Gelderland is the largest province in the Netherlands and an attractive region for day-trippers or holidaymakers looking for a destination close to home. Nature lovers who enjoy cycling or hiking will find plenty to enjoy in the Gelderland countryside, as the province is perfect for a multi-day cycling or hiking holiday. Want to complete your holiday with a comfortable stay? Rent a cosy tiny house or a charming holiday farmhouse as your base for exploring everything Gelderland has to offer.

Are you a true nature enthusiast, do you love visiting Hanseatic towns, or would you like to combine cycling with discovering castles? Gelderland has it all. One of the most popular destinations is without doubt the Hoge Veluwe National Park, but border regions like Montferland and the Achterhoek also offer unexpected natural beauty.

Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is a protected nature reserve with paid access. Once inside, however, you can make free use of the iconic white bicycles. The park offers a great variety of landscapes, from heathlands to sand dunes and grasslands. Located in the heart of the park is the famous Kröller-Müller Museum, where you can admire masterpieces by Van Gogh, among others. Other highlights include the hunting lodge Sint Hubertus, an extraordinary manor on a lake with a striking tower.

Posbank & Castle Rosendael

Another national park within the Veluwe is Veluwezoom National Park. Here, too, you’ll find blooming heathlands, dense forests, and sandy areas. A beloved spot that is part of the Veluwezoom is the Posbank, a hilltop that offers panoramic views over the purple heath. At the foot of the Posbank lies a beautiful castle that grants free access to its stunning gardens. The castle is a popular destination surrounded by nature, and for cyclists it’s an excellent place to take a break. Not only the gardens invite you to pause — you can also enjoy a coffee break in the orangery.

Hanseatic towns Zutphen & Doesburg

Gelderland is known for its Hanseatic cities. Along the IJsselmeer you’ll find small towns like Harderwijk and Elburg, and along the IJssel River the historic skyline of Zutphen stands out. This town has several church towers visible from afar. Its centre features a long, striking square with lovely cafés. Tip: take a silent boat tour to explore the city. South of Zutphen lies another beautiful Hanseatic town: Doesburg. It still breathes a medieval atmosphere and is famous for its mustard — almost every local restaurant offers mustard soup on the menu with pride.

Montferland

For surprisingly hilly landscapes, head to Montferland, near the German border. Cycling and hiking are a real treat here thanks to a dense network of routes. In the village of ’s-Heerenberg you can visit a well-preserved medieval castle with a surrounding moat. The Bergerbos is a wonderful forest to walk in, and the undulating terrain reminds you just how close you are to the border. Tip: follow the Kale Jakob route — a trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint on the Montferland ridge, with distant views of the Veluwezoom. Montferland is a surprisingly beautiful area for a multi-day trip and an excellent choice for a holiday home.

Nature near Winterswijk

The Achterhoek is a region that still feels remote and authentic. Rent a holiday home near Winterswijk and enjoy direct access to many cycling routes. The famous book town of Bredevoort is a great stop during a bike ride. Don’t leave Winterswijk without visiting the idyllic Berenschot’s Watermill. You can enjoy coffee and traditional pastries either inside the mill or on the terrace. Note: you’ll find yourself on the edge of the Bekendelle nature area, with the restaurant conveniently located near several hiking trails.

Fun activities with kids in Gelderland

Gelderland is very child-friendly and offers many activities for all ages. Want to keep the kids excited with fun trips? Make sure to include the following in your plans:

Open-Air Museum

The Openluchtmuseum in Arnhem is a special journey back in time. Hop on the tram and ride past old houses where traditional crafts are demonstrated. Admire the green houses from Volendam, old-style drawbridges, and traditional windmills. It doesn’t get more picturesque than this!

Climbing park Veluwe

The Veluwe isn’t just great for walking and cycling. Try something different with an exciting climbing course at Klimbos near Apeldoorn. Various routes await with rope ladders, nets, challenging crossings, and ziplines.

Veluwe steam train

A truly special way to experience the Veluwe is aboard the historic steam train from Apeldoorn to Dieren. A thrilling experience for kids — and secretly just as fun for adults who love trains! The train stops in Loenen, Eerbeek, and Beekbergen.

Holiday in Gelderland

This article only scratches the surface of what Gelderland has to offer. That’s exactly why this province is best explored during a multi-day holiday. Want to discover the area at your own pace? Rent a holiday cottage on the Veluwe or Veluwezoom, or book a charming farmhouse in the Achterhoek as a base for walks through farmlands and historic estates. Looking for hidden natural areas near the border? Then a holiday home in Montferland is the perfect choice!