Activities

Stay overnight in the Veluwe and set off early to spot the Dutch Big Five

14 September 2026

The sun is slowly rising. Mist hangs amongst the trees, dew glistens on the heathland and, somewhere in the distance, the bellow of a red deer can be heard. Autumn transforms the Veluwe into one of the most beautiful walking areas in the Netherlands and the best place to spot the Dutch Big Five.

That’s precisely why this is the perfect time for a walking weekend. From the refurbished Stayokay Apeldoorn, right in the heart of the woods, you can step straight into nature. No long drive to the starting point of your walking route – you can set off straight away through vast woods, heathland and sand drifts.

The Veluwe is impressive in every season, but in autumn everything comes together. The woods turn shades of golden yellow and copper red, mushrooms appear along the paths and nature is strikingly vibrant. It’s the time of year when you automatically find yourself stopping more often, because there’s something to discover round every bend.

Why the Veluwe is a great place to visit in autumn:

  • Walk through colourful woods, across heathland and past vast sand drifts.
  • Set off for several days and discover a different part of the Veluwe each time.
  • Spot the Dutch Big Five
  • Start your walk at the refurbished Stayokay Apeldoorn

Can you spot the Dutch Big Five?

Staying in the Veluwe means setting off early without any hold-ups! Because if you set off early, you’ll have the best chance of a special encounter with wildlife. Take a pair of binoculars with you, choose a quiet route and give yourself time to look around rather than just clocking up the kilometres. Many walkers are familiar with the African Big Five, but the Netherlands also has its own iconic animals. You can come across them all in the Veluwe:

  • Red deer
  • Wild boar
  • Roe deer
  • Fox
  • Scottish Highland cattle

Stayokay Apeldoorn: stay where your walk begins

After a day out and about, there’s really only one thing you want to do: kick off your walking boots and relax without having to go anywhere else. That’s exactly what makes Stayokay Apeldoorn so appealing. The hostel has recently been completely refurbished and is beautifully situated on the edge of the Veluwe. You can choose from comfortable private and family rooms with en-suite bathrooms; a generous breakfast is included, and the restaurant and bar are the perfect places to enjoy lunch, dinner or a drink after your walk.

Fancy a unique place to stay? Stayokay has a range of inspiring themed rooms. One real eye-catcher is the Wikkelhouse. This unique tiny house for four people is made from 24 layers of cardboard and designed with reuse in mind. The materials used can be recycled afterwards. And don’t worry: despite being made of cardboard, the little house is, of course, completely waterproof!

More walking adventures from Stayokay

Stayokay is for early risers, nature lovers and adventurers. That’s why the Veluwe isn’t the only place where Stayokay makes for a great base. There are locations scattered throughout the Netherlands where your walking route often starts literally on your doorstep. Situated in unique spots all over the country – with the Biesbosch as your back garden or in a Norwegian hunting lodge in the heart of the Achterhoek – you’ll stay in a comfortable (family) private room with an en-suite bathroom. After a day in the great outdoors, you can settle down in the cosy bar


Staying overnight in a Norwegian hunting lodge

Also new: spend the night in a castle in Heemskerk

Do you prefer to experience autumn by the coast? Then Stayokay Heemskerk is a unique base. Here, you’ll stay at the completely renovated Slot Assumburg, a 13th-century castle with a moat and castle gardens. From the castle, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park or the beach at Castricum aan Zee. A lovely combination of walking, getting a breath of fresh air and culture. Conscious choices have been made here too: various pieces of furniture have been given a new lease of life, and Stayokay Heemskerk is EU Ecolabel-certified.

Sleeping in a castle?

Most recent posts

Read more
08 Sep 2026

Rotterdam Pride: what to do during the weekend?

Read more
04 Jun 2026

🌈 Utrecht Pride: what's going on during the weekend?

Read more
02 Jun 2026

Beat the smalltalk: 5 questions to break the ice

Read more
Home
Blog
Stay overnight in the Veluwe and set off early to spot the Dutch Big Five