The almost perfectly round Uddelermeer is one of the oldest natural lakes in the Netherlands. It formed from the remains of a pingo, an ice-age frost mound: as the ground gradually thawed at the end of the Ice Age, the lake was left behind. Hunneschans also tells a story that reaches far back in time. The horseshoe-shaped ring-fort was probably built between 850 and 950 and consisted of a rampart surrounded by a moat.
Traces from different eras
The Uddel – Hofweg/Hunneschans/Uddelermeer area includes the Uddelermeer pingo remnant, settlement traces and burial mounds from the Late Stone Age, as well as the medieval Hunneschans ring-fort. Its geology and archaeological evidence represent different chapters in the history of the landscape. Uddelermeer also plays a mysterious role in the legends of the Veluwe.
Another historic site is the Uddel Liberation Monument on Uttilochweg. It was unveiled on 4 May 1995. The stone benches at the monument invite visitors to pause and reflect for a moment.
Walks with different highlights
For a loop around the lake, the 8.3-kilometre “Ronde Uddelermeer” walking route is one option. By contrast, the 8.7-kilometre “Uddelsche Buurtveld” walk passes through Kroondomein Het Loo over the Veluwe’s eastern ridge. The two routes are a similar length but offer different scenery. For a longer circular walk, try “Trage Tocht Uddel”: it is 16 kilometres long, starts at De Zandsteeg in Uddel and follows unpaved paths for 95 percent of its route. Check the latest route description before setting out.
The Uddelermeerpad passes through the forest and heathland of Kroondomein Het Loo, along Uddelermeer and past a medieval defensive structure. The route also passes Bleeke Meer, another lake formed by melting ice. Kingfishers are regularly seen around both lakes. Another short option is the Kwiekrouten route in Uddel: this approximately two-kilometre outdoor trail starts at Wilhelminahof and has signposted exercise stations.
Other routes focus on different landscapes. “Uddel – De Hoge Duvel” passes through varied woodland with former clay pits; the traces suggest that there is plenty of game in the area. “Rabbit Hill – Nieuw Milligse Zand” leads to Kootwijkerveen and then through the former drifting-sand areas of Nieuw Milligse Zand. The route also offers wide views across a gently rolling landscape.
The “Groene Wissel 300: Uddel” walk passes through quiet woods to Hoog Soerense Veld, a rolling, grassy heathland and a refuge for red deer and roe deer. The state and Crown estates used by the route are closed every year from 15 September to 25 December. Check current restrictions before setting out. The “West-Veluwse variatie” route passes through forests, heathland, pastures, village centres and hamlets.
The “Rondom Uddel en Meerveld” route passes through the area around Uddel and the hamlet of Meerveld. The Staverdense beek runs through the lowland, and the route takes in important natural areas nearby. Herberg 't Vossegat in Uddel is listed as the starting point.
Plan your route before setting out
You can reach the Uddelermeerpad by public transport via the “Café Uddel, Uddelermeer” bus stop on Garderenseweg in Uddel. Buitenplaats Het Loo is listed as the starting point of the trail, where walkers can park their cars. Confirm that parking is available before travelling. The route options range from about two kilometres to a 16-kilometre circular walk, so choose according to your preferred distance and check the relevant route description.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Beekbergen, Nieuw-Milligen, Hoog-Soeren, Loenen, Beemte Broekland, Apeldoorn, Hoenderloo, Ugchelen
Go to the main travel guide: Apeldoorn.
