Discover the Veluwe from your holiday home in Otterlo! By bike, on foot, in a covered wagon or... by steam train!

Otterlo is located in the heart of the Veluwe and is one of the paid entrances to Hoge Veluwe National Park. Use the park's white bicycles for free and witness how beautifully the landscape unfolds! Sand drifts, pine and deciduous forests, and heathlands—you’ll find it all here! Try spotting wildlife or map out the many scenic spots where you can enjoy a coffee, lunch, or a pancake! Wondering if a holiday home in Otterlo is worth it? Let the following article convince you!

Kröller-Müller Museum

In the middle of the Veluwe lies a museum beloved by fans of classic and modern art. Did you know you don’t need to go to Amsterdam to admire Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces? The Kröller-Müller Museum houses the second-largest collection of paintings by the Dutch artist. You’ll also find works by international masters such as Picasso and Claude Monet. Art extends into the outdoor space, where you can stroll through a sculpture garden with over 150 artworks! Note: access to the museum is only possible through Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Hunting Lodge Sint Hubertus

Another landmark known both nationally and internationally is the Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge. Designed by architect Berlage, it lies deep in the forest beside a large pond. Its striking tower was built at the request of the Kröller-Müller couple to offer panoramic views over the estate and forest. The lodge is a unique architectural gem that radiates a mix of simplicity and grandeur. Observant visitors will notice its perfectly symmetrical layout, including the matching lawns on either side. It is a prime example of harmony and architectural perfection in the heart of nature.

Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park by bike

Admission to Hoge Veluwe National Park includes access to the popular white bicycles. From your holiday home in Otterlo, cycle directly into this diverse nature reserve, which offers 40 kilometers of well-maintained bike paths. Forests give way to heathlands, sand drifts, and vast ponds fringed with reeds. Tip: visit the park early in the morning or in the evening! That’s when you’re most likely to spot wildlife—perhaps while walking or from a lookout near the Kröller-Müller Museum. With a bit of luck, you might see wild boars, red deer, or mouflons at dusk, on a crisp morning, or in the mystical morning fog!

Hike through Wekeromse Zand

Want to see one of the largest sand drift areas in the Netherlands? Take a walk from Wekerom toward the Lunteren forests. The landscape is rich in variety—heath, forest, and farmland—and eventually opens into a white sand plain surrounded by pines and deciduous trees. Along the way, there are several charming places to enjoy a drink or meal close to nature, such as De Lunterse Boer or pancake house Het Uilenbos. Hidden tip: there’s a bench by a small lake in Wekeromse Zand, perfect for a picnic. Start your walk at Hoeverweg in Wekerom or from the Iron Age Farm in Lunteren on Vijfsprongweg.

Take a ride on the Veluwe Steam Train

A fun activity that takes you back to the 19th century is a journey on the Veluwe Steam Train from Beekbergen to Dieren. Experience the nostalgia of steam power as the train whistles and huffs its way along tracks over 100 years old. All the while, you’ll enjoy the lush and open landscape. Tip: book the pancake lunch arrangement! Older children pay €25 and adults €35, which includes the train ride.

Visit Mossel Farm

In the heart of the Veluwe lies a charming spot, ideal for a break during a walk or bike ride from your holiday home in Otterlo! No cars allowed—you can only get there on foot, by bike, or via a covered wagon ride. Whether you find the local Tea House by chance or on purpose, you’ll definitely want to stop and rest. Take in the wide-open views with a cup of coffee and cake or a well-earned lunch! Want to visit Mossel Farm by wagon? Park your car or bike at Driesprong along Apeldoornseweg near Ede. The wagon route also passes Valenberg, a lookout point where you can see for miles—and maybe even spot wild horses in the distance.

Visit Apenheul in Apeldoorn

Apenheul is a wildlife park on the edge of Apeldoorn, easily reachable by bike from your holiday home in Otterlo. The park is home to over 30 species of monkeys. Observe them in a natural setting and watch them being fed. You’ll see monkeys swinging from trees or running freely on the paths—sometimes right in front of you. While they don’t like to be touched, they’re not shy and often come close. As you walk through the park, you’ll find informative signs, and for those wanting more in-depth knowledge, educational guided tours are available.

Rent a holiday home in Otterlo

Thinking of a weekend or week-long getaway to the Veluwe with Otterlo as your base? Plan carefully—each day brings the luxury of choosing from many unique outings and activities! Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum or the Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge, or enjoy coffee and cake at Mossel Farm! Combine your hikes with a pancake at Het Uilenbos in Lunteren—or better yet: treat yourself to a pancake lunch aboard the Veluwe Steam Train!