Hilversum: Dudok, Media and Photography

Hilversum’s Town Hall dates from 1931 and is considered a high point in the work of Willem Marinus Dudok. The building houses the Dudok Architectuur Centrum, which explores the architect’s life and work. Visits are possible with an experienced guide; check booking arrangements before your trip. This brings together architecture and an in-depth look at Dudok in one place.

Architecture and Garden Design

Landgoed Zonnestraal also tells a story of architectural history: it was built as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients and is regarded as a monument to light and air created by Jan Duiker. The estate can be visited daily. Guided tours are offered at 12 noon and 2 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month. Check tour dates and any exceptions to visiting before you travel.

Pinetum Blijdenstein offers a different way to explore the plant world. This internationally significant botanical garden is located in a Hilversum villa district. It has one of the world’s most important conifer collections and is open year-round. If the garden is on your itinerary, check the current visiting conditions before your visit.

Heathland, Forest and Traces of the Past

The Hoorneboegse Heide bears traces of human activity dating back thousands of years: burial mounds, urn fields, and cart tracks. Those wishing to combine this landscape with a longer hike can walk sections of the 26-kilometre Voetstappenpad. The route loops around Hilversum through forest and heathland; you do not need to cover the entire distance to enjoy a walk, as you can choose individual sections.

A Goois Natuurreservaat route runs alongside the Hilversums Wasmeer and offers a viewpoint over the marsh. Special plants can be seen there, including blunt-flowered rush, cotton grass, white beak-sedge, and round-leaved sundew. Walking is possible on the Bussummerheide, whose archaeological remains include burial mounds, as well as remnants from the Stone Age and a 12th-century settlement. These routes offer a chance to take in not only the landscape but also its varied traces of history.

Media and Photography

Beeld & Geluid houses one of the world’s largest media archives. The building was designed by Neuteling & Riedijk Architecten. Its coloured glass panels, created by Jaap Drupsteen, depict scenes from Dutch television history. Hilversum also offers an interactive media museum and Hillywood tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look at television studios.

Fotomuseum Hilversum specialises in photography and explores its boundaries by connecting it with other art forms. It is also home to the Zilveren Camera, the Netherlands’ leading photojournalism competition. The museum’s regular programme includes lectures, guided tours, masterclasses, and special activities for children. Alongside media history, visitors can explore photographic perspectives and a changing programme of events as cultural offerings.

Plan Walks and Routes

A city walk follows a 8.5-kilometre route past notable buildings designed by Dudok and takes around three hours. Another route, about 7 kilometres long, passes through the Boomberg neighbourhood, by the Oude Haven, and through the Corversbos. At 8.5 kilometres, the route to Dudok’s buildings is longer than the roughly 7-kilometre walk through Boomberg, past the Oude Haven, and through the Corversbos. Route details may change, so plan using the latest information.

There are also different options for cycling trips. The Gooische Vrouwen route passes eighteen sculptures of women from the Gooi region in Hilversum. It can start at Hilversum railway station, where visitors can rent an OV-fiets. Check current rental options before setting out. Another cycling tour in the area around Hilversum is 36 kilometres long. The sculpture route through Hilversum and a 36-kilometre tour in the surrounding area therefore offer different cycling options.

Discover more destinations: Hilversum, Edam-Volendam, Alkmaar, Heemskerk, Laren, Wieringermeer, Den Helder, Wervershoof.

Back to the regional travel overview: North Holland.