Top 20 Natural Monuments around Putten
Natural monuments around Putten offer a diverse landscape for outdoor exploration. This municipality in Gelderland, Netherlands, features forests, heathlands, and polders, bordering the Veluwe National Park. The area is characterized by varied scenery, providing numerous opportunities to experience its natural features and notable landmarks. Putten's surroundings are well-suited for hiking and cycling, with many trails available.
Best natural monuments around Putten
- The most popular natural monuments is Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, a natural monument that features a unique sand drift with varied landscapes. This area includes dry forests with Scots pine and wetter sections with old beeches.
- Another must-see spot is Staverden Castle, a historical site and natural monument. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, which include a beautifully landscaped park, gardens, and two giant sequoia trees.
- Visitors also love Solse Gat, a forest and natural monument with a deep pit. According to local legends, this site is known for its mysterious folklore and a path leading into a pond.
- Putten is known for its sand dunes, forests, and estates with historical significance. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from expansive sand drifts to ancient woodlands and cultural sites integrated into the landscape.
- The natural monuments around Putten are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 880 upvotes and more than 120 photos shared.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes
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Staverden Castle
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The estate and castle have a long history. The counts of Gelderland (later dukes) probably had a court in Staverden as early as the 12th century. In 1299 Count Reinald I obtained city rights from the Emperor. But it never came to a real urban development.
It was probably never the intention that Staverden became a real city. This is apparent from the wording of the granting of the city rights. A research report into the cultural history of Staverden states that the rights granted to Staverden differ greatly from the city rights granted to Gelderland cities at the time. It is stipulated that, in addition to the 'free people', serfs and ministerials or servants may also live there. It can be concluded that we should not regard medieval Staverden as a regular city (to be founded), but as an agricultural settlement with certain legal characteristics of a city. The confirmation of the rights is probably related to the fact that the Count of Gelre is busy increasing his influence on the Veluwe at that time.
Early times
The six preserved burial mounds on the west and east edges of the stream valley show that people were already present in the Staverden area around 4000 years ago. The valley and its surroundings are continuously adapted to the needs of the residents. The stream was used to power water mills. In the stream valley, loam was extracted to bake bricks. Farms were built with fields and large plots of coppice.
Nineteenth and twentieth centuries
From the 19th century, Staverden developed rapidly. Land was reclaimed, roads were constructed or improved and two new farms were built. The aim of the owners was to make Staverden self-sufficient again as a modern agricultural and forestry company, as the estate had functioned for centuries.
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Solse Gat
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This went on for a long time. The monks partied, drank and enjoyed life. Until, sometime in the Middle Ages, a stormy Christmas evening put an end to the wicked excesses in the forest. Suddenly, local residents heard a huge lightning strike. The next morning a little boy passed by the site and discovered that the entire monastery had disappeared into a large hole in the forest. All that could be seen were some uprooted trees around the site, the brick path that was the access road and a deep hole.
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Kootwijkerzand
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The sandy plain not only looks like a mini Sahara: the temperatures are also comparable. The temperature can rise to 60 degrees Celsius, while the night temperature can also drop below 0 degrees in summer.
Be sure to stop at the lookout tower to view this impressive area from above. On a clear day you can see Radio Kootwijk in the distance.
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Medusa Sculpture from Tree Roots
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Tips from the Community
Simply because it is very beautiful.
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Very beautiful artistic carving.
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The castle has changed its appearance in many ways over the centuries. The current building dates from 1905 and was built by Herman Theodore s'Jacob, the scion of a noble family. His father Frederik Bernhard was mayor of Rotterdam and his grandfather was governor of the Dutch East Indies. The architecture goes back to older styles, but the interior still contains features of the Art Nouveau style that was popular at the time. The rest of the estate is still largely intact and the castle garden has also been restored with honor.
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Before 1830, the Beekhuizerzand was part of a large quicksand area. Between 1880 and 1930, it was planted with pine trees on a large scale, especially to prevent dusting. It was also used as a military training area and opened for recreation from 1963. In 2004, many fly pines were felled and the top layer removed from the ground, so that it has become a real quicksand area where the destructible sand has been released again. The area is grazed by sheep.
