Discover the treasures of the Veluwe from a holiday home in Vierhouten

Exploring the surroundings of Vierhouten is a daily activity for nature lovers and anyone in search of the hidden gems of the Veluwe! Think of the pond pavilions of Kroondomein Het Loo and the half-timbered houses in the area around Uddel. Looking for some variety or is the weather not cooperating? Go on a day trip and plan a road trip along the Hanseatic cities of Elburg, Kampen and Hasselt! Along the way you’ll pass the Drontermeer and the IJssel, driving along winding roads through the forest! Want to know what the Veluwe has to do with the Second World War? Rent a holiday home in Vierhouten and visit the Hidden Village!

Admire the landscape of Kroondomein Het Loo from a holiday home in Vierhouten

If you go cycling in the Vierhouten region, you’ll surely come across the signs for Kroondomein Het Loo. This natural park is an area of springs, forest and heathland and, with over 10,000 hectares, it is the largest estate in the Netherlands. The domain consists of three different areas, each with its own character. In the palace park you can stroll along the wide Koningslaan, passing ponds and open spaces that show how this park was once a recreational retreat for the royal family. Charming is the part with pavilions by the water and the hilly Wilhelminadal, where heather grows and rhododendrons bloom in abundance.

Also visit Het Aardhuis. This is a large hunting lodge with a visitor center and outdoor terrace. Around the chalet, which has a bit of a Swiss look, you can take a short walk and might even spot some wildlife.

Relive the story of those in hiding in the Veluwe forests

In the Soerel forests near Vierhouten lies a historic site that shows how resistance fighters and Jews hid during the Second World War. Spread across several parts of the forest, a camp of huts was built, partially underground. The dwellings you can see today are replicas of these hiding huts. Despite strict living conditions, such as a whispering rule and fetching water only in the dark, the residents managed relatively well. The people in hiding even had furniture, gas lamps, stoves, as well as toys and books. The distribution of food was well organized, and although the village was eventually discovered, most residents managed to escape the Nazis.

Walk along the Verloren Beek from Vaassen Castle Park

From your holiday home in Vierhouten, take a trip to the Veluwe area around Vaassen. First and foremost to visit the proud and beautiful Vaassen Castle, which is open to the public. Find a spot on the castle terrace and explore the park landscape with its springs, farmland and heathland. A beautiful route is the walk along the Verloren Beek, which leads over a boardwalk through the Wisselse Veen. Want to spot wildlife? Cycle or drive to the Motketel car park and walk to the Enkhout wildlife observation screen.

Enjoy the blooming heath from a holiday home in Vierhouten

Vierhouten is the perfect base for walking and cycling tours across the Veluwe heathlands. Several heath areas are nearby, such as the Ermelose Heide and the Elspeterhei. Even closer, often within walking distance of your holiday home, lies the Noorderheide estate. The surrounding forests consist of deciduous and coniferous trees, and alongside natural pools you’ll find cultivated ponds and a network of water channels. Another unique sight at the Noorderheide is the herd of mouflons — a sheep species with curved horns.

Adventure golf course De Boswachter

For a fun afternoon with the whole family, you don’t have to look far in the Vierhouten area. Try a round of mini golf at De Boswachter and take on the challenge of getting the ball through all 12 holes. Consider a package deal if you want to stay longer, which includes mini golf, a drink and a pancake. Another option is a game of mini golf followed by dinner or drinks at restaurant De Boerenschuur, just under a kilometer away. This is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy charcoal-grilled dishes and the rural atmosphere of the forest.

Discover the Hulshorsterzand and the Leuvenum forests

As if the heathlands weren’t enough, you’ll also find one of the largest sand drift areas of the Veluwe near your holiday home — the Hulshorsterzand. To get acquainted, follow the Heetjes route starting from the Hierderweg car park. From this point, you’ll pass through various landscapes, from ancient forests and the Hierdense brook to heathland and the vast sand plains near Hulshorst. The transition from heath to shifting sands is stunning to see. The sand dunes are also remarkable — in some places they are so high that only the treetops rise above them.

Follow a wooden clog trail around Lake Uddel

Nature enthusiasts and history lovers will find it fascinating that Lake Uddel is not just an ordinary body of water but a geological remnant from the Ice Age. Don’t expect dramatic scenery though — the trail around the lake is mainly interesting because of the architectural gems along the wooden clog path. Think of various hunting lodges and beautiful half-timbered houses. You’ll also pass small ponds with reed-lined shores. Along the way, for coffee lovers or when the weather is a bit chilly, make a stop at Herberg ’t Vossegat. Here you can order a coffee to go, an apple pie or fries from the food truck.

Rent a holiday home in Vierhouten

Vierhouten lies in the heart of the Veluwe, surrounded by nature in every direction. Various tours introduce you to beautiful estates such as Kroondomein Het Loo and Landgoed Vaassen. Cozy forest restaurants make walking or cycling even more inviting, such as the hunting lodge Het Aardhuis and pancake restaurant De Boswachter. Choose a warm waffle or an ice cream at IJssalon De Bank in Vierhouten or cycle through the woods to Nunspeet for a sundae at ice cream parlor Di Verso. Want to enjoy a conscious holiday surrounded by nature — from park forests to heathlands and sand dunes? Rent a holiday home in Vierhouten for a wonderful vacation on the Veluwe!