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What to do on the Veluwe
Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around the Veluwe, and the network of marked routes runs through forests, across heathland and past open sandy plains. Routes connect towns like Nunspeet, Ede and Apeldoorn, making it straightforward to plan a day out by bike at almost any distance. If you prefer to go on foot, the heathland trails give wide open views that are hard to find elsewhere in the Netherlands.
The Veluwe holds some of the largest wildlife populations in the Netherlands. Deer, wild boar, roe deer and mouflon all live here in significant numbers, and your best chance of spotting them is around sunrise or sunset when they move into more open ground. Many holiday parks in the area run organised wildlife safaris, which are a practical way to get out with children and see the animals up close.
Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe covers around 5,400 hectares and combines open heathland and forest with the Kröller-Müller Museum, which holds the largest Van Gogh collection outside Amsterdam. Free white bicycles are available at the park entrances, so you can cover ground without bringing your own. Burgers Zoo in Arnhem is another worthwhile stop, and Walibi Holland, located near Biddinghuizen on the western edge of the region, works well as a full-day trip with children.
Holiday parks on the Veluwe with a swimming pool
Many holiday parks on the Veluwe have their own swimming pool, ranging from indoor pools that run through the cooler months to outdoor pools open in summer. Parks with a pool tend to be a practical choice when you are travelling with young children, combining easy access to the forests and heathland with a place to cool off close to your accommodation. Use the filter above to search for holiday parks on the Veluwe with a swimming pool.
Group stays on the Veluwe
The Veluwe works well for large groups, family reunions and corporate trips. You can find spacious villas and group accommodation sleeping anywhere from 10 to 30 people at parks across the region. Many parks put together group packages that include activities like paintball, canoeing or a barbecue in the forest. Group accommodation fills up fast in high season, so booking early is worth it.
Twelve large parks with pools and restaurants: nowhere else in the country has this many in one place.
What to see and do on the Veluwe
Nunspeet sits on the western edge of the Veluwe and has a compact town centre within easy reach of the forests. Harderwijk lies along the Veluwemeer and is home to the Dolfinarium, one of the most visited attractions in the country. Apeldoorn is the largest city in the region and gives you direct access to Paleis Het Loo, the former royal palace set in formal gardens just outside the city. Barneveld and Ede both sit on the southern side of the Veluwe and put you close to the forests and heathland without the busier tourist traffic found further north.
Things to do with kids on the Veluwe
The Veluwe is a strong choice if you are travelling with children. Beyond the wildlife and the bigger attractions already covered, you will find treetop adventure parks, petting zoos and marked adventure trails through the forest spread across the region. Many holiday parks add to this with on-site animation programmes, indoor play areas and dedicated children's pools, so there is plenty to keep younger guests occupied even on days when you stay close to your accommodation.
TipThe heather flowers from mid-August into early September and turns the heath purple, best seen at the Posbank and in De Hoge Veluwe. September also starts the red deer rut: at dawn near Otterlo and Hoenderloo you can hear the stags. Stay on the paths and keep your distance.
The Veluwe through the seasons
Spring (April and May) brings new growth across the heathland and forest, and young deer appear in the more sheltered parts of the Veluwe. Temperatures are mild and the trails are quieter than in summer, making it a good time for cycling and walking. Summer (June to August) is peak season across the region. Outdoor pools at holiday parks are open, the forests are in full leaf and the longer days give you more time to cover ground. Autumn (September to November) is when the Veluwe is at its most photogenic. The tree canopy shifts from green to amber and deep red, and during the rutting season in late September and October you can hear stags calling across the forest. Winter (December to February) is the quietest period. Snow is not guaranteed but when it falls the forest takes on a completely different atmosphere, and the reduced visitor numbers mean you often have the trails to yourself.