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Just a “wow effect” when you pass by!
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Special wood carvings along the Medusa cycle path. Straight from Greek mythology. Don't look at her ;-)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Putten?
Putten is known for its diverse natural features. You can explore the unique sand drift at Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, which features dry forests with Scots pine and wetter areas with ancient beeches. Another impressive sand landscape is Kootwijkerzand, one of the largest drifting sand areas in Western Europe, complete with a lookout tower for panoramic views.
Are there historical natural monuments to visit in the Putten area?
Yes, the region offers natural monuments with significant historical context. Staverden Castle is a historical site with a beautifully landscaped park, gardens, and two giant sequoia trees. The estate has a long history, dating back to the 12th century. Additionally, the Solse Gat, a forest with a deep pit, is steeped in local folklore and legends about a vanished monastery.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Putten's natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Putten are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for gravel biking, running, and mountain biking. For example, there are many routes that pass through areas like the Veluwe, Ermelose Heide, and near Solse Gat. You can explore detailed routes and guides for gravel biking, running, and mountain biking in the region.
Are there family-friendly natural areas or activities around Putten?
Many natural areas around Putten are suitable for families. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes offer easy bike rides and picnic spots. The grounds of Staverden Castle are also family-friendly, with space to explore the gardens and see the giant sequoia trees. The Solse Gat, with its intriguing legends, can also be an interesting spot for families with older children.
Where can I find unique art integrated into nature near Putten?
In the Putterbos, you can discover the Medusa Sculpture from Tree Roots. This beautiful artwork is crafted from the roots of a fallen tree, offering a unique blend of nature and art, with a bench nearby for a moment of rest.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Putten?
The natural landscapes around Putten transform with the seasons, making it a beautiful destination year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. The heathlands, such as those at De Groevenbeekse Heide, are particularly stunning when in bloom during late summer. Even in winter, the forests and sand drifts offer a tranquil and unique experience.
Are there challenging hiking opportunities in the Putten area?
Yes, for those seeking more rugged terrain, De Groevenbeekse Heide Nature Reserve offers rolling hills and expansive heathland, providing a perfect location for a challenging hike. The broader Veluwe National Park, adjacent to Putten, also features extensive forests and heathlands with numerous scenic and sometimes demanding hiking routes.
Can I spot wildlife near the natural monuments in Putten?
The natural areas around Putten, especially those bordering the Veluwe National Park, are rich in biodiversity. You have good chances of spotting wildlife in areas like the Veluwe, known for its extensive forests and heathlands. At Landgoed Oldenaller, the surrounding forest is home to a colony of blue herons, offering a specific wildlife viewing opportunity.
Are there any estates or parks with serene walking paths near Putten?
Absolutely. Krachtighuizen Estate invites visitors to wander through lush forests and past serene lakes, providing a peaceful and scenic hiking experience. Another option is Landgoed Oldenaller, which features the historic Oldenaller Castle surrounded by a moat, vegetable garden, and orchard, with an 8-kilometer Klompenpad trail leading along Polder Arkemheen.
What do visitors appreciate most about the natural monuments around Putten?
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse and unique landscapes, from the expansive sand drifts like Beekhuizerzand and Kootwijkerzand to the ancient forests and historical estates. The opportunity for peaceful bike rides, challenging hikes, and the blend of natural beauty with cultural history, such as at Staverden Castle, are highly valued. The tranquility and fresh air throughout the changing seasons also receive high praise.
Are there specific trails or routes recommended for exploring the natural monuments?
Yes, the area around Putten is well-equipped with various trails. For instance, the Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes feature a bike path that meanders through the unique sand drift. At Landgoed Oldenaller, the 8-kilometer Klompenpad Oldenaller trail is a recommended activity. Many 'Clog Paths' and cycling routes also allow visitors to discover unique spots and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Most popular attractions around Putten
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