When planning a stay in Hulshorst, marked hiking trails and water sports on Lake Veluwe are two distinct highlights. Depending on the route, the trails pass through woodland and heathland, over historic cultivated land, or through a landscape of drifting sand. On the water, options range from surfing to fishing. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether hiking, activities on the water, or both will shape your stay. Route lengths and seasonal conditions for the ferry and water sports can also help with planning.

Explore a variety of hiking trails

The Hulshorster Bosrandroute is 22 km long; a shortened version is 10 km. The route is marked with purple-and-white signs bearing an H. It passes through woodland and heathland and along a drift-sand area. The shorter version offers a practical way to plan a shorter walk. Check the route details locally before setting out.

The “Van Horst naar zee” hiking route starts in Hulshorst, is marked in orange, and is part of the Wandelnetwerk Veluwe. It passes over historic cultivated land and through the Veenweide area between the Veluwe and the Lake Veluwe shoreline. The Green Route Hulshorst runs through Belvédèrebos and along the Nodbeek. If route length is your main consideration, the Bosrandroute offers a 10-km option; if you want to start a route in the village, “Van Horst naar zee” starts in Hulshorst.

Drifting sand, woodland and rare species

Hulshorsterzand features extensive areas of drifting sand in a wooded setting, as well as a marked hiking trail. Removing trees that had previously been planted allowed the sand to drift again. The open drifting-sand landscape is therefore one of the area’s defining features, alongside its wooded surroundings. Species found here include the antlion, European nightjar and tawny pipit, which occur in only a few other places in the Netherlands. This also makes Hulshorsterzand interesting to travelers who want to learn about distinctive habitats and their biodiversity.

Water sports on Lake Veluwe

At Surfoever De Hoge Bijssel on Lake Veluwe near Hulshorst, you can surf, sail, swim, row and fish. The activities available may vary depending on the operator and the season, so check the options in advance. Hulshorst also has four beach resorts with water sports harbors. A surf beach has been created on the boundary between Hulshorst and Nunspeet.

You can also combine a cycling trip with a ferry crossing: during a bike ride in Hulshorst, you can take the ferry to Biddinghuizen. The crossing takes 25 minutes. The ferry operates seasonally; check the timetable before planning your trip around it.

Culture and practical information

The De Maagd grain mill in Hulshorst is a Rijksmonument, a designated national monument, dating from 1894. Since its extensive restoration in 1988, it has been capable of milling again. Before visiting, check whether milling is currently taking place. Flour produced at the mill is supplied to bakers in the wider area around Hulshorst. The history of the former railway station is also part of the village: it opened in 1863.

A VVV tourist information point is located in Dorpshuis De Wieken. There you can get hiking and cycling routes, maps, souvenirs and general information. Opening hours may change, so check when the information point is open before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Nunspeet, Vierhouten, Elspeet.

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