Cycling and hiking in Gelderland
Will you be vacationing in Gelderland this summer? Then chances are you will explore the area by bike or on foot. We have therefore included Gelderland in our “cycling and hiking in the Netherlands” series. Have fun in the great outdoors!
Hiking in Gelderland
Gelderland has no less than 60 natural areas and estates where you can enjoy hiking. You will not get bored! Big chance that you can spot wildlife: because in Gelderland you can find deer, boars and lots of birds.
Hiking in the Veluwe
The most famous nature reserve of Gelderland is of course the Veluwe. The area of the Veluwe consists mainly of forest, heathland and sand drifts. There are routes for the more experienced hikers, but there are also fun routes for the whole family! Like this fun family route of 2.5 km. Some more challenge can be found in the Seven Hills Route Veluwezoom of 15 km. From Dieren station you can also take a nice NS walk on the Veluwe. This walk is 11 km, so very doable! Another nice round trip of 5 km is the walking route Veluwezoom – Postbank. Last year I did a spirited 25 km walk with my hiking club while it was tropically hot. Want to know more about this hike? Then take a look here.
Hiking in the Achterhoek
You can also enjoy hiking in the Achterhoek. For example, how about a walking route in and around Lochem? This route is 17 km long but there are several rest points. Other beautiful and challenging routes are the Drie Kieftenroute of 25.3 km and the Kuitenbijter A and B. Don’t let the name scare you off, it’s not so bad. This route is 15.7 km. A nice route of just over 5 km is the one at Landgoed Ampsen. Another varied route is the 8 km Veldhoekroute. And do you have young children with you? Then the Jena Kabouterroute of 2 km is really fun to do!
Hiking in the Betuwe
A nice round around the water is the Rondje Strandpark Slijk-Ewijk of just under 6 km. If you want a little more challenge, the 16 km walking route of Klompenpad Engelrodenpad is really something for you! Fortunately, you do not have to wear clogs, but it is advisable to wear waterproof sturdy footwear on this route. Would you rather stroll along the Waal? That is possible with the Struinroute Heerewaarden – Tiel. Your walk starts already fun: with a ferry crossing! It is 20 km, so be prepared! A somewhat shorter route, but no less beautiful is the 12 km long Pearl of the Betuwe route. Here you will discover the village of Hemmen, which is the pearl of the Betuwe. The Jan Blankenpad takes you on a voyage of discovery. It is 4 km so also fun to do with children!
Cycling in Gelderland
Also if you like cycling, Gelderland is the place to be. Whether you want to relax and enjoy nature or go mountain biking.
Cycling in the Veluwe
The Veluwe is known for its wildlife, so how much fun is it to bike the Wildlife Route? This 51.3 km route takes you through beautiful forests and heathlands. You might even see deer, boars and foxes! Don’t forget to climb watchtower the Haelberg for a beautiful view of the surroundings. Another special bicycle route is the WW II Airborne Route of 49.9 km. This route passes many places related to Operation Market Garden. Be sure not to skip the Airborne Museum, which is on the route. A route through beautiful countryside is the Rondje Twello, the Vecht and Terwolde. This route is 35.3 km and takes you past all the picturesque Veluwe villages. Want more great cycling routes? Then take a look here.
Cycling in the Achterhoek
The Achterhoek is pre-eminently the cycling municipality of Gelderland. There are all kinds of great cycling routes to do such as the 42 km Landgoederen route. You will pass through Almen, Vorden, Lochem and Laren. A somewhat shorter route of 21.6 km is the Marveld-Zwillbrock bicycle route. It takes you through the Leemputten nature reserve. Zwillbrocker Venn is known for its flamingos! Super fun! The 45.2 km Winterswijk National Landscape cycle route is fun because it is so varied. You pass hamlets, forest areas, rolling meadows, a vineyard and a goat cheese farm. Want more fun bike routes in the Achterhoek? Then look here.
Cycling in the Betuwe
On the Betuwe, we start with a very fun bike tour for the whole family, the Geo Family Tour. This tour is 15 km long and is great for the whole family. The tour ends at the exciting fort island of GeoFort! The Betuwe is known for its fruit. Therefore, we also mention a nice bicycle route right through the countryside of this area, the Fruit Route Betuwe! This route is 45 km long and in the summer you can see the fruit hanging from the various fruit trees! The Maas and Waal route of 66 km is of course really a must to cycle when you are in the Betuwe! Besides the river area, this takes you past the Gardens of Appeltern and past an impressive castle ruin, among other things. See more cycling routes on the Betuwe? Then look here.
Mountain biking in Gelderland
A challenging mountain biking route in Gelderland is Nijmegen, for example. This route has pretty tough elevation changes and is 14.3 km long. The one in Harderwijk is slightly flatter but 21.3 km. And the one from Lochem gets the most points as far as heaviness is concerned. This route is 15.3 km and especially in the beginning there are some tough climbs. Want more mountain bike routes? Then look here.
Want more tips on biking and hiking in your own country? Then look here!
