Sallandse Heuvelrug

Why the Sallandse Heuvelrug is worth the visit

The Sallandse Heuvelrug is the highest heathland in eastern Netherlands. That may not sound spectacular, but anyone who has stood there early in the morning understands immediately. The heath rolls toward the horizon, the sky is wide, and when mist still hangs low over the ground, it feels as though you are somewhere much further away. The area lies between Holten and Nijverdal and falls within Nationaal Park Sallandse Heuvelrug. It is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can still photograph black grouse in the wild.

Light and season

August is the classic month for heather bloom. The purple colour of the common heather is at its most intense then, and the soft morning light gives the plain an almost glowing quality. Come early, because once the sun climbs high the contrast flattens and the colour fades. Autumn, from September through November, adds another layer: changing vegetation, low sun, and sometimes frost on the ground. That gives you longer shadows and more texture. Overcast autumn weather also works well for even, flat light without hard shadows.

Photographing black grouse

The black grouse is the reason many wildlife photographers come here. They are shy birds, and you rarely get close without patience and preparation. A long telephoto lens is not a luxury here but a necessity: think 400mm or more. Stay on the paths and keep your distance. The management of the area explicitly asks for restraint, especially during the breeding season in spring. In early autumn the birds are sometimes a little more approachable. Check with Staatsbosbeheer beforehand to find out whether there are active areas where you are permitted to observe them.

Practical

There are several car parks along the Holterbergweg and at the Holterberg itself. The area has a viewing tower on the Holterberg that gives you an overview of the ridge. That is also a good place to understand the composition of the landscape before you walk further. A wide-angle lens between 16 and 24mm works well for the broad heathscape. If you want to capture individual heather plants or texture in the ground, a 50mm or a short macro will serve you better. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the core area.

Sources and further reading

• Nationaal Park Sallandse Heuvelrug
• Staatsbosbeheer – Sallandse Heuvelrug
• Wikipedia – Sallandse Heuvelrug