A quiet area (stiltegebied) is an environmental protection area in the Netherlands. In a quiet area the natural sounds of the area predominate. Other sounds may not exceed 40 decibels (dB). General regulations to avoid or minimise noise pollution in quiet areas are laid down in the Provincial Environmental Act (Provinciale Omgevingsverordening, POV). You can find the location of quiet areas on the Atlas Leefomgeving (Atlas of living environment, in Dutch).
Applying for dispensation
Do you want to carry out activities that exceed the sound level of 40 dB in quiet areas? You have to apply for dispensation from the provincial authority. In the dispensation the rules and regulations governing the activities in question will be stated.