Holiday Home in Epe: Follow the Streams in the Veluwe and Discover the River Landscape of the IJssel

Are you considering accommodation on the northern edge of the Veluwe? With a variety of landscapes around Epe, your holiday will certainly not be monotonous! On one side, you are surrounded by the Veluwe, while on the other, you can easily cycle to the IJssel River. Walk along brooks and springs near Vaassen from your holiday home in Epe, or take time for a coffee break on the terrace by the moat of Castle de Haere. Want the kids to be in their element? Visit a petting zoo with exotic and cuddly animals or challenge them to a game at Pitch & Putt Golf Park in Heerde!

See Rare Animals at De Koperen Ezel from Your Holiday Home in Epe

The name “De Koperen Ezel” (The Copper Donkey) might make you think of lifeless statues. Yet this farm is home to a whole herd of donkeys and many other animals. Alpacas, rabbits, pheasants, and a range of exotic creatures like peacocks, prairie dogs, maras, and porcupines roam the grounds, making it feel almost like a small zoo. De Koperen Ezel is considered one of the most enjoyable care farms in the Netherlands, complete with indoor and outdoor playgrounds and even a pancake restaurant!

Would you rather see some cute deer? Then head to the deer park in Epe, as you won’t find them at De Koperen Ezel. A great bonus here is the lovely walking route in the area and the chance to enjoy a bite and a drink at Eetcafé Floor.

Follow the Towpath Route Along the Apeldoorn Canal

Epe historically had a towboat connection with Apeldoorn via the Apeldoorn Canal. Both passengers and cargo were transported along the waterway using horsepower. Later, a railway line appeared alongside the canal, transforming the route into a thriving trade corridor. Today, the railway is gone, but the canal remains as a silent witness to this past. Where the tracks once ran, there is now a cycle path that takes you on a journey through history. Tip: you can follow the route along the Apeldoorn Canal all the way to Cannenburch Castle and, along the way, perhaps explore an award-winning walking trail near the Nijmolense Brook.

Vaassen Brook Trail: A Picturesque Route Through the Streams and Springs of the Veluwe

The Veluwe is rich in springs and brooks, and in the Vaassen area there is even a hiking route named after this network of waterways. For a scenic walk, park your car at Cannenburch Castle. From there, you can stroll across the estate along various brooks and springs. Highlights to look out for include a watermill and a photogenic dike path lined with leaning pollard willows arching over the water.

Discover the Treasures of the IJssel Landscape from Your Holiday Home in Epe

A holiday home in Epe is not only the perfect base for exploring the Veluwe. You’re also staying in a beautiful area where the river landscape of the IJssel meets the northern Veluwe. Along the river near Epe, you’ll discover plenty of sights during a ferry bike tour. For example, visit the Nieuw Sion Monastery, an impressive complex by Dutch standards, featuring a church and a garden. Especially unique is the berceau, a natural gallery of winding trees that form a kind of cloister walk. In the café, you can enjoy coffee and cake, herbal teas, or lunch prepared with produce from the kitchen garden.

Walk Through the Hanzebos at Olst Starting from Castle de Haere

Would you like to explore the banks of the IJssel on foot? Cycle or drive from your holiday home in Epe to the parking area on Haereweg in Olst. This is the address of Castle de Haere, where you can start your walk perhaps with some cake on the terrace—a particularly inviting spot as it sits right by the moat. After this delightful break, a beautiful walk awaits you through the Hanzebos. According to reviews, the trail offers a lovely variety of landscapes, including ponds, forest edges, meadows, and fields. Storks are also frequent visitors in this area.

Learn to Play Golf at Pitch & Putt in Heerde

Would you like to take it a step beyond a round of mini golf and experience the real game? You can at Pitch & Putt—no license required! The concept is the same as on a professional course, with the difference that you play only two types of shots: one to drive the ball towards the hole, and the second to putt it in. Challenge yourself and see if you catch the golf bug. Bringing small children along? Luckily, there is also a mini golf course suitable for all ages. Thanks to the beautiful location by Heerderstrand, Pitch & Putt is also an excellent spot to enjoy a package deal. Here, you can truly relax by the water with a cup of coffee and a treat or a delicious lunch.

Tip: To make your outing even more fun, Pitch & Putt now offers the option to rent an e-chopper. A great way to discover the Veluwe in style!

Rent a Holiday Home in Epe

When you add up the nature, sights, and unique attractions around Epe, this region is sure to stay on your holiday shortlist. Activities like a petting farm with rare animals and a “real” golf experience guarantee a wonderful time for young and old alike. But there’s also plenty of history to uncover. This area has a rich past that is still tangible in the landscape: from the trace of a railway along the Apeldoorn Canal to a monastery complex and springs that once powered watermills for the thriving paper industry. Come see for yourself and explore the treasure trove of the Veluwe and the IJssel region from your holiday home in Epe!