Ermelo brings landscape and history vividly together: the Ermelosche Heide monument site contains 28 burial mounds, as well as remains of a temporary Roman military camp. The municipality of Ermelo lies on the Veluwe and along the Veluwe Border Lakes and is characterised as green and blue. Hiking, archaeological traces and the tradition of sheep-keeping give a stay a range of different focuses.
Heathland, sandy paths and water
The Ermelosche Heide is a protected Natura 2000 area and is largely used as a nature reserve. During the day, it is open for recreation; wide sandy paths can be used for hiking. As conservation measures may affect access to the paths, check local notices before setting out.
The visitor centre and sheepfold are also located by the Ermelosche Heide, among several cycling and hiking junctions. The sheepfold is home to a flock of around 300 sheep on average. Here, nature conservation, hiking trails and sheep-keeping come together on the heath, without requiring an outing to follow a set itinerary.
Hiking trails and cycling routes
The routes offer different experiences: the wide sandy paths of the Ermelosche Heide invite you to go hiking, while the renovated Ermelo mountain-bike route offers a more demanding challenge. It is 23 kilometres long, includes challenging singletrack and runs through the extensive heathland as well as the Speulderbos and Sprielderbos forests. Check the route details before setting off.
Those interested in cultural history can explore the Cultuurhistorie walking route. It passes cultural and historical sites in the Sprielderbos and Speulderbos forests on the Veluwe. The options therefore differ not only in how you get around: the heathland route features wide sandy paths, while this route focuses on the history of the forest areas.
Sheep-keeping traditions and guided experiences
Schaapskooi Ermelo offers short and longer guided walking excursions throughout the year. Topics include cultural history, the formation of the landscape, and the animals and plants found there; dates and topics vary. A three-hour walk with the shepherdess and her dogs is limited to a maximum of four participants. Dates and booking conditions may change, so check them before booking.
The recurring events each have their own rhythm, too. Lammetjesdag takes place every year, usually in March; the exact date varies. Only on this one day of the year may members of the public walk through the sheepfold to see and pet the lambs. The Wol- en Schaapscheerfestijn is held regularly in May. The programme includes a wool market and demonstrations of spinning, felting and carding.
Roman traces and Museum Het Pakhuis
The 28 burial mounds at the Ermelosche Heide monument site are dated to the Neolithic and/or Bronze Age. The Roman marching camp belongs to a later period: its outlines are still visible, and it is considered the only known Roman marching camp in the Netherlands. These different periods make the site a place where very early history and Roman traces can be explored together.
At the interactive Museum Het Pakhuis, visitors can explore the past hands-on and discover content about the Romans and Germanic peoples. The museum also inspires visitors to take a cycling tour along the Roman marching camps and combines this suggestion with a VR experience. Exhibitions and programmes may change.
Staverden: parkland and architecture
Landgoed Staverden lies between Ermelo and Elspeet on the north-western slope of the Veluwe, in a green, wooded setting. More than 40 rare and endangered plant species grow on the estate. A distinctive tradition is the white peacocks, which have been kept there since around 1400.
The Kapel Staverden, a distinctive building near Kasteel Staverden, is part of the estate’s architectural heritage. In addition to weekly services, the chapel is also used as a wedding venue. The walking paths in the park area of the Staverden routes are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, although they include some changes in elevation. If this suitability is important for your plans, check the latest path information before your visit.
Tastings and swimming
Stadsbrouwerij Staverden is located in the coach house of Kasteel Staverden and offers brewery tours and tastings. Wijngaard Telgt offers vineyard tours, excursions and wine tastings. Check the visitor packages before booking. Another activity is available at Veluwe aan Zee (Strand Horst), where swimming is possible. Check local notices before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Ermelo, Neerijnen, Oude Ijsselstreek, Westervoort, Duiven, Elburg, Beuningen, Scherpenzeel.
For the broader travel overview: Gelderland.
