Den Dolder station designated as Netherlands’ fourth Buitenpoort

Den Dolder station has officially been designated as the fourth ‘Buitenpoort’ (Outdoor Gate) in the Netherlands. Located in the province of Utrecht, it is the second such gateway on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, following Baarn.

The initiative aims to encourage sustainable tourism by making it easier for travelers to access nature via public transport, cycling, or walking rather than using cars. The station provides direct access to areas within the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, including the Willem Arntszbos, Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg, and various heathlands and heritage sites. To facilitate this, the station offers OV-fietsen (public transport bicycles) and clear signage for walking and cycling routes.

The project is a collaborative effort involving the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, NS, ProRail, the Province of Utrecht, the municipality of Zeist, and various land management organizations such as Utrechts Landschap. This expansion follows previous designations for stations in Bussum-Zuid, Castricum, and Baarn, forming a growing network of sustainable access points to natural areas.