Discover Palace Park Het Loo and take a walk to the Loenense Waterfall from your holiday home in Apeldoorn

A holiday home in Apeldoorn sounds like a fantastic option for every type of traveler. Families with children will praise the 'capital of the Veluwe' for its fun attractions like Julianatoren and Apenheul. Cycling enthusiasts will enjoy the marked routes through the forests of Het Loo Royal Estate or the heathlands near Ermelo. And whether you want to enjoy nature in peace or prefer to be active in a climbing forest—the highest waterfall in the Netherlands is something you simply must see! End your holiday in Apeldoorn with a unique form of recreation and go out on the castle pond at the Cannenburgh estate in a swan pedal boat!

Nature Park Berg & Bos

Berg & Bos Nature Park is a large area that lies somewhere between a city park and a nature reserve. The park is located on the edge of Apeldoorn and transitions into a wooded area between Ugchelen and Hoog Soeren. There’s a playground for kids, and it’s the perfect spot for scenic views over the Veluwe, thanks to a lookout tower on a hill. Even at eye level, the views aren’t bad—especially from restaurant De Boschvijver, which overlooks a large pond with a fountain. One of the most exciting reasons to visit the park is the climbing forest near the playground. Be aware of the limited opening hours: in summer it closes at 21:00, in winter at 18:00.

Stroll like royalty at Het Loo Royal Estate

Apeldoorn may feel like an oversized village in the Veluwe, but you’ll be amazed to discover that Het Loo Royal Estate is a place of space and serenity. It’s the largest continuous estate in the Netherlands. The silence here in the woods is only interrupted by the tapping of a woodpecker or the sudden movement of a deer or wild boar. The walking routes in the palace park range from 2.5 to 13.5 kilometers and require an entrance fee. But with pavilions, water features, and a graceful white bridge, it’s certainly worth it. You’ll also pass by sprengen—man-made streams created to supply water to the fountains in the palace gardens.

Go cycling and spot wildlife on the Veluwe

From your holiday home in Apeldoorn, you can explore the Veluwe in all directions. And not only is the lush forest landscape at your feet—its wild residents such as deer, foxes, and wild boars also make appearances. You can go on a guided tour with experts who know the area by heart, or try your luck solo along the wildlife spotting route, where you might see the brown-haired bison. Thanks to its central location in the Veluwe, Apeldoorn is the ideal base for various cycling routes—from the IJssel Route to rides toward the Ermelose Heide. Or how about a culinary cycling route past local artisan shops? Either way, the options are plentiful for a weekend or a week of cycling adventures.

Take a cycling trip to the Hanseatic city of Zutphen

One scenic cycling route begins in the woods near Apeldoorn and ends on the western banks of the IJssel River in Zutphen: a loop called the IJssel Round. You start pedaling in beautiful Beekbergen and follow the Apeldoorn Canal and through the Beekberger Forest. Technically, the route loops back to Beekbergen, but with Zutphen just across the river, it would be a shame not to extend your ride to this beautifully preserved Hanseatic city. Besides its monumental center, Zutphen still has remnants of its city wall. The Berkelpoort is the most striking, with three arches spanning the Berkel River.

Discover a real waterfall near your holiday home in Apeldoorn

Once you're back in Beekbergen, you could wrap up your ride with a visit to a natural attraction: the Loenense Waterfall. This is a true highlight that you can combine with a walk through the forest. The waterfall descends 15 meters over multiple platforms and is framed on both sides by staircases. While it’s not as dramatic as those in the Ardennes, the sound of the cascading water in the heart of the forest is still a special sight by Dutch standards. A great hiking route that connects well with the waterfall is one through the Lierderbos—a mixed forest of deciduous and coniferous trees, with the occasional incline or descent.

Cannenburgh Castle: one of the best walking visits near Apeldoorn

One lovely corner of the Gelderland landscape near Vaassen is the Cannenburgh estate, where you can take a short stroll or go for a longer walk. Upon arrival, you’ll see the castle with its imposing tower at the end of a stately driveway. Further on, you’ll walk winding paths lined with rhododendrons, and around the castle ponds you’ll enjoy ever-changing views of the castle itself. Tip: admire the castle and its green surroundings from the water in a swan pedal boat!

Julianatoren: a theme park for the whole family!

One of the most fun outings from your holiday home in Apeldoorn is a visit to Julianatoren. You'll be amazed by the many attractions this amusement park has to offer. Feel the butterflies during the free fall of the “Hoge Hoed,” or take a thrilling ride in the Texas Twister or rollercoaster. Look—there's a flying bus you can board, or take a helicopter ride or hot air balloon trip! And the family slide with six individual lanes is a favorite with visitors of all ages.

Rent a holiday home in Apeldoorn

Thinking about taking a holiday in Apeldoorn? You’ll likely be able to check off several highlights on your list. Think of the tallest waterfall in the Netherlands near Beekbergen, and a wide selection of hiking and cycling routes introducing you to Het Loo Royal Estate. For active travelers, there’s a climbing forest in Berg & Bos park, and theme park lovers can stay overnight for easy access to Julianatoren. Want to explore a new landscape in every direction? Then a multi-day stay in a holiday home in Apeldoorn is definitely a great idea!