Houtrak: recreation area along the water in Spaarnwoude

Houtrak recreation area is part of the Spaarnwoude nature reserve. Houtrak is an ideal place for dog owners. You will find a beautiful large off-leash area here where you can take wonderful long walks with your dog. But Houtrak is also a great destination for people without a dog, thanks to the beautiful nature and wide open spaces. In Houtrak Spaarnwoude you can walk endlessly and enjoy the tranquility.
Houtrak is a good place for bird watching.

Off-leash area for dogs 

Does your dog have a lot of energy? Then the green surroundings of Houtrak Spaarnwoude are the ultimate place to go. In the northern part, dogs are allowed to run free, swim and romp. The off-leash area in Spaarnwoude is no less than 100 hectares in size, so prepare yourself for a long hike. Please note: in the southern part of Houtrak there is a leash requirement. 

Dogs love to run free and run in a nature reserve. Does your dog also like to swim? Then you will make your four-legged friend completely happy here. Your dog is allowed to enter the water in the Grote Vijver, in the middle of the recreation area. Ideal for during the warm summer months, when your dog could use some cooling. 
 

Walking in the Spaarnwoude recreation area 

Houtrak in Spaarnwoude is also a pleasant environment for walkers without a dog. Due to the size of the area you can make a long walk here. Houtrak was designed by landscape architect Jacoba Mulder and has several walking paths with beautiful trees and crops.  

In the summer months, Houtrak is the location of various outdoor festivals, such as Awakenings and Latin Village. Whether you fancy a music festival, a quiet day in nature, or want to take a nice long walk with the dog: everything is possible in the Houtrak Spaarnwoude recreation area.  
 

Hiking and horseback riding in Houtrak
Fishing in Houtrak

Cycling past windmills

This special cycling route includes a special audio tour. The route leads you straight through..
39,0 km
The Mill of Sloten
Cycling on the Ringdijk with a windmill in the background

Contact

Houtrak Spaarnwoude recreation area
Haarlemmerstraatweg 7
1165 MJ Halfweg
The Netherlands