Dutch Media Week
Annual media week in autumn around the Media Park in Hilversum with events about television, radio and media.
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Hilversum
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Hilversum
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the Media Park early in the morning to avoid large groups of students and tourists.
- Rent a bike to discover the surrounding 'Het Gooi' nature reserves and heathlands, which are exceptionally beautiful.
- Architecture enthusiasts should not miss the Raadhuis (Town Hall) and other distinctive buildings designed by W.M. Dudok.
- Parking in the center can be expensive; use the Park & Ride facilities near the train station or travel by intercity train.
🍽 Food
🍽
Pannenkoeken
Try Dutch pancakes at one of the traditional pancake houses located in the woods surrounding the town.
🍽
Bitterballen
Order these savory, deep-fried snacks alongside a beer at one of the many pubs on the Groest square.
🍽
Stroopwafel
Buy a freshly baked, warm syrup waffle from a stall at the local open-air market.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Wednesday and Saturday Market
A lively open-air market on the Groest, excellent for fresh produce, cheeses, and local treats.
🛍
De Gijsbrecht
This shopping street (Gijsbrecht van Amstelstraat) is known for its independent boutiques and specialty stores.
🧘
Pinetum Blijdenstein
A beautiful and quiet botanical garden specialized in conifers and rare plants.
🧘
Hilversumse Heide
Escape the bustle with a walk across these vast, peaceful heathlands just outside the city.
Water temperature…
Hilversum is the primary media hub of the Netherlands, located in the Gooi region within the province of North Holland. The city is world-renowned for its modernist architecture, most notably the Hilversum Town Hall designed by Willem Marinus Dudok and completed in 1931, which is a landmark of brick expressionism. Since the 1920s, it has evolved into the national center for radio and television broadcasting, earning the title of Media City. Surrounded by extensive forests and heathlands, it combines urban development with significant natural green spaces. Historically, Hilversum was a center for the carpet and textile industry until the 19th century, but the arrival of the Dutch Wireless Factory in 1918 shifted its focus toward telecommunications. Today, it hosts the expansive Media Park, where thousands of professionals produce content for national and international audiences, maintaining its status as a creative powerhouse.
- Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
- Top sights: Beeld & Geluid · Huis Sloëtjes · Fotomuseum Hilversum
- Nearby: Soest (9 km)
- Population: ~83.640
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 64 | 54 | 38 | 59 | 63 | 80 | 83 | 63 | 71 | 72 | 79 |
Geography
Facts
- Home to Media Park, the central hub of Dutch broadcasting.
- The Town Hall (1931) is a masterpiece by architect Willem Dudok.
- Known as a major center for carpet weaving in the 19th century.
- Has a population of about 90,000 and is part of the Gooi region.
- Features Pinetum Blijdenstein, a notable botanical garden.
- Became the site of the first Dutch wireless factory (NSF) in 1918.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:396.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Your day in Hilversum begins with an architectural highlight, Dudok's Town Hall. After a walk through the center, you'll explore the cultural heart with Museum Hilversum and the towering Saint Vitus Church. In the afternoon, enjoy a local beer at Mout food hall before retreating into the quiet nature of Pinetum Blijdenstein. The day concludes with a view of the iconic Zonnestraal estate.
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🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hilversum Town Hall
Book a guided tour to see the unique Dudok architecture from the inside.
🚶 25'1.12 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 6'0.15 km
🚶 56'2.64 km
🚶 48'2.26 km
🏛️
16:45 · 84'
Zonnestraal
Admire this UNESCO-listed masterpiece of modern architecture from the outside.
09:00→18:396.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Morning starts under the protective geometry of Dudok's Town Hall. At noon, Museum Hilversum offers a dry sanctuary for art lovers. Afternoon is spent cozying up in the Mout food hall. By evening, the Zonnestraal complex's glass and steel shimmer beautifully in the rhythmic Dutch rain.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 25'1.12 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 6'0.15 km
🚶 56'2.64 km
🚶 48'2.26 km
09:00→18:396.6 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
A winter morning makes Dudok's brickwork glow in a deep, warm red. By noon, the cozy museum heat welcomes you to explore local history. In the afternoon, Mout hall is filled with the scent of winter spices. The early sunset casts a magical 'blue hour' light over the Zonnestraal estate.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 25'1.12 km
🚶 11'0.4 km
🚶 6'0.15 km
🚶 56'2.64 km
🚶 48'2.26 km
09:00→18:189.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike and start your tour at Hilversum's famous Town Hall. Cycle to the museum in the center before heading north to the vibrant Media Park, where you'll visit the fascinating Sound and Vision Institute. In the afternoon, head back to the center for lunch at Mout, followed by a relaxing ride to the tranquil Pinetum Blijdenstein. End your day with a view of the Zonnestraal architectural wonder.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hilversum Town Hall
Lock your bike securely and take photos from different angles.
🚲 9'0.94 km
📍
10:43 · 47'
Museum Hilversum
The museum is located in the old town hall, another beautiful building.
🚲 15'1.95 km
🚲 6'0.53 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
for media lovers. Plan for at least two hours.
