Hoog-Soeren lies within the Kroondomeinen Het Loo. The forests around the village, its hunting history and its various routes give a stay a clear connection to the landscape and culture. When planning, you can consider whether you are particularly interested in how the landscape was formed, the history of the village, or specific trails and leisure activities.
A Forest Landscape with a Long History
The beech and oak forests around Hoog-Soeren date from around 1770, when they were sown on the orders of Stadtholder Willem V. Dassenberg adds another layer of history: the area has been a forest reserve since 1984. As a remnant of an old deciduous forest, it preserves trees that have stood there since 1730. The information about the reserve and the trees refers to different aspects of the forest’s history.
The Geo-wandeling Kroondomein focuses on the sandy and gravelly soils and the varied landforms. At several distinctive points along the route, the subject is coversand ridges and dry valleys; basic physical geography explains how they developed over time. In this way, the route connects specific landforms with the question of how the landscape evolved.
Hunting History and Memorials
In 1677, the Gelderse Staten granted King-Stadtholder Willem III the right to hunt, and a hunting lodge was established in Hoog Soeren. The straight, wide Koningswegen through the forests around the village are also part of this history: they provided space for the large hunting party. Together, the hunting rights, hunting lodge and trails offer insight into the area’s historical significance.
Hoog Soeren has considerable cultural and historical value, reflected, among other things, in the large number of national and municipal monuments in the village. One specific memorial is the chapel, where a commemorative tile remembers three villagers who lost their lives in acts of war during the occupation years. The village’s history thus encompasses both the hunting landscape and the remembrance of individuals.
Routes and Leisure Activities
The route lengths make it easier to compare different hiking options. The Aardhuispark has a marked 3 km route. The Hoog Soeren–Moezenberg route is 6.5 km long and passes along grand avenues, partly grass-covered sandy tracks and narrow, rough paths. Both the avenues and the changing types of trail shape the character of this route.
The Hoog Soeren–Dassenberg walking route passes an old water extraction site beside an extensive heathland and goes through ancient beech and oak forest. Both IVN walking routes are closed seasonally. Before planning, check whether the route in question is accessible during your travel dates.
Cycling and horse riding are also leisure options: Hoog Soeren is noted for its cycle paths, wayfinding, information boards and benches for visitors seeking recreation; the long-distance Veluwetrail bridleway runs through the village. The Veluwse Golf Club is located in the Staatsdomein Hoog Soeren, part of the Kroondomein Het Loo. Its 9-hole woodland course was designed by English golf architect Ken Cotton. You can therefore choose among the different activities based on your interests, without having to combine them into a single outing.
Discover more destinations: Nieuw-Milligen, Apeldoorn, Ugchelen, Hoenderloo, Beekbergen, Uddel, Loenen, Beemte Broekland.
Go to the main travel overview: Apeldoorn.
