Have you completed Part 1 of the Pieterpad? Then there’s a good chance you, like me, are eager to continue with Pieterpad Part 2. This second leg begins in Vorden, a charming village in Gelderland, and guides you past beautiful castles and historic landmarks as you make your way south to North Brabant and Limburg.
In Vorden, you’re immediately greeted by grandeur — no fewer than eight castles adorn the area. At one of these historic landmarks, you’ll find a memorial plaque in honor of the Pieterpad’s founders: Toos Goorhuis-Tjalsma and Bertje Jens. Between 1978 and 1983, inspired by a walking tour in the Black Forest, they envisioned, walked, and documented what would become the most famous long-distance hike in the Netherlands: a 500-kilometer trail that stitches together existing paths into one unforgettable journey.
Looking for route updates, GPS files, or overnight stay tips for the Pieterpad? Visit the official Pieterpad website — though keep in mind the information is only available in Dutch.
Leaving Vorden, you’ll find yourself on a wide sandy track beside a stately castle — it feels like stepping back in time. Imagine old carriages creaking along the very same road. In Zelhem, a village known for its connection to witch folklore, you’ll encounter stories like that of Smoks Hanne, a legendary witch in wooden clogs and a broomstick.
The route continues past a fish ladder and through the Landgoed Hagen/Langenburg nature reserve near Doetinchem. Later, without much notice, you’ll cross the German border — a unique detour that offers a brief taste of Germany’s countryside on this otherwise Dutch hiking trail.
After Millingen aan de Rijn, the trail winds toward Groesbeek in Gelderland. This section is a bit hillier and rich in World War II history. You’ll encounter an old defense map for NBC warfare, a Canadian war cemetery, and an emotional WWII memorial in Groesbeek.
Crossing into Limburg, you’ll pass through Gennep and Milsbeek, where you’ll spot the large wooden artwork known as “The Trojan Horse.” Nearby, a British military cemetery offers a quiet moment of reflection before you continue along an old railway line — the “Duitse Lijntje” — toward Vierlingsbeek and the expansive National Park De Maasduinen, known for its sand dunes, forests, and moorlands.
In Vierlingsbeek, a monument featuring a giant ladybug stands as a symbol against senseless violence. Nearby, the artwork “Pieterpauze – Ode to the Tireless Walker” celebrates all who walk this iconic path.
You’ll then enter the rural estate of Geijsteren, where grazing sheep dot the landscape. The trail passes through Swolgen and eventually into Venlo — which just happens to be the home base of OutdoorPins & More.
In Venlo, you begin with a stunning boardwalk through the watery nature area of Schuitwater, followed by a ferry crossing over the Maas River in Grubbenvorst. Don’t miss the trail’s most charming marker and the tiny chapel, Kepelke van Genooi, before strolling into the city. From Venlo, the trail leads through the lush Jaomerdal, past an imposing Trappist monastery, and into the forests around Swalmen.
This final stretch is filled with historical landmarks and varied landscapes. Starting in Swalmen, the route heads toward Montfort, passing the castle farm Zuidewijk Spick and the old Iron Rhine railway line near Roermond. In Montfort, a ruined castle tells tales of the past.
Between Montfort and Sittard, you walk through the narrowest strip of the Netherlands and pass by Millen Castle. Sittard, the hometown of comedian Toon Hermans, features his legacy in the form of murals and street art. You’ll climb the Kollenberg hill with its series of chapels and pass the “Drenkplaats” in Windraak, which, unfortunately, suffers from littering.
From Strabeek, the final kilometers lead you into Maastricht, the capital of Limburg. Here, you’ll pass Fort Sint Pieter and the massive ENCI quarry before arriving at the end point: the Sint Pietersberg (here you can also walk the Dutch Mountain Trail). A large cut-out marker now stands at the summit — the perfect spot for your final photo after completing this legendary 500-kilometer trek.
The Pieterpad proves that the Netherlands, though small, offers remarkable diversity — from flat farmland to rolling hills, from tranquil forests to bustling cities, and from peaceful landscapes to powerful reminders of history.
My own experience hiking this trail was unforgettable. Every stage offered something new: scenic beauty, local culture, and moments of reflection. And once I reached the Sint Pietersberg, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and connection with the land I had crossed on foot.
Whether you’re preparing to walk the full route or just a section. The Pieterpad offers an unparalleled long-distance hiking experience in the Netherlands. It’s ideal for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to connect deeply with the Dutch landscape.
Questions or tips about the Pieterpad? Feel free to reach out via email!
Or are you curious about my next adventure — the Westerborkpad?
| Vorden – Zelhem | 17 |
| Zelhem – Braamt | 17 |
| Braamt – Millingen a/d Rijn | 25 |
| Millingen a/d Rijn – Groesbeek | 20 |
| Groesbeek – Gennep | 15 |
| Gennep – Vierlingsbeek | 19 |
| Vierlingsbeek – Swolgen | 24 |
| Swolgen – Venlo | 21 |
| Venlo – Swalmen | 23 |
| Swalmen – Montfort | 22 |
| Montfort – Sittard | 24 |
| Sittard – Strabeek | 22 |
| Strabeek – Sint Pietersberg | 17 |
Our Photos
We take photos with our phone, mirrorless camera, or compact camera. We don’t edit our experience photos with colors or filters; all the colors you see are exactly as we observed them.
A Walking Pin
Would you like a walking pin as a souvenir of this hiking route? You can click here.
Other Hikes
If you’d like to read more about our hikes, check out our overview page.
Route – GPS
For all information about the stages, the hiking guide (in Dutch), or the GPS route, visit this website.
Part 1
Read it here.
My walk
I walked this path from August 2018 to August 2019. Things may have changed since then. Even if it’s in Dutch, make sure to check for any special features or updates along the Pieterpad.