Activities

8x the best tips for the Veluwe region

07 August 2023

The Veluwe; you'll feast your eyes! The hilly surroundings and large forests really make you feel as if you're in the wild. There's also plenty to do in this large area of Gelderland.

Whether you are an adventurous hiker, a nature lover or just looking to relax in the midst of nature, the Veluwe has something for everyone. To give you a hand, we have listed the best Veluwe tips!

1. De Hoge Veluwe

The Hoge Veluwe National Park cannot be missing from this list. With over 5,400 acres of forests, this is one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands. Hop on your bike or go for a walk through the beautiful heathland. Tip: from mid-July to mid-September the heather is in bloom and turns completely purple. Hoge Veluwe National Park is also the perfect combination of nature and culture. This is because it is also home to the largest sculpture garden in Europe!

2. Spot the Dutch Big 5

On safari in the Netherlands? You certainly can! In the Veluwe you will find roe deer, red deer, Scottish Highlanders and wild boars! Grab your binoculars and prick up your ears; if you walk very quietly through the woods you might even spot part of the Dutch Big 5.

3. Discover the Veluwe Hanseatic cities

Discover the cosy Hanseatic cities! These cities played a major role in the time of the VOC, and you can still see it today. The old streets and houses turn these cities into an incredibly cosy place. Nowadays, these cities are also perfect destinations to find the best shops, bars and restaurants. An absolute tip for your getaway to the Veluwe. Want to stay in one of these fun cities? Then check out an overnight stay at Stayokay Arnhem!

4. Palace Het Loo

On the edge of Apeldoorn you will find Het Loo Palace. Palace Het Loo was inhabited by the Oranges for many years, and you can see it immediately when you walk in. Discover what King Willem III's bedroom looks like and where the horses stood in the coach house. Nice to know: Paleis het Loo was originally built as a hunting lodge for Stadholder William III and his English wife, Mary Stuart. The couple bought the medieval castle Het Oude Loo in 1684 and had it expanded and rebuilt into a beautiful palace in Baroque style.

5. The best picknick locations

Tasty appetizers? Good company? Beautiful nature? Check!

Round up your lover, best friends or family for a delicious picnic in the Veluwe. Enjoy the singing of the birds and beautiful nature! Bring a book, a game or a ball for all-day entertainment. Variation tip: have everyone make a different snack. Fun surprise what all appears on the picnic.

6. Relax in the spa

Did you know that several wellness resorts can be found on the Veluwe? And what better environment for this than with wonderful nature all around you? Make use of Turkish steam baths, saunas, jacuzzi and cool off in an ice bath. Some nice wellness locations on the Veluwe are: De Veluwse bron, Spa Veluwe and Sterrenberg. Have fun and relax!

7. Go on an e-chopper tour

Don't feel like walking or taking the bike? Then the e-chopper might be the perfect mode of transportation for you. The e-chopper is a tough, environmentally friendly scooter that will have you crossing the Veluwe in no time. With a beautiful route through the woods, fun is guaranteed. It not only looks super cool, but is also super fun! The perfect outing with friends and family.

8. Visit the Kröller Müller museum

Even when it rains you don't have to be bored on the Veluwe. At the Kröller-Müller museum you will be busy for a while! With more than 11,000 works of art, it is one of the largest art museums in the Netherlands. The highlight of the collection is undoubtedly the extensive collection of works by Vincent van Gogh. From his famous paintings such as "The Potato Eaters" to his colorful landscapes. When the sun begins to shine again, you can take a beautiful walk in the nature surrounding the museum.

Spending the night in the Veluwe

Did you know you can also spend the night with us on the Veluwe? Go for our cool hostel in Arnhem or sleep in the middle of nature in our Wikkelhouses in Apeldoorn!