🚲 12'1.47 km
🚲 19'2.64 km
📍
15:20 · 47'
Pinetum Blijdenstein
A peaceful bike ride to this garden is the great end to the day.
🚲 17'2.26 km
🏛️
16:24 · 84'
Zonnestraal
The last stop of the day to see this architectural gem in the evening light.
09:00→18:189.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
Cycling is part of life in Hilversum, even in the rain. The Town Hall greets you with a damp glow. At Museum Hilversum, take your first dry break. After Media Park, the Sound and Vision Institute offers a lengthy indoor escape. Mout warms you up before heading to the misty Pinetum.
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🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hilversum Town Hall
Bicycle racks are available right in front of the entrance.
🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 15'1.95 km
🚲 6'0.53 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
Large bicycle parking available under the building.
🚲 12'1.47 km
🚲 19'2.64 km
🚲 17'2.26 km
09:00→18:189.8 km ride7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 34–46 €Entries 28€ · Transport 12€
A frosty start at the Town Hall wakes up the senses. At Museum Hilversum, dive into the warmth. A short ride to Media Park is followed by hours of media magic in the sheltered institute. Mout serves hot drinks for strength. Pinetum shows off its winter attire before the tour ends at Zonnestraal.
← swipe for more places →
🏛️
09:10 · 84'
Hilversum Town Hall
The architecture looks almost surreal in clear frost light.
🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 15'1.95 km
🚲 6'0.53 km
📍
12:38 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
The colorful glass glows brightly in the grey winter light.
🚲 12'1.47 km
🚲 19'2.64 km
🚲 17'2.26 km
09:00→17:457.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 28€ · Transport 1€
Your car day starts in the south with an architectural walk around Zonnestraal and Pinetum. You'll then drive to the second cluster, Media Park, where the colourful Sound and Vision Institute awaits. A short walk takes you to the impressive Town Hall. The final leg of your journey takes you to the city centre for lunch at Mout, ending the day at the majestic Saint Vitus Church.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 11'2.26 km
🚗 13'3.02 km
🚗 5'0.53 km
📍
12:37 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
The colorful building is unmissable. Dive into Dutch media history.
🚗 6'0.82 km
🏛️
13:30 · 84'
Hilversum Town Hall
Take a walk from the media cluster to this architectural masterpiece.
🚗 6'1.04 km
🍽️
15:00 · 84'
Mout Hilversum
Drive to the center, park, and enjoy a late lunch at the food hall.
🚗 4'0.26 km
09:00→17:457.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 28€ · Transport 1€
A rainy drive through Hilversum's leafy neighborhoods. Start at Zonnestraal, where parking is conveniently close. Pinetum offers a quick outdoor loop before heading to the dry Media Park. Sound and Vision is the indoor highlight. In the evening, Mout hall beckons with easy nearby parking.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 11'2.26 km
🚗 13'3.02 km
🚗 5'0.53 km
📍
12:37 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
Convenient during rain: everything is under one roof.
🚗 6'0.82 km
🚗 6'1.04 km
🚗 4'0.26 km
09:00→17:457.9 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 28€ · Transport 1€
A cozy winter tour in a heated car. The Zonnestraal complex looks magical under the frost. At Pinetum, enjoy the crisp winter air before diving into the institute's media world. Dudok's Town Hall reveals its details in the low winter light. End the day with great food in the warm Mout hall.
← swipe for more places →
🚗 11'2.26 km
🚗 13'3.02 km
🚗 5'0.53 km
📍
12:37 · 47'
Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision
A bustling splash of color on a grey winter day.
🚗 6'0.82 km
🚗 6'1.04 km
🚗 4'0.26 km
Sights in the town Hilversum (17)
Huis Sloëtjes🏛 museum
A historical house in Hilversum that serves as a museum.
🌐 hendrickdekeyser.nl🕒 Fr-Sa 10:00-17:00
Frequently asked questions
What is Hilversum known for?
As the 'Media City' of the Netherlands, home to almost all major broadcasting companies.
Who designed the Hilversum Town Hall?
Willem Marinus Dudok; the town hall is considered his masterpiece of modern architecture.
What is 'Beeld en Geluid'?
The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, an interactive media museum and archive.
Is there nature near Hilversum?
Yes, the city is surrounded by beautiful forests and heathlands in the Gooi region.
Is Hilversum easily accessible from Amsterdam or Utrecht?
Yes, it's a quick 15 to 20-minute train ride from either Amsterdam or Utrecht.
Hilversum: where is it located?
Hilversum is located in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Hilversum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Beeld & Geluid, Huis Sloëtjes, Fotomuseum Hilversum.
Hilversum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hilversum: why is it worth visiting?
Hilversum is the primary media hub of the Netherlands, located in the Gooi region within the province of North Holland.
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Nature
More places
Hilversum Moraine Ridge
The Hilversum Moraine Ridge is a chain of hills on the Gooise Zandgronden.
Zonnestraal Hill
Zonnestraal Hill is located near Hilversum on the sandy soils of the Gooi region.
Laren Hill
Laren Hill is located in the Gooi region.
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