The Hoge Veluwe National Park: Nature reserve
De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest and most famous national parks in the Netherlands, covering 55 square kilometers in the province of Gelderland. Established in 1935, the park features a diverse landscape of forests, heathlands, sand dunes, and grasslands. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including red deer, roe deer, wild boars, and mouflons (wild sheep).
This park is unique because it is privately owned and relies on visitor entrance fees for maintenance. It also houses the Kröller-Müller Museum, which contains the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world.
Visitor Fee
Access to the park requires an entrance fee, which helps maintain and conserve its natural beauty. As of 2025, the prices are:
- Adults: €12.30
- Children (6-12 years): €6.15
- Children under 6: Free
- Car entry: €8.10
- Bicycle use: Free (White Bikes available inside the park)
Transportation
- By Car:
- Easily accessible by car, with parking available inside the park (extra fee applies).
- By Train & Bus:
- Nearest Train Stations: Apeldoorn, Arnhem, and Ede-Wageningen.
- From Arnhem or Apeldoorn, take bus 108 to Otterlo, then bus 106 to the park entrance.
- By Bicycle:
- Cycling is popular, and the park offers free White Bikes at entrances and visitor centers.
Things to Do
- Explore Nature & Wildlife
- Walk or cycle through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes.
- Spot red deer, wild boars, foxes, and rare birds.
- Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum
- Home to Vincent van Gogh’s second-largest collection of paintings.
- Features modern art from artists like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.
- Hike the Diverse Trails
- There are multiple marked trails for all skill levels.
- Visit Jachthuis Sint Hubertus
- A historic hunting lodge, designed by architect Hendrik Berlage.
- Enjoy the Free White Bikes
- Over 1,800 free bicycles are available at entrances and the visitor center.
- Go Horseback Riding
- Designated horse trails are available for visitors.
- Join a Guided Tour
- Park rangers offer special safari-style tours and educational walks.
Why People Enjoy Visiting De Hoge Veluwe
- Nature Lovers: Beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings.
- Wildlife Enthusiasts: Opportunity to see deer, wild boars, and birds of prey.
- Art & Culture Fans: The Kröller-Müller Museum attracts art lovers from around the world.
- Outdoor Adventurers: Free bicycles, hiking, and scenic picnic spots.
- Families: Kid-friendly trails, open spaces, and educational activities.
How Old is This Place?
- Founded in: 1935
- Age: 89 years (as of 2024)
- Historical Background: Originally owned by Anton and Helene Kröller-Müller, who envisioned it as a wildlife reserve and art park.
List of Activities
✔️ Cycling with Free White Bikes
✔️ Hiking on nature trails
✔️ Wildlife spotting (deer, boars, mouflons, and rare birds)
✔️ Exploring the Kröller-Müller Museum
✔️ Photography of landscapes and wildlife
✔️ Visiting the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus
✔️ Horseback riding on designated trails
✔️ Joining guided safaris and tours
✔️ Relaxing at picnic spots
Additional Nearby Attractions
- Arnhem Open Air Museum – A cultural heritage site showcasing traditional Dutch life.
- Burgers’ Zoo – One of the largest zoos in the Netherlands, located in Arnhem.
- Airborne Museum at Hartenstein – A museum dedicated to WWII’s Battle of Arnhem.
- Kootwijkerzand – The largest sand drift area in Western Europe, a short drive away.
- Paleis Het Loo – A beautiful Dutch royal palace with stunning gardens.