The most beautiful nature reserves on the Veluwe
The Veluwe is known for its vast forests, purple heathlands, sand drifts, and unique animals. It is therefore not surprising that this area attracts millions of nature lovers every year.
Do you want to hike, cycle, spot wildlife, or simply enjoy the most beautiful nature on the Veluwe? Then you will always find a nature reserve that suits you.
From Apeldoorn, you can reach many of the most famous nature reserves within a short time. This makes the city an ideal base for exploring multiple areas during a weekend or short holiday.
Special nature reserves
What makes the Veluwe unique is the enormous variety of landscapes. Within a few kilometers, you can walk from dense coniferous forests to vast heathlands, and from quiet fens to impressive sand drifts.
Moreover, countless animal species live on the Veluwe, including red deer, roe deer, wild boars, and foxes. As a result, no walk is the same, and there is something new to discover in every season.
In spring, you enjoy fresh green forests, in summer the heathlands turn purple, and in autumn the forests provide a beautiful palette of colors.
Are you planning to explore nature on foot? Then also check out our tips for hiking on the Veluwe Which nature reserves are located on the Veluwe and which are really worth a visit? Below, we list the best-known areas for you.
The most famous nature reserves on the Veluwe
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is perhaps the most famous nature reserve in the Netherlands. The park consists of approximately 5,400 hectares of forest, heathland, sand drifts, and grasslands. Thanks to the diverse landscapes, every walk or bike ride feels different.
In addition to nature, you will also find cultural highlights here, such as the Kröller-Müller Museum and the Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge. Moreover, thanks to the free white bicycles, you can discover the park in a unique way.
Veluwezoom National Park
The oldest national park in the Netherlands is located on the eastern side of the Veluwe: Veluwezoom National Park. The Posbank, in particular, attracts many visitors every year thanks to its rolling hills and beautiful vistas.
In August and September, the heathlands here transform into a vast purple expanse. It is precisely during this period that this area is one of the most beautiful places to admire the blooming heather on the Veluwe.
Kootwijkerzand
Anyone visiting the Kootwijkerzand for the first time might almost imagine themselves in a desert. This impressive sand drift on the Veluwe is one of the largest in Western Europe and forms a striking contrast with the surrounding forests.
The area is popular among hikers, photographers, and peace seekers. Moreover, thanks to the open plains, you have a beautiful view of the Veluwe landscape here.
Crown Estate Het Loo
Immediately west of Apeldoorn lies Kroondomein Het Loo. This vast nature reserve consists of centuries-old forests, heathlands, and sandy paths, and is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. Part of the Kroondomein is temporarily closed every year to preserve peace for the wildlife. In the remaining parts, you can enjoy nature all year round.
Combine your visit with a look at Het Loo Palace, which is located close to the Crown Estate.
Deelerwoud
The Deelerwoud is one of the quietest nature reserves on the Veluwe. Precisely because of this, you have a high chance of seeing wild animals here. Red deer, roe deer, and wild boars regularly show themselves, especially in the early morning or at dusk. Curious where you have the best chance of spotting wildlife? Then also check out our tips for wildlife spotting on the Veluwe.
Leuvenumse Bos
For many nature lovers, the Leuvenumse Bos is one of the most beautiful forest areas on the Veluwe. Did you know that this forest is even one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands? The forest is known for the winding Leuvenumse Beek. Here, you walk along narrow forest paths past brooks, old trees, and quiet clearings. The combination of water and forest makes this area feel very different from the sand drifts and heathlands elsewhere on the Veluwe.
Loenermark
Loenermark is a relatively quiet nature reserve between Apeldoorn and Arnhem. The landscape consists of forests, heathlands, and rolling sandy paths. Thanks to the peace and space, this is a popular spot for longer walks and bike rides. With a bit of luck, you might encounter a herd of Scottish Highland cattle or a group of red deer along the way.
Which nature reserve suits you?
Each nature reserve on the Veluwe has its own character. Are you looking for vast sandy plains and spectacular vistas? Then the Kootwijkerzand is highly recommended. If you prefer walking through forests or across blooming heathlands, then De Hoge Veluwe National Park, Veluwezoom, and Kroondomein Het Loo are excellent choices.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Deelerwoud and Kroondomein Het Loo are popular locations to head out early in the morning or at sunset.
Families can also fully enjoy the Veluwe. Thanks to the varied nature, short walking routes, and plenty of room to play, De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Kootwijkerzand, among others, are ideal destinations.
Looking for even more inspiration? Discover the best family outings on the Veluwe as well.
Discover nature from Apeldoorn
Many of the most beautiful nature reserves are located a short distance from Apeldoorn. This makes it easy to combine several areas during your stay. Start the day with a walk through the Kroondomein, admire the vast Kootwijkerzand, or head out into De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Are you planning to stay longer? Get inspired for a weekend getaway on the Veluwe .
Staying overnight at Bastion Hotel Apeldoorn Het Loo
Do you want to visit multiple nature reserves without long travel times? Then Bastion Hotel Apeldoorn Het Loo is an ideal base. Thanks to its central location, you can reach many of the most famous nature reserves within a short time.
After an active day outdoors, you can unwind wonderfully at the hotel, so that you can fully enjoy the Veluwe again the next day.
Want to know more about a stay in the middle of nature? Then also check out our page about overnight stays on the Veluwe.
