Welcome to Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the most beautiful and diverse natural areas in the Netherlands. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and vast heathlands, the park offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hoge Veluwe National Park is the perfect destination.
In this visitor's guide, you will learn about the park's history, natural features, and recreational opportunities, as well as tips for making the most of your visit. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of the Netherlands' most treasured natural gems.
Back to Nature: Hoge Veluwe Highlights
Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the most beautiful and diverse natural areas in the Netherlands. This vast and rugged park is home to a wide variety of landscapes, from rolling hills and lush forests to vast heathlands and sparkling lakes.
With so much to see and explore, it's no wonder that Hoge Veluwe is a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
One of the highlights of Hoge Veluwe is the park's unique and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including red deer, wild boar, foxes, and badgers, as well as a wide variety of birds, including buzzards, kestrels, and black woodpeckers. Visitors can also see a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians, including lizards and frogs.
Another highlight of Hoge Veluwe is the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails. The park's trails offer something for everyone, from easy, paved paths that are perfect for families with children to more challenging routes that will test even the most experienced hikers and bikers. Visitors can also rent bikes from the park to explore the area in a more leisurely way.
The park also features a number of cultural and historical sites, including the Kröller-Müller Museum, which is home to one of the largest collections of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and drawings in the world. The Jachthuis Sint-Hubertus, designed by the famous Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage, and the Museum het Schatkamer, which features a vast collection of artifacts from the park's history and culture, are also worth visiting.
For those looking to relax and unwind, Hoge Veluwe also offers a wide variety of recreational activities. Visitors can swim or paddle in the park's lakes, or take a leisurely stroll through the park's gardens and woodlands. The park also features a number of picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch or a delicious picnic.
Overall, Hoge Veluwe National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in nature and the outdoors. With its unique and diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and extensive network of trails, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hoge Veluwe is the perfect destination.
Wildlife Spotting: Hoge Veluwe's Birds and Beasts
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a nature lover's paradise, and one of the most popular activities for visitors is wildlife spotting. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, from mammals to birds, and is a great place to see some of the Netherlands' most iconic and elusive species.
One of the most exciting animals to spot in Hoge Veluwe is the red deer. These majestic creatures can often be seen grazing in the park's heathlands and forests. Visitors can also spot wild boar, which can be found in the park's more dense woodlands. Foxes and badgers are also commonly seen in the park, and are often active at dawn and dusk.
Birds are also a highlight of Hoge Veluwe. The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including buzzards, kestrels, and black woodpeckers. Visitors can also spot the European Roller, a colorful bird that can often be seen hunting for insects in the park's open areas. Hoge Veluwe is also home to the Great Bittern, an elusive bird that can be hard to spot but its distinctive calls can be heard in the park's wetlands during the mating season.
In addition to the larger mammals and birds, Hoge Veluwe is also home to a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can spot lizards basking in the sun on the park's rocky outcroppings, and frogs and toads can be heard singing in the park's wetlands.
For those looking to do some wildlife spotting, there are several great places to start. The park's visitor center offers a variety of guided walks and tours, which are a great way to learn about the park's wildlife and see some of the more elusive species. The park's network of hiking and biking trails also offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, and visitors can also rent bikes from the park to explore the area in a more leisurely way.
Overall, Hoge Veluwe National Park is a great place to see some of the Netherlands' most iconic and elusive wildlife species. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hoge Veluwe is the perfect destination for wildlife spotting.
Biking Adventures in Hoge Veluwe
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and one of the best ways to explore the park is by bike. The park's extensive network of biking trails offers something for everyone, from easy, paved paths that are perfect for families with children to more challenging routes that will test even the most experienced bikers.
One of the great things about biking in Hoge Veluwe is the variety of landscapes that visitors can experience. The park's rolling hills, lush forests, and vast heathlands offer a wide range of terrain for bikers to explore.
The park also offers a variety of trails that are perfect for different skill levels, from easy, paved paths that are perfect for families with children to more challenging routes that will test even the most experienced bikers.
One of the most popular biking routes in Hoge Veluwe is the park's scenic route, which takes visitors on a tour of the park's most beautiful and historic sites. The route starts at the visitor center and takes bikers through the park's heathlands, forests, and wetlands, with stops at the park's various cultural and historical sites along the way.
