What to do in Hoenderloo? 12 great things to do nearby

Hoenderloo is a wonderful place for a holiday on the Veluwe. You’ll be staying surrounded by forests, while there is still plenty to see and do, so you can enjoy something different every day.

From walking and cycling to art, animals and active days out: Hoenderloo is a great base for exploring the area.

But what shouldn’t you miss during your stay? Here are our tips.

1. Visit De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This one simply has to be on the list.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park is close to Hoenderloo and has its own entrance near the village. This entrance is approximately 1.5 kilometres from Het Veluwse Boshuisje.

Once inside the park, you’ll discover a varied landscape of forests, heathland and sand drifts. You can walk, cycle and visit several attractions.

A fun way to explore the park is by using the famous White Bikes. They are available at various locations throughout the park and can be used free of charge.

Want to know more about our location in relation to the park? Take a look at Holiday home in Hoenderloo near De Hoge Veluwe National Park.

2. Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum

In the heart of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, you’ll find the Kröller-Müller Museum.

The museum is particularly well known for its collection of works by Vincent van Gogh, but you’ll also find works by other renowned artists. It also has a large sculpture garden.

It’s this combination that makes a visit so special: you can combine a walk or cycle ride through nature with art and culture.

Always check the latest information about admission and tickets before your visit.

3. Walk the Plaggenstekerspad

Would you like to explore Hoenderloo and its immediate surroundings on foot? Then the Plaggenstekerspad is a great option.

This Klompenpad walking route takes you through the historic rural landscape around Hoenderloo, passing meadows, tree-lined lanes, forests, heathland and drifting sands.

The full route is 12 kilometres, but shorter versions of 3 and 9 kilometres are also available.

You can also walk this route with your dog. Dogs are allowed on the Plaggenstekerspad when kept on a lead. Part of the route also passes through an off-leash dog area.

4. Explore the Veluwe by bike

Hoenderloo is also a great base for cyclists.

From the village, you can head in several directions and combine forests, heathland and other places on the Veluwe in one trip.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park is also perfect for cycling. You can bring your own bike or use one of the famous White Bikes available in the park.

This allows you to explore a large part of the park in a single day.

5. Try an activity with Veluwe Specialist

Fancy doing something different from walking or cycling? Veluwe Specialist offers various activities that let you experience the Veluwe in a different way.

One fun option is a CSI game. Working together, you complete assignments, solve puzzles and carry out photo and video challenges to eventually solve the mystery.

It’s a fun change of pace for couples, families or groups of friends looking for something active and different during their stay.

6. Climb through the trees at Klimbos Apeldoorn

If you’re looking for a little more action during your holiday, Klimbos Apeldoorn is a great day out.

The climbing forest is located in Park Berg & Bos in Apeldoorn, close to Apenheul. There are various routes for children and adults, with rope bridges, nets, zip lines and other obstacles among the trees.

Junior routes are available from the age of 6 and a minimum height of 1.20 metres. For taller climbers, there are more challenging routes reaching heights of over 20 metres.

A great option when you want to swap walking and cycling for a little more adventure.

7. Go wildlife spotting

The Veluwe is home to wildlife including red deer and wild boar.

Of course, a wildlife encounter can never be guaranteed — which perhaps makes it even more exciting.

During quieter times of the day, it can be well worth keeping your eyes open. Head out early in the morning or later in the day and take your time.

And even if you don’t spot a deer or wild boar, a walk through the beautiful Veluwe countryside is certainly no hardship.

8. Visit Apenheul

A day trip to Apeldoorn is easy from Hoenderloo.

One popular destination is Apenheul. Here, you can walk through a green environment among different species of monkeys, some of which roam freely among visitors.

Apenheul is located in Park Berg & Bos, making it easy to combine with a visit to Klimbos Apeldoorn.

9. Discover Paleis Het Loo

You’ll also find Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn.

The palace and gardens are a lovely destination if you’d like to combine the natural surroundings of your holiday with some history and culture.

You can easily spend a large part of the day here. Check the current opening hours and visitor information before you go.

10. Spend a day at Burgers' Zoo

There are also plenty of options for a day out in the direction of Arnhem.

Burgers' Zoo is a popular destination and easy to combine with a stay in Hoenderloo.

Especially if you’re staying on the Veluwe for a little longer, it’s nice to alternate a day of walking or cycling with a completely different day out.

11. Explore the area with your dog

There is also plenty to do in the area if you’re travelling with a dog.

Up to two dogs can stay free of charge at Het Veluwse Boshuisje, and the forest is approximately 200 metres away.

Want to let your dog enjoy a good run off-leash? Nearby you’ll find Hondenbos Het Leesten, a fully fenced off-leash dog area covering approximately 15 hectares. There is also a 3.1-kilometre Natte Neuzenroute.

We’ve also personally contacted several restaurants in the area to find out where dogs are welcome and whether they’re allowed inside.

For more information, read Hoenderloo with your dog: off-leash area and dog-friendly restaurants.

12. Simply spend a day at the holiday home

And this is one people sometimes forget.

You certainly don’t have to go out every day during your holiday.

During the season, you can enjoy the heated outdoor swimming pool at ’t Veluws Hof holiday park. There are several water slides, as well as a separate children’s pool for younger children.

The park also has a restaurant, snack bar, supermarket, bowling, mini golf, sports court and tennis courts.

Or simply do nothing at all. Relaxing in the fenced garden or sitting under the covered terrace after a walk through the forest is just as much a part of a holiday.

You can find more information about the swimming pool on our page Holiday home on the Veluwe with swimming pool.

Plenty to do from Hoenderloo

For us, one of the best things about Hoenderloo is the combination of everything it offers.

You can walk through the forest in the morning, spend a day cycling through De Hoge Veluwe National Park, visit a museum, enjoy a day out with the children or simply make no plans at all and stay at the holiday home.

Het Veluwse Boshuisje gives you a comfortable base in the heart of the Veluwe for all of it.

Forest approx. 200 metres away · De Hoge Veluwe approx. 1.5 km away · up to 4 people · up to 2 dogs stay free · fully fenced garden · heated outdoor swimming pool during the season

View current availability and prices and book directly with Het Veluwse Boshuisje.