide views of the Flevoland landscape…
by Klaske Schep
- 05:1212.8 mi2.5 mph100 ft100 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Welcome to the ninth stage of the Pioneer Trail! This route takes you from Zeewolde to De Eemhof, a journey of 20.2 kilometers.
You walk through the beautiful Horsterwold, the largest contiguous deciduous forest in Western Europe. Despite the fact that Flevoland is the youngest province in the Netherlands…
by Klaske Schep
- 05:1512.9 mi2.5 mph100 ft100 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Stage 10 of the Pionierspad starts at De Eemhof and goes in a straight line towards Almere. The landscape here is characteristic of Flevoland: open and vast. Along the way you walk through the Circle Forest and along the Hooge Vaart.
Climb the artificial mountain Almere Boven here, so that you tower thirty…
by Klaske Schep
- 06:0615.0 mi2.5 mph175 ft150 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Welcome to the eleventh stage of the Pioneer Trail! During this 22.5 km long walk from De Kemphaan to Muiden you will pass through a beautiful green zone between Almere-Haven and Almere-Stad.
You walk through the Vliegerbos and Beginbos, among other things, and eventually end up at the Kromslootpark…
by Klaske Schep
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Collection Stats
- Tours11
- Distance135 mi
- Duration55:04 h
- Elevation1,225 ft1,225 ft
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