For those looking for a more challenging ride, the park also offers several mountain bike trails. These trails are designed for more experienced bikers and offer a variety of challenging terrain, including steep inclines and technical descents. The park also offers bike rental service which make it easier for visitors to explore the park without needing to bring their own bikes.
Biking in Hoge Veluwe is not only a great way to experience the park's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, but it's also a great way to stay active and get some exercise. The park's biking trails are well-maintained and well-marked, making it easy for visitors to navigate the park and find their way around.
Overall, Hoge Veluwe National Park is a great destination for biking enthusiasts of all skill levels. With its extensive network of trails, diverse landscapes, and beautiful scenery, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hoge Veluwe is the perfect destination for a biking adventure.
Take a Hike in Hoge Veluwe
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a hiker's paradise, offering visitors a wide variety of trails to explore. From easy, paved paths that are perfect for families with children to more challenging routes that will test even the most experienced hikers, the park offers something for everyone.
One of the great things about hiking in Hoge Veluwe is the variety of landscapes that visitors can experience. The park's rolling hills, lush forests, and vast heathlands offer a wide range of terrain for hikers to explore.
The park also offers a variety of trails that are perfect for different skill levels, from easy, paved paths that are perfect for families with children to more challenging routes that will test even the most experienced hikers.
One of the most popular hiking routes in Hoge Veluwe is the park's scenic route, which takes visitors on a tour of the park's most beautiful and historic sites. The route starts at the visitor center and takes hikers through the park's heathlands, forests, and wetlands, with stops at the park's various cultural and historical sites along the way.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park also offers several backcountry trails. These trails are designed for more experienced hikers and offer a variety of challenging terrain, including steep inclines and rocky paths. The park also offers guided hike where visitors can learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife from experienced guides.
Hiking in Hoge Veluwe is not only a great way to experience the park's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, but it's also a great way to stay active and get some exercise. The park's hiking trails are well-maintained and well-marked, making it easy for visitors to navigate the park and find their way around.
Overall, Hoge Veluwe National Park is a great destination for hikers of all skill levels. With its extensive network of trails, diverse landscapes, and beautiful scenery, the park offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Hoge Veluwe is the perfect destination for a hiking adventure.
Home Sweet Home: St. Hubertus
St. Hubertus, located within Hoge Veluwe National Park, is a luxurious hunting lodge that is now open to the public for overnight stays. Built in the 1920s by Dutch businessman Anton Kröller and his wife Helene Kröller-Müller, the lodge was named after Saint Hubertus, the patron saint of hunting. The couple used the lodge as a private retreat and as a place to host dignitaries and other guests.
St. Hubertus offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the elegance and luxury of the 1920s, while surrounded by the beauty of Hoge Veluwe National Park. The lodge features 12 guest rooms, each of which is decorated in a different theme and color scheme, reflecting the style and taste of the Kröller-Müllers. The rooms are also equipped with modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and Wi-Fi.
The lodge's common areas are equally impressive, with a grand fireplace in the living room, a formal dining room, and a library filled with books and artwork. The lodge also has a large terrace where guests can enjoy the beautiful views of the park.
One of the most unique features of St. Hubertus is the art collection on display throughout the lodge. The Kröller-Müllers were avid art collectors, and their collection includes works by some of the most famous artists of the early 20th century, such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Georges Seurat.
Guests of St. Hubertus can also enjoy the many activities offered within the Hoge Veluwe National Park, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species. The park also offers a wide range of hiking and biking trails, making it easy for visitors to explore the park's diverse landscapes.
In summary, St. Hubertus is an exceptional and exclusive destination for those looking for a luxurious and unique experience within Hoge Veluwe National Park. The combination of the elegant and luxurious hunting lodge, the art collection, and the beautiful surroundings of the park offers a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed.
The Kröller-Müller Museum and Sculpture Garden
The Kröller-Müller Museum, located within Hoge Veluwe National Park, is an art museum that houses one of the world's largest collections of works by Vincent van Gogh. The museum was founded by Helene Kröller-Müller, a Dutch art collector and philanthropist, who together with her husband Anton Kröller, built the St. Hubertus hunting Lodge within the Hoge Veluwe National Park.
The museum's collection includes over 90 paintings and over 180 drawings by Vincent van Gogh, making it the second-largest collection of his work in the world, after the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The collection also includes works by other important artists such as Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, and Pablo Picasso.
