For kilometers around, the Hilversum broadcasting tower is visible, marking the town as the center of Dutch electronic media. Also home to major offices of several multinationals (Nike, Lucent, Phillips, etc), Hilversum is an odd mix of small-town Netherlands and international influence. The...

For kilometers around, the Hilversum broadcasting tower is visible, marking the town as the center of Dutch electronic media. Also home to major offices of several multinationals (Nike, Lucent, Phillips, etc), Hilversum is an odd mix of small-town Netherlands and international influence. The town center is mostly bland euromodern, with all the typical Dutch stores, although the Chestnut Tree-lined Groest (a five-min walk straight out from the Central train station) is home to a number of pleasant cafes and pubs, with outdoor seating when the weather is good. The real treat in Hilversum is the 'Goois Naturreservaat' - a nature preserve on the northern and southern ends of town. The southern reserve in particular covers a large (by Dutch standards) area of forest, and of moors, which in summer are filled with purple flowers. Crossed by bike and walking paths, the Naturreservaat is an unusually dry and (comparatively) hilly area, and makes a great afternoon's outing.