The best traffic-free bike rides in Veluwe

Veluwe offers a wide selection of traffic-free road cycling routes. Our guide features over 60 routes specifically designed for road cyclists seeking quiet paths away from cars.

The Veluwe region is generally known for its flat to gently rolling terrain, making it ideal for road cycling. You'll encounter diverse landscapes including extensive woodlands, vast open heathlands, and unique sand drifts like the Kootwijkerzand. While mostly flat, some areas, particularly within Veluwezoom National Park, feature gentle inclines that add a slight challenge. The routes often follow well-maintained, paved surfaces.

Yes, Veluwe is very accommodating for beginners and families. Hoge Veluwe National Park, for example, provides approximately 24 km of flat, paved cycle paths that are perfect for a relaxed ride. Visitors can even use the free white bicycles available within the park to explore its diverse landscapes, including sand drifts, forests, and marshes.

The Veluwe is beautiful year-round, but late August is particularly stunning when the heathlands burst into bloom with vibrant purple heather. Spring and early autumn also offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery for cycling.

Many routes pass by significant landmarks and natural features. You can cycle past historic buildings like the Radio Kootwijk building or the elegant Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge. Nature lovers will appreciate the vast heathlands, woodlands, and sand drifts. Some routes also offer views of the picturesque Veluwemeer (Veluwe Lake) or follow the IJssel River. For example, the route "Wildlife Observation Hide – Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge loop from Warnsborn" takes you through beautiful natural areas around the hunting lodge.

Absolutely. Veluwe is rich in history and culture. You can find routes that lead you past impressive castles such as Staverden Castle or Rosendael Castle. These historic sites offer a wonderful opportunity to combine your ride with a cultural stop. For instance, the "Oude Zwolseweg (Veluwe) – Noorderheide Heathland loop from Ermelo" route offers a chance to explore the region's diverse landscapes and potentially pass by historic elements.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Veluwe are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point without retracing your steps. This makes planning your trip convenient and ensures you experience varied scenery throughout your journey. An example is the "De Waldhoorn Otterlo – Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge loop from Otterlo" route.

Yes, Veluwe is renowned for its rich biodiversity. Within areas like Hoge Veluwe National Park, you have a good chance of spotting red deer, wild boar, and foxes, especially during quieter times of the day. The extensive woodlands and heathlands provide natural habitats for various species, making wildlife observation a potential highlight of your ride.

The Veluwe region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive network of well-maintained, traffic-free paths, the stunning natural beauty of the diverse landscapes (from forests to heathlands), and the peaceful atmosphere that allows for an immersive cycling experience.

Beyond the vast heathlands and woodlands, Veluwe features unique sand drifts such as the Kootwijkerzand and Beekhuizerzand, which offer a distinct landscape. While not directly on a road cycling route, the Loenen Waterfall, the highest in the Netherlands, is also a notable natural attraction in the region. You can also find routes that offer views of the Veluwemeer (Veluwe Lake).

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Veluwe vary in length to suit different preferences and fitness levels. You'll find routes ranging from shorter, more leisurely rides of around 25 km, such as the "View of Leesterheide – Waterbergweg Path, Veluwe loop from Varenna", to longer, more challenging tours approaching 70 km, like the "Filipsberg – Heather Fields near Epe loop from Wapenveld-noord".