Voorthuizen brings together architectural and memorial history with woodland and heathland; at the Zeumeren recreation area, water sports and an official swimming site are also on offer. When planning a trip, you can weigh up cultural interests, walks and activities on the water. The walking trails also differ significantly in the landscapes they cover and their starting points.

Culture, Architectural History and Local Stories

The Voorthuizer Braderieën have been organised every year since 1976 by the Ondernemers Vereniging Voorthuizen. They take place on Hoofdstraat and Bunckmanplein in the centre; dates and programme vary from year to year. Two memorials focus on different aspects of history: the Monument voor het 1ste Regiment Huzaren commemorates soldiers of this regiment who lost their lives in the surrounding area during the hostilities in May 1940. The Monument 1940–1945 commemorates all local residents who died as a result of the war during the years of occupation.

The architectural history spans several centuries as well. The church tower at Kerkstraat 35A retains a base dating from the 15th century and a bell stage from the 16th century. The foundation stone of the Gereformeerde Kerk was laid on 30 March 1927; the church building was put into use on 7 November that year. The Oude Pastorie dates from 1785 and has been listed as a Rijksmonument since 1968.

Landhuis Zandbergen stands in Wilbrinkbos. Built in the first half of the 19th century, it retains its bakehouse and barn. The present-day manor house Zandbergen was once the De Roskam inn, which the statesman Constantijn Huygens regularly visited on his way to Het Loo. Another glimpse into the past can be found at De Zeven Bergjes on Hunnenweg: this archaeological site contains three burial mounds dating from the Neolithic and/or Bronze Age. Houten Joris was first designed around 1928 as a wooden holiday home in the countryside south of Voorthuizen.

Cultural interests also include literature and oral tradition. The Gedichtenroute through Voorthuizen consists of nine poems by Gea van Drie-van Ravenhorst. The Bunckmanbeeld is linked to a local legend about the harsh realities of the Veluwe outside the villages around 250 years ago. The Veluwsch Fotohuis was designed by Ton van Hamburg and became a well-known local address for portraits.

Forest, Heathland and Walking Trails

Wilbrinkbos is a wooded estate with a manor house, hedgerows, heathland, ponds and small peat pools. Sundews, several species of sphagnum moss, cotton grass and marsh gentian grow in its wet heathland areas. The species present may vary seasonally. The Griezeveensepad passes through heathland and peat-drainage landscapes, Wilbrinkbos and Boeschoterbos, along sandy tracks and Hessenwegen, beside the Hoevelakense beek and through pastureland.

At 14 kilometres, the Griezeveensepad is slightly shorter than the 15-kilometre Rondje Voorthuizen. The two routes also differ in the landscapes described and their starting points: the Griezeveensepad starts at Eethuisje De Heuveltjes on Apeldoornsestraat. The starting and finishing point for the Rondje Voorthuizen is Ontmoetingscentrum De Eng, Rochetstraat 2. This route passes through Wilbrinkbos and the Zeumeren recreation area, among other places, and is part of the Wandelnetwerk Veluwe. Its decision points let you put together your own walking routes. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Voorthuizen has an extensive cycle junction network, with routes through nature and past historic sites. Routes and signposting may change, so check the latest information before planning your ride.

Zeumeren: Water and Other Activities

The Zeumeren recreation area is an official swimming site. Water quality is regularly checked during the swimming season, from 1 May to 1 October; check the season dates before your trip. Zeumeren Watersport offers water skiing, wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding. Activities and booking packages may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information before your visit.

The leisure options also vary: Shortgolf Zeumeren has a nine-hole course suitable for families and beginners; the course layout and operations may change. Expeditie Zeumeren offers escape rooms, archery and geotours, although commercial offerings may change. SchatEiland Zeumeren offers 6,500 m² of play space. Its size and programme may change if the attraction is redesigned.

Getting There by Bus

Voorthuizen is served by bus route 102 between Apeldoorn and Amersfoort and route 205 between Barneveld and Harderwijk. Routes and operators may change. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Barneveld, Garderen, Kootwijk, Esveld, Terschuur, Kootwijkerbroek.

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