How do I navigate?
Navigation on Pieterpad is very easy as it is very well maintained trail.
You can use:
- Pieterpad booklet guide
- GPS
- Marking signs along the way
- Pieterpad website
Personally I think using signs with combination of booklet or website is sufficient. It is better to use 2 methods to avoid wrong turns or if in doubt.
Do I need the booklet?
No, it is not needed, but it might be useful. It is only available in Dutch and it gives you more information about the area and highlights any interesting location and give you some history.
However even if you don’t speak Dutch, the main benefit of the booklet is the map, which will help you to understand the general direction and turns and it highlights spots to eat, sleep and get public transport. I found the booklet useful.
By buying the booklet, you also support the Pieterpad foundation as they rely on these purchases and donations.
Do you need to register/ pay permits?
No, there is no registration required and you do not need to pay any permits.
Is there any certification, medal or similar for completion?
There is no signing in and signing off, no checkpoint or stamp system. You do the trail for yourself and for the experience.
If you want you can purchase certificate from the website.
Where do I sleep?
The Pieterpad can be done in tent. I do not have personal experience with this, so I can not advise, but note that it is not permitted to wild camp in Netherlands. You will need to go into campsites. I believe this is around 20-25 EUR per night.
The other option is to book B&B or hotel, this is more expensive but it brings bit more comfort. Cost around 50-80 EUR per night.
Pro Tip: Dutch people are also often signed up to this WEBSITE which is sort of Dutch couchsurfing site. It is intended for cyclist but walkers are welcome too. Each accommodation cost around 24 EUR per night. Might be bit harder to do for non-Dutch speaker, but it is possible and I used this service few times.
Do I need to book accommodation in advance?
If you are travelling during summer or during holidays, you will likely have to book all your acommodations in advance. Note that this is also applicable for tent camp sites.
This makes planning very tricky, especially if you are not sure how you will progress and the distance that you will be able to cover. Also in case you will need to take additional rest due to minor injury, this could mess the whole schedule.
What about water?
The water in Netherlands is drinkable from tap, so you can easily re-fill where you stay or in places to stop along the way. Do bring enough water, exact amount depends on you and the season you are hiking in. Do take every opportunity to refill as there are sections where you will not be able to refill for very long time – for example while crossing dunes/ parks etc.
What about food?
There are a lot of food locations along the way. I would say check the booklet or map. I would recommend to carry some food on you at all times. For example I did not expect that Pieterburen does not have a shop so I had to dip into my safety food right from beginning. Also it is difficult to predict your apetite and it is better to be prepared.
I am vegeterian/ vegan. Is this a problem?
Netherlands has a lot of vegetarian options even in smaller places along the way. I ate mostly vegetarian diet while hiking Pieterpad and I did not have any issues.
Vegans might have bigger problem as Netherlands is country heavy on cheese and dairy and vegan options are not as common. It might require bit more planning/ preparation.
What is the cost?
Cost can vary quite a bit and it also depends if you go in one go or several trips, the length of your trip, the type of accommodation. Also if you have all the required equipment available.
Doing the trip in one attempt is not cheap. Even if you camp, do long distances per day and have food budget of 10 EUR per day, you will be looking at around 600 EUR.
In my view this is still cheaper than doing section hikes every few weeks as you will pay more for travel, which is also not so cheap, but of course you will even out the cost across few weeks or months.
You will need to do your own calculation. To help these are the main categories of cost:
Gear – Do you have all the equipment? Shoes, socks, clothing, backpack, tent, sleeping bag, stove, booklets
Food, drinks – Very much personal preference, have a budget, but be ready that appetite might fluctuate and sometimes you might need extra boost
Accommodation – Covered above
Travel cost – Train/bus travel, if travelling from abroad, include flight cost and any insurance costs
More about Pieterpad HERE
Official website HERE