The Veluwe. Mention the name, and most people immediately picture wild animals, endless bike paths, or the crowds at the Posbank during the heather bloom. It’s understandable, it is a stunning part of the Netherlands. But if you want to escape the masses this summer and discover the true soul of this nature reserve, you need to look beyond the standard tourist hotspots.
While the parking lots at famous attractions overflow, other places in the Veluwe lie waiting. Spots that evoke bygone eras, foreign landscapes, or pure, untouched wilderness. In this blog, we take you to five hidden gems in the Veluwe where you can still truly hear the silence.
1. The Hidden Village in Vierhouten: History in the woods
Deep within the dense forests near Vierhouten lies a place that is both impressive and moving. The Hidden Village (Het Verscholen Dorp) was a hiding place for over eighty people during World War II. What makes this site so special is its remote location; at the time, this area was so impenetrable that the occupiers never discovered it until a fateful accident in 1944. Today, three huts have been reconstructed, exactly as they were—half-buried underground.
Why visit? It is a place for reflection. The combination of serene nature and the poignant story of survival leaves a lasting impression.
Tip: Combine your visit to the monument with a walk through the surrounding forest, where you’re likely to spot deer or wild boar without encountering other hikers.
2. The Kootwijkerzand Sand Drifts: The 'Sahara' of the Netherlands
While Radio Kootwijk (the iconic broadcasting station) is well-known, the surrounding area—the Kootwijkerzand—is often skipped by the hurried tourist. Covering 1,700 acres, this is the largest active sand drift in Western Europe. The landscape is surreal: jagged Scots pines braving the wind, vast sandy plains, and a heat that feels almost "un-Dutch" in the summer.
If you visit outside peak hours (for instance, during 'golden hour' just before sunset), you’ll feel like the only person on Earth. The contrast between the sleek, Art Deco building of Radio Kootwijk and the raw nature surrounding it is nowhere more tangible than here.
3. Schovenhorst Estate: The botanical treasure of Putten
Many vacationers drive past Putten on their way to larger cities, but in doing so, they miss Schovenhorst Estate. This isn't your average forest. In the 19th century, the founder began experimental nurseries to see which exotic tree species would thrive in the Veluwe soil. The result is five unique arboretums where you can walk among giant sequoias and rare conifers.
The Forest Tower: For the adventurous, there is a 130-foot (40-meter) tower featuring a spectacular 'hanging garden' at the top. The view over the Veluwe is breathtaking.
Picnic: The gardens are perfectly maintained and offer numerous intimate spots for a picnic, far away from the busy cafe terraces in the village centers.
4. The Speulder and Sprielder Forest: Wandering among 'Dancing Trees'
Near the village of Garderen lies one of the oldest and most beautiful forests in the Netherlands: the Speulder and Sprielder forest. While many production forests in the Veluwe consist of straight rows of conifers, here you’ll find a mysterious, fairytale-like landscape of gnarled oaks. These trees owe their shape to a historic selection process: in the past, loggers only cut down the straight, "useful" trunks. The crooked trees were left behind. The result? A forest full of twisted trunks that seem to dance in the mist or twilight.
The Solse Gat: In the middle of this forest, you’ll find a deep pit surrounded by legends of a sunken monastery and wandering spirits.
Photography Hotspot: This is the place for nature photographers. When sunbeams (known as 'sun harps') break through the canopy of ancient beech and oak trees, it creates a visual spectacle unlike any other.
In the Speulderbos, nature makes the rules. Fallen trees are left where they lie, giving the forest incredible biodiversity and making it a paradise for fungi, insects, and birds.
Tip: Book a stay at Buitenplaats Sprielderbosch. This vacation park is surrounded by the ancient Speulder and Sprielder forest.
5. The Renderklippen between Epe and Heerde
Most people flock to the Posbank for the heather, but the Renderklippen are just as impressive and much quieter. This is a rolling heathland with significant elevation changes. The highlight of a visit is the local sheepfold. The herd grazing here helps keep the heathland healthy.
Stargazing: Because there is relatively little light pollution here, it is one of the best spots to watch the stars on a clear summer night.
Hiking: The 'Hertengang' route leads you through the most remote parts of the area, where you often won't meet anyone except the shepherd and his dogs.
Practical tips for your stay
To make your summer vacation in the Veluwe a success and to ensure you respect nature, here are a few essential tips:
What is the best time to head out?
Early morning (before 9:00 AM) and early evening (after 6:00 PM) are the best times. During these hours, the temperature is most pleasant and your chances of spotting wildlife are highest, as the animals become more active and most day-trippers have headed home.
What is the best way to reach these hidden gems?
An electric bike is the ideal way to get around the Veluwe. Many of the truly quiet spots and "hidden" locations are difficult or even impossible to reach by car. With a bike, you have the freedom to venture deep into nature via the extensive network of cycling paths.
What should I wear in the forest?
It is wise to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, especially if you are exploring the narrower sandy paths. The Veluwe is home to many ticks; by covering your legs, you reduce the risk of a bite. Always check yourself and your clothing thoroughly after every walk.
Will I have cell service everywhere?
No, don’t count on it. While the mobile network in the Netherlands is excellent, coverage in the deeper forests and on the vast sand drifts is sometimes minimal. It’s smart to download the Natuurmonumenten or Staatsbosbeheer app beforehand and save walking maps offline so you never get lost.
Book your ideal vacation rental through Leisure Time
Are you looking for that one charming vacation home that perfectly fits your needs? At Leisure Time, you will find a carefully selected range of vacation rentals in the Veluwe. Whether you choose a luxury villa with wellness facilities, a cozy forest lodge for the whole family, or a hidden nature cottage where deer wander right into the garden: you can easily book your ideal stay through Leisure Time.
