The 2,800 hectares of heath, forest, and dune left between Hilversum, Bussum, and Laren is the largest piece of nature in the densely populated Randstad. Purple heather flowers in August and into September, especially on the Westerheide and Bussumerheide. Bronze Age burial mounds dot the higher ground.
A good day out: bike from Hilversum station onto the Westerheide, cross the Natuurbrug Zanderij Crailoo, and return through the forests of the Spanderswoud. There are visitor centres at Laren and Naarden; the reserve is free, open at all times, and crisscrossed by signed walking and cycling paths.