The first ‘Buitenpoort’ in the Netherlands has opened at Bussum Zuid station. A ‘Buitenpoort’ is a railway station situated next to a nature reserve or recreational area. On Wednesday 18 June 2025, Jeroen Olthof, a member of the Provincial Executive of North Holland, officially opened the Buitenpoort in a festive ceremony alongside the Buitenpoort partners, including Councillor Mark Marshall and NS Director Irma Winkenius.
Buitenpoort Bussum Zuid
Feestelijke opening Buitenpoort Bussum Zuid
Get off at Bussum Zuid
As soon as they step off the train at NS Bussum Zuid station, nature lovers can explore the area on foot or by bike. Right next to Bussum Zuid station, for example, you’ll find beautiful heathland, woods and heritage sites.
Bussum Zuid Outer Gate
Bussum-Zuid station is a ‘Buitenpoort’. It is the first of its kind in the Netherlands. Right next to Bussum-Zuid station, for example, you’ll find a beautiful area of heathland, woodland and heritage sites.
What is an ‘Buitenpoort’?
Outdoor gateways are stations or other public transport hubs situated close to a distinctive landscape, nature reserve or recreational area. Thanks to their unique location, these stations serve as gateways to the surrounding landscape. As soon as they step off the train, day-trippers and nature lovers can explore the area on foot or by bike.
“Don’t drive to the countryside – take the train instead! Through the ‘Buitenpoorten’ concept, we aim to work with our partners to make it easier to use public transport for day trips to the countryside. Buitenpoorten offer locations outside the city where there is plenty to see and do in the countryside. This helps to spread visitors more evenly and ensures that certain areas in the region do not become too crowded. Following their opening, the Buitenpoorten will be further developed into pleasant and sustainable meeting places where transport and nature go hand in hand.” - Deputy Jeroen Olthof - Province of North Holland.
Step out into the great outdoors, follow the trail from the city to the countryside!
After 18 June 2025, the Buitenpoort campaign ‘Step into the great outdoors, follow the trail from the city to the countryside!’ will be launched. This campaign aims to encourage nature lovers, walkers and those seeking peace and quiet to travel by train to the Buitenpoorten. In the coming years, Buitenpoorten will also be opened in Castricum and other locations in North Holland.