Hoenderloo

Hoenderloo lies on the edge of the Veluwe, the large area of forest, heath and sand dunes in the middle of the Netherlands, and it is one of the main bases for visiting the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Its history is closely tied to that of the Veluwe, an area that has long attracted visitors who want quiet and outdoor recreation. Hoenderloo grew from a small rural settlement into a village that welcomes walkers, cyclists and holidaymakers drawn by the landscape, and it is now part of the municipality of Apeldoorn.

The main attraction near Hoenderloo is the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a reserve of more than 5,400 hectares, the largest national park in the Netherlands and one of the Netherlands’ most visited natural areas, with a wide variety of habitats. A network of marked hiking and cycling trails crosses the park, and free white bicycles are available at the entrances and around the park. Visitors can explore open heath, pine forest and shifting dunes and may meet red deer, wild boar and many bird species. Visitor centres give maps, information and guided tours for those who want to learn about the ecology and history of the area. The Celtic Fields, traces of prehistoric farming plots, show how long people have worked this land.

A cultural highlight within the park is the Kröller-Müller Museum, which holds an outstanding collection of modern art, including the second-largest collection of paintings by Van Gogh in the world. The sculpture garden, set among the trees, is a destination in its own right, with works by major artists in a quiet natural setting. Another notable site is Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, a hunting lodge designed by the architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage, which can be visited on guided tours and shows early 20th-century Dutch architecture and the life of the people who commissioned it.

Hoenderloo itself is a peaceful village with cafes, restaurants and accommodation that ranges from bed-and-breakfasts to family holiday parks. The Veluwe Specialist Hoenderloo rents bikes and arranges outdoor activities, such as guided cycling tours, horseback riding and nature walks, and the Plaggenstekerspad, a marked walking trail of about 12 kilometres, links the village and the surrounding heath. The village is close to other regional attractions, among them Burgers’ Zoo, the Apenheul primate park and the Netherlands Open Air Museum in Arnhem.

Getting to Hoenderloo is simplest by car, with good road connections from Apeldoorn, Arnhem and the wider Gelderland region. Public transport is mainly by regional bus from Apeldoorn and Ede, though a car or bicycle gives the most flexibility. The flat terrain and large trail network are ideal for cycling and walking.

The best time to visit Hoenderloo is from mid-May to mid-September, when the weather is mild and the Veluwe’s landscapes are at their best. Summer brings blooming heather, long days and good conditions for outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer quieter trails and rich colour. Winters are peaceful, with frosty mornings and still walks in the forest.

Whether the interest is art, nature or the relaxed pace of Dutch village life, Hoenderloo is a restful base for the Hoge Veluwe. A full day in the park, with a morning on the white bicycles and an afternoon among the paintings, is the usual way to see it.