Nikwax is formulated for adventure! Our love for the outdoors, and encouraging others to embrace it too, is at the heart of everything we do. We are the outdoor lover’s companion, be those adventures big or small, local or far-flung, solo or in couples and groups. Whether you’re scaling mountains, cycling trails or enjoying a gentle walk, there is nothing better than being out in nature.
To kick off 2025, we’ve listed out our top 12 outdoor adventures for the year ahead, open to all! Just add Nikwax to stay dry and warm whilst enjoying them…
Walking or Hiking
Striding out in nature is a simple adventure with big benefits. The positive physical and mental impacts on our health are well documented, and it can be enjoyed alone, with a partner, or in a group. No national park nearby? A ramble around your local area is still an adventure in our book.
Where? Veluwezoom National Park is the oldest national park in Holland, with a stunning landscape of hills, forests, heathlands and sand drifts just perfect for adventuring. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself eye to eye with a red deer or wild boar!
What Nikwax products? Footwear Cleaning Gel / Fabric & Leather Proof + Waterproofing Wax for Leather.
Caving
Is there anything more adventurous than exploring an underground world of caverns, tunnels, pots, splunking holes, stalactites and dykes? Add some friends to the mix for an exhilarating outdoor experience.
Where? Explore the 5.1-km Fort Sint-Pieter Green cave trail, near Maastricht, Limburg. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete. This is a popular adventure so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/netherlands/cave
What Nikwax Product? Tech Wash / TX.Direct Wash-In.
Gravel Biking/Cycling
Riding on any unpaved surface is considered gravel biking, including gravel (obviously!), dirt, rocky terrain, woodchips, and anything in between. Gravel routes frequently lead riders away from paved roads, becoming more adventurous as they wind deeper into nature.
Where? Cycling in the Arnhem region is a perfect way to enjoy nature in all its glory. With around 35,000 km of cycle paths, it’s the perfect blend of exercise and exploration with whoever you choose to enjoy it with.
What Nikwax product? Sports Refresh.
Rock Climbing
Nothing beats rock climbing for a sense of adventure and accomplishment. It’s a workout for both mind and body, with a view from the top! It’s also a great social activity – climbers often share the same wall space at climbing gyms and on rockfaces, navigating routes together.
Where? With routes for beginners as well as adrenaline junkies, the craggy landscape of Limburg, known for its limestone crags, it is a bucket list rock climbing adventure.
What Nikwax product? Sports Refresh.
Surfing
Did you know surfing dates to c. AD 400 in Polynesia? That’s over 1600 years of adventures on the waves! Whether you’re a dedicated pro, a hobbyist or a casual admirer from the safety of the sand, there’s no denying the pull of the sea.
Where? Slufter is a fishhook of a sandbank that runs along the port outside of Rotterdam. It is the perfect playground for both seasoned surfers and have-a-goes.
What Nikwax Product? Wetsuit Refresh.
Trail Running
Contrary to popular belief, mountains aren’t a necessity for trail running adventures. It is considered a “trail run” when you aren’t running on surfaced, paved, sealed or asphalt roads. Simply, it is about enjoying a run – of any length and speed – in the heart of nature.
Where? The N70 Nature Trail through the Rijk van Nijmegen takes in over 8 hills and is one of the most beautiful and rewarding adventure trails in the Netherlands. The route is well marked and is unique its diversity.
What Nikwax product? Footwear Cleaning Gel / Fabric & Leather Proof.
Camping
Camping within an official camping ground or caravan park is a great way to spend the night in some of the Netherlands’ most beautiful countryside and enjoy adventures under the stars.
Where? Too many stunning spots to choose just one! Check out RCN Vakantiepark de Flaasbloem and Camping d’n Twist. for a wide range of camping adventures, whether you camp with family, friends or solo.
What Nikwax product? Tent & Gear Solar Wash / Proof.
Wild Swimming
Outdoor swimming is fast becoming a mainstream pastime in the Netherlands. Why? Because plunging (safely) into cold water is the ultimate way to invigorate mind and body whilst embracing the beauty of the great outdoors.
Where? Located in the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Dune lake ‘t Wed is a truly refreshing outdoor adventure, and even better enjoyed with others. Plus, the water quality is checked throughout the official swimming season. (May-30 October).
What Nikwax product? Tech Wash / TX.Direct Spray-On.
Paddle Sports
Looking to try a new adventure this year? Paddle sports are a fun, healthy way to explore our country’s inland waterways. Whether canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding, our canals and rivers offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Where? The stunning town of Reeuwijk is a hotspot in the Netherlands for paddle boarding, the waters in Reeuwijk are calm, tranquil, and beginner friendly, making it a fantastic place to explore.
What Nikwax Product? Wetsuit Refresh.
Picnicking
A small yet rewarding adventure, a picnic can be enjoyed pretty much anywhere, with no-one or with anyone. On a park bench, beside the sea, in a field or up a mountain. Just add something hot (soup or coffee), something crunchy (crisps or crudité) plus something sweet (cake or biscuits) for the perfect picnic alchemy.
Where? You decide 😊
What Nikwax Products? Tech Wash / TX.Direct Spray-On + Footwear Cleaning Gel / Fabric & Leather Proof.