Enjoy the water and a sunny terrace in Harderwijk from your Veluwemeer holiday home!

Sailing on Lake Veluwe, walking along a forest stream, sand drifts and sand sculptures — these are just a few of the highlights during your holiday at the Veluwemeer! Did you know that a bike or car ride through the tulip fields of Flevoland is also a great springtime option? Relaxing on a terrace at a beach club or sailing in a motorboat with good company should definitely be part of your plans! If holidays and water are inseparable for you, and you love the picturesque atmosphere of Harderwijk or Elburg, read on for our tips and book your Veluwemeer holiday home for a wonderful vacation in the Netherlands!

Rent a boat from your Veluwemeer holiday home

Experience the ultimate holiday feeling and head out onto the Veluwemeer in a motorboat. Did you know that in most cases you don’t even need a boating license to rent one? For example, you can reserve a motor sloop or a small covered boat at Boottogo in Zeewolde. On the Veluwe shore near Harderwijk, you can also rent a boat to explore the water. At bb-bootverhuur, there are many options for different group sizes, and you can clearly see which boats require a license and which don’t.

Museums and attractions in Harderwijk and Elburg

A visit to the charming towns of Harderwijk and Elburg is, of course, a must during your Veluwemeer holiday! Cosy terraces right by the water are especially plentiful in Harderwijk. The picturesque harbor, the beach, and the water playground of the Dolfinarium make a visit to this Hanseatic town a full-day outing. Don’t miss the humorous art museum of Marius van Dokkum, where you can admire paintings that depict witty and modern everyday scenes.

In Elburg, you’ll stroll through a compact historic center with old streets and a surrounding canal. Despite its size, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to choose from. A real must-see to combine with a city visit is the sand sculpture exhibition ‘Zandverhalen’ — an indoor attraction filled with impressive sand artworks.

Order a drink on the terrace of Kasteel De Essenburgh

If you want to relax on a terrace, the grounds of Kasteel De Essenburgh are among the best spots in the region. Enjoy the scenery and the beautiful castle, then take a walk through the surrounding park forest following the course of the Hierdense Beek. The rural area around Essenburgh is also perfect for exploration, leading through fields, wooded banks, and finally offering views of the Veluwemeer. A fun bonus during a warm day: stop by the ice cream shop Het Stientje in Hierden!

Walk along the Leuvenumse Beek from your Veluwemeer holiday home

Fancy another walk for some variety? Set off from your Veluwemeer holiday home and enjoy the fresh forest air, heathlands, and the shifting sands near Doornspijk. A beautiful option is the walking route along the Leuvenumse Beek. This stream is the longest in the Veluwe forests and is considered one of the most scenic hiking areas in the region. The route starts at the Hulshorst parking area near the Hulshorsterzand and is about 8 kilometers long. The Leuvenumse forest you walk through is said to be rich in wildlife — you might even spot deer drinking from the stream.

The most beautiful beaches along the Veluwemeer

On the Veluwemeer you’ll see many people sailing and boating, but there are also several beaches perfect for relaxation. Across from Harderwijk, you’ll find Harderstrand, which offers facilities such as toilets and paid parking. For a larger beach, head to Harderwijk’s city beach — an island with plenty of sand and great dining options. Looking for a fun beach club? Cross over to enjoy drinks or a meal on the terrace of Beachclub Zuiderzee. A bit further south, where the lake widens, you’ll find Strandclub Bremerbaai — the ideal place to take in the vast water views with the pavilion right nearby.

Visit the colorful Ampiesberg Garden

A garden that will leave you pleasantly surprised is the Ampiesberg Garden near ’t Harde. This photogenic garden is filled with shrubs, flowers, and small trees at different heights, beautifully complemented by ponds and small waterfalls. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 17:00.

Take a trip to the tulip fields of Flevoland

Depending on your accommodation and the weather, you can enjoy a beautiful cycling trip to Flevoland. In addition to the Walibi amusement park, this province has much more to offer. Think of blooming bulb fields stretching from Almere to Zeewolde and Lelystad. You can admire the colorful tulip fields via various routes by car or by bike.

Visit Aqua Mundo in the outskirts of Zeewolde

If the sun decides not to show or it’s too cold to swim outside, consider a day at Aqua Mundo, an indoor water park that’s part of Center Parcs De Eemhof near Zeewolde. Enjoy water fun with attractions such as a wild water river and several slides. You can also try water sports like a thrilling banana boat ride!

Rent a Veluwemeer holiday home

A holiday along the Veluwemeer means enjoying life both on and by the water! There are plenty of beaches to explore, and in Harderwijk you can combine a beach visit with terraces by the old harbor. On the Veluwe side, there’s much to experience — from forest walks along the Leuvenumse Beek and castle terraces to the annual ‘Zandverhalen’ exhibition in Elburg. Flevoland also offers fun options, such as a day of swimming at Aqua Mundo in Zeewolde. Planning a spring getaway? Rent a holiday home at the Veluwemeer and cycle along the blooming tulip fields!