The best traffic-free bike rides in Tongerense Heide

Tongerense Heide offers a wide selection of no-traffic touring cycling routes, with over 280 options to explore. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 178 easy, 81 moderate, and 25 difficult tours, ensuring there's something for every cyclist.

The no-traffic routes in Tongerense Heide feature diverse terrain, from undulating hills and vast heathlands to scattered trees. You'll encounter beautiful hardpack double track dirt roads and fantastic winding unpaved paths, many of which are well-maintained gravel paths. The area also has significant elevation differences, particularly marking the transition between the dry, elevated Veluwe and lower, wetter areas.

For a truly picturesque experience, late summer is ideal. During this time, the heath transforms into a breathtaking purple expanse as the heather blooms, offering stunning vistas for cyclists. Spring and early autumn also provide pleasant cycling conditions with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery.

Yes, many of the 178 easy routes are suitable for families. These paths often feature well-maintained surfaces and gentle gradients, allowing for an enjoyable outing with children. For example, the Gortelse Heide – Blooming Heathland loop from Pollense Veen is an easy 16.5 km route that offers a pleasant ride through the natural landscape.

Many of the paths in Tongerense Heide are suitable for cycling with dogs, especially those on wider gravel or dirt tracks. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in nature reserves where wildlife like red deer, wild boars, and various bird species are abundant. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs in certain areas.

Tongerense Heide offers several natural landmarks and viewpoints. You can enjoy panoramic views from the View over the Tongerense Heath or find a peaceful spot at the Bench at the Wisselse Veen. The Tongerense Berg is also the highest point in the area, offering expansive views. The Welna Forest Path provides a scenic route through wooded areas.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Tongerense Heide are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the moderate Gortelse Heide – Mythsteelaan Cycle Path loop from Epe, which covers nearly 39 km through diverse landscapes.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, car-free paths, the stunning natural beauty, especially during the heather bloom, and the diverse landscapes that make for a varied and enjoyable touring cycling experience.

Yes, for those seeking a longer challenge, there are moderate and difficult no-traffic routes available. The Renderklippen Heathland – Hattem Market Square loop from Epe is a moderate route spanning over 50 km, offering a substantial ride through varied scenery.

While specific parking locations are not detailed for every route, the region is generally accessible, and many trailheads or starting points in towns like Epe or Emst will have parking facilities. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for specific parking information.

Tongerense Heide is a haven for diverse wildlife. Cyclists often spot large mammals such as red deer, roe deer, wild boars, badgers, and foxes. Birdwatchers can look out for nightjars, yellowhammers, and various birds of prey. The heathlands are also home to vulnerable species like adders and sand lizards, making for a rich natural experience.