Veluwezoom National Park

Veluwezoom National Park (Nationaal Park Veluwezoom) is the oldest national park in the Netherlands, located in the province of Gelderland. It consists of 50 km² of the larger Veluwe area (1,100 km²) between Arnhem, Apeldoorn, Barneveld and Zwolle. The landscapes were formed during the Saalian glaciation (~150,000 years ago) when glaciers created the characteristic hills. The highest point is Signaal Imbosch at 109.9 metres. During the Weichselian glaciation, sand and dust formed a fertile Loess layer.

The park features heathlands with common heather, gorse and broom; old forests of oak and birch; sand dunes with blueberries and lingonberries; and the valley of the Beekhuizen stream with saxifrage. Wildlife includes red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, and six of the Netherlands' seven native reptile species. The climate is temperate with mild summers (17–23 °C) and cool winters (0–6 °C).

By Car / Road

The best entrance is from the south side. From A12 direction Arnhem, use exit 27 (knooppunt Velperbroek), then A348 towards Rheden/Zutphen, exit 2 (Rheden). Follow signs to the visitors centre at Heuvenseweg 5a, 6991 JE Rheden. Entrance is free.

Cars are allowed on several indicated roads but won't get you far. Biking or hiking is recommended. Bikes can be rented at the visitors centre. Camping is not allowed in the park.

• Posbank — Panoramic viewpoint over the heathlands, one of the most photographed spots in the Netherlands.

• Rozendaalse Zand — Open sand dune landscape, the only area of its kind in Veluwezoom.

• Beekhuizense Beek valley — Stream valley with saxifrage and diverse flora.

• 't Asselt and Onzalige Bossen — Old forests with brake growing under oak and birch trees.

• Hiking and cycling on marked routes through forests and heathlands.

• Wildlife spotting — deer, wild boar and rare birds like kingfishers and honey buzzards.

• Visit the visitors centre for route maps and information.

Dining options within the park are limited. The nearby villages of Rheden and Velp offer restaurants serving Dutch and international cuisine.

Tap water is safe. Cafés in nearby villages.

• Budget: Campsites at the park edge from €12/night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Rheden or Velp from €70/night.
• Upscale: Bilderberg Hotel & Conference Centre De Hoogdag, from €100/night.

The visitors centre offers maps, guides and local products.

• Arnhem (15 km) — Provincial capital with WWII history.
• Apeldoorn (15 km) — Royal palace Het Loo.
• Hoge Veluwe National Park (20 km) — Kröller-Müller Museum.
• Dieren (5 km) — Historic steam train in summer.
• Zutphen (20 km) — Medieval "tower city."