Discover the beauty of the Veluwe and top attractions from your holiday home in Nunspeet!

Are you looking for accommodation to fully experience the Veluwe? Then a holiday home in Nunspeet is definitely a great choice if you want to discover varied landscapes – from heathlands to sand drifts and historic estates! Several unique spots await you, such as an estate with white peacocks or a terrace in the historic fortified town of Elburg. Want an unforgettable family holiday or a place to try new hiking and cycling routes every day? Take note of the tips in this article when planning your trip around Nunspeet!

Walk the “Tijdkijkerpad” from your holiday home in Nunspeet

Not far from Nunspeet’s center lies the Veluwe Transferium Visitor Center, a hub for hikers looking for a variety of trails. One of the highlights is the lookout tower, offering stunning views of the Veluwe’s landscape. An even higher (and free) viewpoint is the Stakenberg near Elspeet – with breathtaking views across the vast Elspeet heath. You’ll find this tower along the “Tijdkijkerpad” – a 4 km trail featuring telescopes. These aren’t binoculars, but special viewers that show you how the landscape once looked in the past.

From the playground at Stakenberg, a walking route leads through a diverse area of coniferous forest and heath. Around Nunspeet, you’ll also find sand drifts such as De Haere near Doornspijk – a protected walking area. Dogs must be on a leash here, but the landscape is a fascinating mix of sand, rare plants, heather and pine forest.

Discover the Staverden estate

A great cycling destination combined with a scenic highlight is the Staverden estate and its white castle. The surrounding grounds offer tranquil beauty – perfect for a relaxed walk. Stroll past the wide moat and a cascading waterfall flowing over rocks, powering a watermill as it passes through the estate. Explore the ornamental garden and vegetable garden with the orangery in the background. Did you know you can even spot white peacocks around the castle? Majestic tree-lined paths and ancient woods complete this magical landscape.

Bonus for beer lovers: at Staverden’s on-site brewery, you’re welcome to taste local craft beers and enjoy a snack platter.

Adventure golf and pancakes in Vierhouten

Looking for a fun activity for all ages? Try adventure golf! Cycle through the Veluwe forest to Pancake House “De Boswachter” in Vierhouten and test your skills on their adventurous mini-golf course. It’s not your typical course – the layout is much more creative and challenging, with 12 unique holes. Worked up an appetite? Then it’s time to enjoy some delicious pancakes!

Indoor playground De Tol

Another family-friendly spot with food and fun is indoor playground De Tol in Nunspeet. Children can jump, climb, slide and even play football to their heart’s content. Whether you have toddlers or energetic older kids, they’ll be entertained while you enjoy coffee and cake in the café. Fries, snacks, pizza and kids’ menus take the stress out of dinner planning. A guaranteed hit with the little ones!

Step back in time with a visit to Elburg

A highly recommended day trip from your holiday home in Nunspeet is the compact Hanseatic and fortified town of Elburg! Stroll through this historic gem and visit one of its many small museums. Relax on a terrace and soak in the town’s surprisingly Burgundian vibe. Explore boutique shops, interior stores and jewellers housed in centuries-old buildings. Wander the green ramparts for scenic views of the town walls and the Great Church. Want to get out on the water? Book a sailing trip on a historic “botter” boat and hear stories of the old Zuiderzee fishermen. Various packages are available, including traditional snacks like monastery bread with coffee or sandwiches with herring or mackerel.

Tip: To get in the maritime mood, visit the Botter Foundation Museum at the marina.

Sand Sculpture Museum Elburg: high-level art with a story

From the west side of Elburg’s tree-lined walls, walk toward the marina and you’ll find the Zandverhalen Sand Sculpture Museum. This world-class indoor museum features massive sand sculptures – including a replica of a Norwegian stave church, a towering pharaoh and numerous Biblical stories and figures. It’s the largest sand sculpture exhibition in the world and perfect for a rainy day since everything is displayed inside.

Cycle to Castle Cannenburch in Vaassen

Besides hikes and heathland tours, the Veluwe’s forests are perfect for cycling. From Nunspeet, ride through the royal Het Loo forest towards the impressive Cannenburch Castle – one of Gelderland’s most elegant castles, surrounded by a moat and connected to land by a classic arched bridge. Take time to explore the castle park, which is open year-round (except on event days). Need a break? Relax with a drink on the sunny terrace of the former coach house, directly opposite the castle.

Rent a holiday home in Nunspeet

Located between the Veluwe Lake and the northern Veluwe forests, Nunspeet is a strategic starting point for amazing adventures! Nature lovers will find endless hiking and biking routes, often combined with scenic detours through historic estates. Want to immerse yourself in a historical atmosphere? Visit the Hanseatic town of Elburg from your holiday home in Nunspeet, and be charmed by the terraces, old streets and the stunning sand sculpture exhibit at the Zandverhalen Museum!