WHERE THE FOREST FEELS LIKE HOME
Hotel Hoog Holten
Some hotels are all about the room, others about the restaurant. At Hotel Hoog Holten, it is the complete experience that draws you in. Hidden among the trees on the Holterberg, this characterful former hunting lodge sits where the landscape of Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park begins right at the doorstep. There is no busy traffic or urban rush here, just rustling leaves, birds in the trees, and the occasional squirrel or rabbit making an appearance. Step inside and the setting changes, but the sense of calm remains. Hoog Holten feels more like a welcoming country home than a formal hotel. Settle in at the cozy bar, retreat to the intimate library with a book, or take a seat in the distinctive oval-shaped restaurant. Owners Dominique van der Valk and Wilco Schuitemaker believe hospitality is at its best when it feels personal. Guests are often greeted by name, there is always time for a conversation, and nothing feels scripted. That relaxed atmosphere continues throughout the 24 rooms. From compact Tiny Rooms and comfortable guest rooms to more spacious Deluxe Rooms and two 50-square-meter suites with private terraces, each offers its own way to unwind after a day outdoors. Some overlook the forest or garden, while the suites allow you to step straight outside when the weather is fine. Hotel guests can also make complimentary use of the sauna facilities. And outside? One of the Netherlands’ most beautiful walking regions awaits. Hoog Holten is located directly on the Pieterpad long-distance trail and in the heart of Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. Spend hours hiking or cycling through forest and heathland, then return to the warmth of the hunting lodge, enjoy complimentary use of the sauna facilities, a good glass of wine, and an elaborate dinner. It is precisely this transition from outdoors to indoors that captures the charm of Hoog Holten.
WHERE THE SEASONS SHAPE THE FLAVORS
RESTAURANT HOOG HOLTEN
Dinner tastes different after a long walk across the Holterberg, especially when there is nowhere else you need to be. Restaurant Hoog Holten is the culinary heart of the hotel, with white table linens, soft lighting, views of the forest, and a kitchen that takes its cooking seriously without ever making the evening feel formal. Chef Tomas Ordas and his team are guided by the finest ingredients of the moment. Classical techniques meet international influences and spices from around the world, while the flavors remain recognizable and approachable. The seasons set the rhythm, reflected in a changing chef’s menu and an à la carte selection that continues to evolve throughout the year. That same attention extends to the wine list, carefully composed to offer a fitting pairing for every course. When the weather allows, part of the restaurant experience moves outdoors, with lunch and dinner served on the terrace among flowers, trees, and the greenery of the Holterberg. Around the tables, hotel guests fresh from the forest mingle with diners from the region who have come especially for the food. Restaurant Hoog Holten has been awarded 13 points and two chef’s hats by Gault&Millau. Yet the evening is ultimately not about accolades, but about what happens at the table: excellent food, beautiful wines, and plenty of time to enjoy both.
STEP STRAIGHT INTO NATURE FROM YOUR DOORSTEP
DISCOVER THE HOLTERBERG
At Hotel Hoog Holten, the adventure begins the moment you step outside. From this former hunting lodge, you can walk straight into the forests of the Holterberg, with National Park De Sallandse Heuvelrug as your natural backdrop. No busy roads or long drives to reach the starting point – hiking and cycling routes begin right at your doorstep. The surroundings of Hoog Holten are made to be explored. Put on your walking shoes and follow one of the many trails through expansive forests, rolling heathlands and peaceful paths where you can truly enjoy the feeling of space and tranquillity. The hotel is also located directly along the Pieterpad, making it the perfect place for hikers to begin or finish a stage, or simply pause and recharge after a day outdoors. The Holterberg is equally impressive to discover by bike. Rent a bicycle at Hoog Holten and explore the area via quiet country roads, scenic cycling routes and gentle climbs that make this landscape so unique. Mountain bikers will also find plenty of opportunities in the forests and hills around Holten to experience nature in an active way. Every season brings its own magic to the Holterberg. In spring, the forest awakens with fresh greenery, summer transforms the heathlands into a purple landscape, autumn creates a beautiful palette of warm colours and winter reveals the peaceful silence of nature. After a day outdoors, return to a place where you can unwind, enjoy a delicious dinner and hold on to the calm atmosphere of the surroundings for a little longer. Hotel Hoog Holten is not only a stay in the heart of nature, but also the perfect starting point to truly experience the beauty of the Holterberg.
KEY FEATURES AND SERVICES
The PIETERPAD
DISCOVER A HISTORIC HANSEATIC CITY
CYCLING AROUND DIEPENHEIM
“FEEL AT HOME IN NATURE”
"Feel at home surrounded by nature, with a culinary dinner, a good glass of wine, and genuine hospitality." - Dominique van der Valk & Wilco Schuitemaker, Owners
Owners: Dominique van der Valk en Wilco Schuitemaker
Chef: Tomas Ordas
