Out on the Veluwe with Annemieke
Hi, I’m Annemieke, I’m married to Mark and have two sons: Bram aged 11 and Tom aged 9. When we really want to get away from it all in the Netherlands, we like to choose the Veluwe. What can you do in the Veluwe? Well, a lot! We are never bored in the Veluwe and also the children are always very happy here. If you spend a weekend in the Veluwe, it feels like you’ve been away for a week. The Veluwe is beautiful to visit every season, whether you like active or if you want to relax.
The Veluwe: a short break in your own country
Normally I would recommend everyone to visit the Kröller Müller Museum when you are in the Veluwe, but unfortunately it is closed because of Corona. Fortunately, there are still a lot of things to do!
Delicious food in every season
We love good food and let’s face it, you can do that very well on the Veluwe! The cozy village of Vierhouten is known as the culinary village in the Veluwe. Normally we try to go to the opening of the game season every year. Unfortunately, because of Corona, this did not happen last year. During these Wild Days you get a tasting of the most delicious game dishes. Several fine restaurants participate. Our favorites, Bistro Novice (note: limited opening due to Corona) and Hotel Restaurant De Vossenberg, also participate. There are also delicious wines and bok beer from the cask. There is no better way to celebrate autumn, so hopefully we will be allowed to again next fall! Admission is free, you only pay for the dishes and drinks. And it’s giant fun! In the summer, there is a similar dinner party: the Midsummer Tasting. Both festivals have live music, donkey rides for the kids and a nice local market. You can also eat out very well at Klavertje Vier.
Cycling in the Hoge Veluwe National Park
Of course you can do great hiking in the Veluwe and we love to do that. Especially National Park de Hoge Veluwe is beautiful! But did you know you can also enjoy cycling there? After all, there are 40 kilometers of cycling paths! You’ll pass all kinds of different landscapes such as pine forests and shifting sands. You can even make use of the free white bicycles that can be borrowed at various points. There are a total of 1,800 loaner bikes that you can find at various parking lots. They are at Marchantplein, the Kröller Müller Museum, Jachthuis Sint Hubertus and at the various parking entrances (Hoenderloo, Otterlo and Schaarsbergen), among others. The bikes cannot be locked, so anyone can take them. There are also white bikes for children, but without training wheels. The little ones can ride on the front or back with mom or dad. By the way, if you want to do a fun hike on the Hoge Veluwe with younger children, the Kabouterpad is a great tip!
Picking berries and visiting bunkers
The Veluwezoom was a strategic spot for bunkers during World War II due to its higher elevation. The Diogenes Bunker in Schaarsbergen is the largest and best preserved bunker from that era. The building served as a command center for the German Luftwaffe. But several bunkers can also be found in the forests of the Veluwezoom. Some were already destroyed at the time and you can only find the remnants, but some are well preserved. Around the bunkers you can pick delicious blackberries in the summer and fall. So don’t forget your bucket!
The hidden village
In 1943, a secret village especially for people in hiding was founded in the Soerel woods. More than eighty refugees found safety in the Hidden Village. Unfortunately, the village was discovered by accident on October 29, 1944, destroying the camp. A lot of refugees managed to escape. Some of them did not survive. The Hidden Village was built near the “Pas Op” house. First Jews were housed in the sheds and later nine huts were added. After the war, this special and exciting place was partially reconstructed so that it can be visited by the public. Very interesting to visit with some older children.
Learn all about wildlife in the Aardhuis
The Aardhuis used to be the royal family’s hunting chalet. Today it is an information center in the middle of a beautiful wildlife park. It is located in the area of Crown Estate of the Loo. You can have fun guided tours there, but you can also go for a walk on your own. The Aardhuis is also fun and educational for children. In fact, they learn all about tracking and can even spot real wildlife! This is really one of the most beautiful places to spot wildlife on the Veluwe. From the Aardhuis you can also cycle beautiful bicycle routes. Hoog Soeren and Radio Kootwijk are in fact nearby.
Hours walking on the Veluwe
For those who want to walk for hours in nature, the Veluwezoom is really a must visit. Near Rheden, for example, you can take the fun walking route “de Schaapskooi”. This route is just over 2 kilometers long and therefore very suitable for children. And if you’re lucky you’ll run into the sheep flock too! But you can also walk the 16 kilometer long Teerose route. You will also find a bunker from World War II here. A British bomber also crashed in the area and you can still see traces of that. But nature is also beautiful and there is a good chance that you will encounter the herd of Scottish Highlanders!
Visit the Hanseatic Cities
Around the Veluwe you will find cozy Hanseatic cities such as Harderwijk, Elburg and Doesburg. Hanseatic cities are cities that lie on the water and where very old trade alliances arose between them. There are 20 Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands but they can also be found in other cities in Europe.
Harderwijk
Harderwijk is of course known for the Dolfinarium where you can spend a wonderful time with the kids. But you can also eat well in Harderwijk! There are lots of cozy terraces and you can eat from very luxurious to very ordinary. For example, there is two-star restaurant ‘t Nonnetje (unfortunately temporarily closed due to Corona), the star-winning restaurant the Basilica or the trendy and always open beach club Walhalla. Check the website and/or socials beforehand to see if pick-up and/or delivery is possible.
Elburg
Fishing town Elburg used to be located by the sea and therefore fishing was source of income number 1. You can still see these influences everywhere. There is an eel smokehouse, a smithy and a rope maker. These crafts can also be seen in the various museums in Elburg. Of course, you can’t leave Elburg without eating a delicious fish!
Doesburg
Doesburg is known for its mustard, so be sure to taste it! In addition, this medieval city is very cozy and you can have a great time in the authentic streets. The 15th century Martinitoren of Doesburg towers above everything and everything is within walking distance of each other. Doesburg also has a number of nice museums to visit and you can do great cycling in the area.
Have fun on the Veluwe!
Love,
Annemieke
