Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park introduces first eco-friendly nature toilets for visitors
Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park has opened its first nature toilet, improving accessibility for visitors. Funded by the Postcode Lottery and the Utrecht provincial government, these waterless toilets aim to make outdoor areas more comfortable for everyone, including wheelchair users and those who avoid nature due to lack of facilities.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, Green Entrance Kaapse Bossen |
| Additional Locations | Donderberg (Leersum), Amerongen |
| Funding | Postcode Lottery, Utrecht provincial government subsidy |
| Number of Toilets | 3 (first one opened, two more to follow) |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly, open year-round |
| Operational Date | Mid-April 2026 |
| Initiator | Council member Tom Zoutewelle (Christian Union) |
| Supporting App | WC Wijzer (to list nearest toilets, including nature toilets) |
| Target Group | Visitors, wheelchair users, and nearly 1 in 3 Dutch people avoiding nature due to lack of toilets |
The municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug, in collaboration with Natuurmonumenten, plays a key role in enhancing recreational infrastructure to make nature more accessible. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve visitor comfort and promote sustainable tourism in the region. The provincial government supports such projects through subsidies to foster environmental and social well-being.
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First nature toilet opened in Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park
On Thursday, March 19 (National Toilet Day), the first nature toilet was opened in Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park at the Green Entrance Kaapse Bossen. Two more nature toilets will follow, at Green Entrance Donderberg in Leersum and likely in Amerongen. The three nature toilets are funded by the Postcode Lottery and a subsidy from the Utrecht provincial government. With the arrival of these toilets, we are taking an important step toward making forest areas more accessible to a wider audience.
Tom Zoutewelle, council member for the Christian Union, submitted a proposal for the installation of public toilets: "In my work, I often travel abroad, and public toilets are almost always taken for granted. Not in the Netherlands. With my proposal, I wanted to address this issue in my own municipality."
Councilor Gerrit Boonzaaijer: "As a municipal executive, we supported the council's wish to install public toilets. Fortunately, our recreation policy officer took this project under her wing."
Michelle Osterhaus, area manager for the Utrecht management unit of Natuurmonumenten: "If people feel comfortable in nature, they also express that nature is important to them. To feel at ease, it’s important to have a toilet nearby."
Ivo Thonon, project leader at the MDL (Gastrointestinal) Fund: "We hope that with these nature toilets, we can also encourage the nearly one in three Dutch people who avoid nature to venture out. We want to offer everyone an alternative to relieving themselves in the wild."
Open for use from mid-April
The finishing touches are being put on the facilities. The expectation is that visitors will be able to use the nature toilet starting in mid-April.
What is a nature toilet?
A nature toilet is a dry toilet that does not require water, electricity, or sewage. An additional benefit is the conservation of drinking water. A nature toilet is open year-round and accessible to wheelchair users. What else is the municipality doing to address the toilet shortage?
We are exploring the possibility of joining the WC Wijzer app, which lists the nearest toilets. Government buildings, hospitality venues, shops, and service providers can register their toilets, making them discoverable for visitors and passersby. Nature toilets will also be listed in this app.