A Day on the Veluwe

A Day on the Veluwe: Cycling, Nature, and Family Fun

Last weekend we stayed at the Forest Lodge on the Veluwe – a wonderful spot surrounded by greenery, where you instantly feel like you’re on holiday. We had brought our own bikes, which was perfect with young kids (6, 4, and 2 years old). Later we discovered that you can also rent bikes directly at the park – good to know for next time! And of course, in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, you’ll find the well-known free white bikes that you can pick up along the way.

The Hoge Veluwe has the famous free white bicycles that you can take along the way.

Off to De Hoge Veluwe National Park

After breakfast, we hopped on our bikes and headed towards the Schaarsbergen entrance ‘De Klinkenberg’ (the ticket office). We had picked out a beautiful cycling route beforehand, so we could make the most of everything the park has to offer. As soon as we entered, we were surrounded by stunning scenery: vast heathlands, dense forests, and winding sandy trails. This place is truly special!

A Break in Nature

After cycling for a while, we found a lovely bench right in the middle of nature. Time for a short break! We had brought some fruit and drinks with us, which always taste so much better in the fresh outdoor air.

Wildlife Spotting

After our break, we got back on our bikes and what luck: along the way we came across a herd of deer, and shortly after even some wild boar! The kids were amazed – an experience they won’t forget.

Lunch at the Park Paviljoen

Around lunchtime, we arrived at the Park Paviljoen, where there’s also a fun playground. The kids had a great time playing, while we found a spot to eat. Ordering is easy via a QR code super convenient when you have small children. Naturally, the kids went for a toasted sandwich, and we enjoyed a carpaccio sandwich. On the website we also saw that you can order a picnic basket, a great idea for next time!

Craft Beer from the Shop

Next to the restaurant is a small shop, which of course we had to check out. We’re big fans of craft beer, and to our surprise, they sold various types of local Veluwe beer from Hert Bier with charming names like Hopvol Leven (“Hop-filled Life”), Dorpsleven (“Village Life”), and more. We picked up a few bottles to enjoy later that evening.

Back to the Park – and a Splash!

After lunch, we got back on our bikes and followed a long, peaceful route back to our holiday park. Once we arrived at the Forest Lodge, we decided to end the day with a swim in the indoor pool. What a treat!

The Perfect Ending

When the kids were tucked into bed, we sat outside the lodge with a good glass of Veluwe’s Hert Bier. Such a perfect way to end a beautiful day. Peace, coziness, and living in the moment – exactly what a day on the Veluwe should be.