Veluwe

Hiking and cycling in the Veluwe

The national parks of the Veluwe, Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom, offer rich and varied natural landscapes that make cycling and walking a delight. Forests and heaths sit side by side with sand drifts, and the whole is dotted with meres and bordering lakes: there is more to see than any single holiday can exhaust. Did you know that a cycling path over 40 kilometres long runs through the park?

Cities and villages around the Veluwe

The Veluwe also has plenty to offer in terms of culture. Splendid old towns, gorgeous castles and manors, and a number of impressive museums that you really do not want to miss visiting. We have listed a number of cities for you below.

Apeldoorn is the largest city in the Veluwe area, and has a beautiful and atmospheric old centre. Near Apeldoorn, you will also find the former royal palace Het Loo, famed for its beautiful gardens, impressive stables with carriages and classic automobiles, and a unique collection of historic items. Also near Apeldoorn is Apenheul, a unique animal park full of monkeys that are free to go and do as they please.

Arnhem, capital of Gelderland, is also definitely worth a visit. It has a handsome historic centre and is known as a fashion hub, as well as being home to such attractions as the Netherlands Open Air Museum, The Netherlands Water Museum, and Burgers' Zoo. 

Hattem and Harderwijk also make for a great experience. Both are ancient Hanseatic towns with gorgeous centres where you can just feel the history. In Hattem, be sure to visit the Anton Pieck Museum; when in Harderwijk, all the more so with children, you should really plan a trip to the marine animal park Dolfinarium. Naturally, one place you cannot afford to miss out on while in the Veluwe area is the Kröller-Müller Museum. This unique museum is home to a large Van Gogh collection, one of the most famous Dutch painters in history. Don't forget to take a walk through the adjacent statue garden that stretches out over 25 hectares.