Hilversum

Introduction

Located in the heart of the Gooi region, you will find Hilversum serves as a major urban center surrounded by a natural landscape of heathland, woods, meadows, and lakes. Situated within the Randstad conurbation and the Amsterdam metropolitan area, the city sits southeast of Amsterdam and north of Utrecht.

Before you go

Prepare for a relaxing escape from urban life in this green and breezy town situated between Amsterdam and Utrecht. You will find a landscape defined by its hilly terrain and sand soil, where forests and city buildings blend naturally into one another. The area is known as a "villa village" due to the numerous large homes with expansive gardens that characterize the local scenery. Known locally as "the village," the town center maintains a distinct atmosphere from the surrounding leafy neighborhoods.

Explore the vast nature reserves, including the Spanderswoud and Bussumerheide, which are connected by one of the world's largest wildlife crossings. You can navigate these lands on foot or by bicycle through forests, lakes, and heathland. If you are interested in botany, visit the Pinetum Blijdenstein to see a vast collection of rare and exotic trees. As the national media capital, often called "Hillywood," the area is also home to major television studios and many Dutch celebrities.

Getting there

You can reach Hilversum easily by rail via the NS railway service, which connects the city to Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport, Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Almere. For those traveling from further afield, international trains to Berlin and Hanover also stop in the city. If you prefer to travel by car, you can navigate the A1, A2, and A27 motorways. Choosing provincial roads like the N524, N525, or N415 allows you to experience the surrounding forests, while routes such as the N417 and N201 take you through rural farm fields and villages.

If you are arriving by plane, Schiphol Airport offers a direct Intercity train connection to Hilversum. While other regional airports like Eindhoven and Rotterdam also provide access via train, these journeys require more travel time. Note that the local Hilversum Airport is reserved exclusively for training and recreational flying.

Getting around

Walking is an excellent way to explore the heart of Hilversum, as most restaurants, bars, and shops are located in the center. From the main train station, you can reach the city center and many attractions via a short walk through the Leeuwenstraat. While the Groest allows for some bicycles and a limited number of cars, the other streets in the center are largely free of vehicle traffic.

If you wish to see beyond the inner core, cycling is a safe option with designated reddish-purple lanes on all arterial roads. For those traveling further afield, buses provide connections from the main train station to surrounding villages and outskirts; however, walking may be faster than waiting for infrequent evening services. Navigating by car can be challenging due to a complex system of one-way roads and traffic congestion. While free parking is available between the inner and outer rings, these spots require a walk to reach the center, whereas dedicated parking lots offer more convenient access.

Where to stay

You can choose from various accommodations that reflect the architectural character of the city. For those seeking a luxurious stay in a green location, you can find comfort in superior rooms or suites featuring amenities like jacuzzis and bathrobes. If you prefer to sleep within an architectural masterpiece, you can stay in a building designed by Jan Duiker and Bernard Bijvoet, which serves as an exceptional example of the 'New Style' movement. Alternatively, you can choose a villa located near the center or find a peaceful retreat in the city's most affluent neighborhood, where the atmosphere emphasizes tranquility and warmth.

For convenient access to different areas, you can stay in a location situated between the town center and the Media Park. This area provides easy access to both locations and offers amenities such as a sauna, fitness room, and bicycle rentals.

Food & drink

Hilversum offers a range of dining experiences tailored to its status as a media city, featuring "see and be seen" establishments with luxurious interiors and outdoor seating for warm summer nights. You can find upscale brasseries in breezy green neighborhoods that offer a cozy atmosphere for coffee, tea, or pastries. For those seeking a more contemporary vibe, some venues feature industrial-luxurious designs or are situated in unique locations, such as a former fashion house or a restaurant located in the middle of a forest. If you prefer a variety of options, an Asian-style food court provides a selection of dishes ranging from dim sum and pho to burgers and fries, while other spots specialize in regional cuisines like Northern Thai, Spanish tapas, or Indonesian buffet styles.

The local culinary scene also features high-end dining and specialized international cuisine. You can enjoy French and Mediterranean dishes served on fine china in reconstructed historic buildings, or visit a Chinese restaurant set within a historic Dutch farm. For a more casual experience, several spots offer authentic flavors like Southern Vietnamese rice noodle soup or Japanese teppanyaki. When looking for drinks, the area around the Groest serves as a hub for various venues, from cosmopolitan bars with soft seating and lounge music to lively nightclubs. Many of these establishments serve local craft beers, such as wheat beer, which is particularly popular on warm summer evenings.

What to see and do

Explore the architectural heritage of Hilversum by following the W.M. Dudok Architectural Route, which highlights his distinctive blend of styles influenced by New Objectivity. You can begin your journey at the Hilversum Town Hall, a masterpiece featuring unique yellow bricks and interior details designed by Dudok. For a different architectural experience, visit Landgoed Zonnestraal, an example of the New Objectivity style characterized by concrete and glass in white, black, and "Duiker blue." If you prefer modern landmarks, the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision is a massive block-shaped building that houses extensive archives underground.

Nature and botanical exploration offer diverse experiences across the region:

• Costerustuin features over 1,200 wild plants and trees organized by family rather than appearance.
• Pinetum Blijdenstein is renowned for its significant collection of rare conifers and other species like palms and rhododendrons.
• Boombergpark provides a leafy hiking trail through the wealthy Boombergwijk neighborhood, which features protected villas and a rose garden.
• Laapersveld offers a calm atmosphere where you can relax near a pumping station designed in the Amsterdam School style.
• The Zanderij Crailo serves as a massive wildlife crossing connecting forests to support regional biodiversity.

Three days in Hilversum

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the local area and experiencing the atmosphere of the neighborhood. You might spend time walking through the nearby surroundings to get a feel for the region.

Day two, you can travel further to see the surrounding landscape. You could visit the Spanderswoud or the Bussumerheide to enjoy the natural scenery.

Day three, you can head toward the Pinetum Blijdenstein to conclude your time in the area.