The museum's permanent collection is housed in a modern, light-filled building, designed by Dutch architect Wim Quist. The building's design is intended to enhance the visitor's experience of the artworks on display, with natural light flooding the galleries and large windows offering views of the surrounding parkland.
In addition to the museum's permanent collection, the Kröller-Müller Museum also hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works by both established and emerging artists.
One of the most unique features of the Kröller-Müller Museum is its sculpture garden. The garden, which was designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf, is home to over 160 sculptures by some of the world's most famous artists, including Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Jean Dubuffet. The sculptures are set among the natural landscape of Hoge Veluwe National Park, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the artworks in the context of the beautiful natural surroundings.
The Kröller-Müller Museum is not only a destination for art lovers but also for nature lovers. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the museum with a hike or bike ride through the park, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
In summary, The Kröller-Müller Museum is a must-see destination for art lovers. The museum's vast collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, combined with its sculpture garden and the beautiful surroundings of Hoge Veluwe National Park, make it a unique and unforgettable experience.
Going Underground: The Museonder
The Museonder, located within Hoge Veluwe National Park, is an underground museum that offers visitors a unique and immersive experience of the geology and natural history of the area. The museum is built into a hillside and features a series of tunnels and caverns that take visitors on a journey through millions of years of the Earth's history.
The Museonder's exhibits include interactive displays, fossils, and minerals that illustrate the geologic history of the area, including the formation of the Veluwe hills and the ancient sea that once covered the region. Visitors can also explore a replica of an Ice Age cave, complete with life-sized models of the animals that lived in the area at that time, such as mammoths, woolly rhinoceroses, and giant deer.
One of the highlights of the Museonder is the Fossil Tunnel, a long underground corridor lined with fossils of ancient sea creatures, including ammonites and belemnites, that lived in the area millions of years ago. The tunnel also features a display of a large mosasaur skeleton, a marine reptile that lived during the Late Cretaceous period.
The Museonder also features a kids' corner, where children can learn about geology and natural history through hands-on activities and games. The museum also offers guided tours for visitors of all ages, led by knowledgeable guides who can provide additional information and insights into the exhibits.
The Museonder is not only a destination for nature and science enthusiasts but also for families with kids. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can easily combine a visit to the Museonder with a hike or bike ride through the park, making it a great destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
In summary, The Museonder is a must-see destination for those who are interested in geology and natural history. The underground museum offers a unique and immersive experience that brings the history of the Earth to life, and the beautiful surroundings of Hoge Veluwe National Park provide an ideal context for this journey. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and the Museonder is an excellent destination for families with kids.
The Visitor Center & Information Desks
Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands, known for its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage. The park is located in the province of Gelderland, and covers an area of over 55 square kilometers. It is the largest national park in the Netherlands and offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests.
One of the most popular ways to explore Hoge Veluwe National Park is by bike. The park has an extensive network of bike trails that wind through the forest, heathland, and dunes. Visitors can rent bikes at the park's entrance, and take a leisurely ride through the park's scenic landscapes.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Hoge Veluwe National Park offers a variety of hiking trails that range from easy to challenging. Visitors can choose from trails that take them through the park's diverse ecosystems, such as the forest, heathland, and dunes. The park also has a number of boardwalks that allow visitors to explore the park's wetlands.
Another popular activity in Hoge Veluwe National Park is wildlife spotting. The park is home to a diverse array of animals, including red deer, wild boar, foxes, and badgers. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, such as the black woodpecker and the European roller.
Culture lovers can also find plenty to do in Hoge Veluwe National Park. The park is home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses one of the world's largest collections of works by Vincent van Gogh, as well as the Museonder, an underground museum that explores the geology and natural history of the area. The park is also home to the St. Hubertus hunting Lodge, a luxurious villa built by the Kröller-Müller couple, which serves today as a restaurant and a museum.
For those looking for a unique experience, Hoge Veluwe National Park also offers guided tours, such as safari tours, photography tours, and ranger-led nature walks. These tours provide visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the park's history, culture, and wildlife from experienced guides.
In summary, Hoge Veluwe National Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you're interested in hiking, biking, wildlife spotting, or culture, the park has something to offer. The park has an extensive network of bike trails, hiking trails, and boardwalks that provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the park's diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The park also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, Museonder, and the St. Hubertus hunting Lodge that provide an unique cultural and historical experience. Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours and ranger-led nature walks to learn more about the park's history and wildlife.