In Nunspeet, forests, heathland, water and historic drifting sands alternate. The four village centres of Nunspeet, Vierhouten, Hulshorst and Elspeet lie in the heart of the Noord-Veluwe and are surrounded by these landscapes. Hiking trails pass through forests and heathland, along waterways and through village centres. The municipality has a network of 230 kilometres of hiking trails. Nunspeet is also part of a wider regional context: it belongs to the Gelderland section of the Veluwerandmeren Natura 2000 area.
Forest, heathland and trails at different scales
The Boswachterij Nunspeet brings together historic drifting sands, heathland and forests near Nunspeet and Vierhouten. Most of the area is accessible year-round, though individual zones may be temporarily closed. This lets you experience the forest as an expansive landscape without every area being open at all times.
The Ronde Huis walk alternates between deciduous and coniferous forest; in places, the route follows narrow paths through the Zandenbos. A four-kilometre option starts at the Zwarte Veldje, where parking is also available. Check the route conditions before setting out. The Heetjesroute offers a different landscape: it crosses heathland and passes through forest, along drifting sands and the banks of the Leuvenumse Beek. The route description can help you choose between forest paths and a route that includes heathland and a stream bank.
You can also explore the surroundings by bike: bicycles, e-bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes offer different ways to get around Nunspeet, Elspeet, Vierhouten and Hulshorst. The 45-kilometre Uit de Kunst cycling route offers a special combination of cycling and art history. Ten information boards mark places that were important to painters of earlier times. Check the latest route description before setting off; the locations of the boards may also change.
Water and landscaped nature
At Surfoever De Hoge Bijssel on the Veluwemeer, you can windsurf, sail, swim, row and fish. Access to the water and facilities may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Zandenplas is a sandy beach in the middle of the forest, offering a place to relax by the water. If you plan to swim there, check the water quality beforehand; facilities are also seasonal.
Heemtuin de Heimanshof displays plants that naturally occur on the Veluwe in a landscaped garden. The garden is free to enter and has two marked circular walks, each taking about fifteen minutes. The red route follows wider paths suitable for pushchairs. The IVN-Bijentuin offers another way to experience nature: the garden is open to visitors daily from sunrise to sunset. For larger groups, a beekeeper-led bee presentation is available by arrangement; guided tours with a knowledgeable guide can also be arranged.
Discover art on foot and by bike
The Noord-Veluws Kunstmuseum tells the story of Nunspeet as an artists’ colony from 1880 to 1950. Its permanent collection features artists who gained national and international recognition between 1890 and 1950. The Uit de Kunst route takes this theme outdoors: its ten boards mark places that were important to painters of earlier times. In the village centre, Kunstsnoer also leads to large art display cases at five locations. They are refreshed about every three months. A walk along Kunstsnoer connects the Transferium, Stationsplein, Stationslaan and Marktplein, passing public art along the way.
The Dorpswandeling Nunspeet offers more ways to experience the village: poems by well-known poets on walls, works of art, distinctive buildings and former homes and workplaces of artists all lie along the route. Their interpretation may change over time. In and around Vierhouten, you can discover at least thirteen wooden artworks while exploring the village. They include a life-size wooden deer with real antlers.
History and craftsmanship
As a historic monument, the Verscholen Dorp in Vierhouten commemorates a former hiding camp from the Second World War. Three reconstructed huts can be visited there; check local access information before your visit. In Elspeet stands Molen De Hoop, an octagonal wooden grain mill built in 1894. Molen de Duif is a smock mill dating from 1886, restored in 1963 and 1982. It still grinds flour, which is sold in the mill shop.
Getting around
Nunspeet railway station is within walking distance of Bezoekerscentrum Nunspeet, whose exhibition focuses on the nature of the Veluwe; exhibition content may change. From the station, you can reach the forest almost immediately. Bus routes 301, 111 and 112 stop near the centre. Stationslaan leads from the station to the centre in just a few minutes on foot. Check current bus routes and timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Hulshorst, Nunspeet, Vierhouten, Elspeet; Buren, Putten, Groesbeek, Tiel.
For the overview of the wider region: Gelderland.
