The best traffic-free bike rides around Veluwezoom National Park

There are over 130 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in Veluwezoom National Park, offering a wide range of options for cyclists. These include 42 easy routes, 86 moderate routes, and 2 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.

Unlike many flatter regions in the Netherlands, Veluwezoom National Park offers a dynamic cycling experience with significant elevation changes. You'll encounter rolling landscapes and hills rising up to 110 meters, providing a refreshing challenge and expansive views. Routes predominantly follow paved surfaces through diverse terrains including dense forests, open heathlands, and drifting sands.

Absolutely! A must-visit is the Posbank, an iconic 90-meter-high hill offering phenomenal panoramic views over vast forests and purple heathlands. You can experience this on routes like the Posbank Descent – Emma Pyramid climb loop from Veluwezoom. Other notable viewpoints include the Posbank Viewpoint and the Viewpoint over the Heather Fields, Veluwezoom.

The park is beautiful year-round, but for a truly spectacular experience, visit between August and September when the heathlands transform into a breathtaking sea of purple heather. This vibrant display creates a picturesque environment for cycling. September and October also offer opportunities to witness the impressive red deer rutting season.

Yes, with 42 easy routes available, there are plenty of options suitable for families. These routes often feature gentler gradients and shorter distances, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable ride through the park's beautiful scenery without vehicle traffic. Look for routes with lower elevation gains and shorter durations.

Veluwezoom National Park is generally dog-friendly, but specific rules apply to protect wildlife. Dogs must be kept on a leash in most areas. While cycling, ensure your dog is comfortable and safe, especially on longer routes. Always check local signage for any specific restrictions on certain paths or during particular seasons.

The park is a haven for diverse wildlife. While cycling, you might spot red deer, wild boar, roe deer, fallow deer, Scottish Highlanders, and Icelandic horses. There are also dedicated wildlife observation posts throughout the park, offering better chances for sightings.

Many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Veluwezoom National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Highland cattle in Veluwezoom National Park – Diepesteeg Climb loop from Laag-Soeren, which offers a moderate 29 km ride with scenic views.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique combination of challenging climbs, breathtaking panoramic views from spots like the Posbank, and the tranquility of cycling through diverse, traffic-free landscapes, especially during the heather bloom.

Yes, the park features beautiful natural water elements. You can visit the Waterfall at Beekhuizen Pond and the serene Beekhuizen Pond itself, which add to the diverse scenery of the park.

Parking is generally available at or near the main entrances and visitor centers of Veluwezoom National Park. Popular starting points often have designated parking areas, making it convenient to access the traffic-free routes. Specific parking details can usually be found on the park's official website or at visitor information points.

Yes, Veluwezoom National Park is accessible by public transport. Several train stations are located near the park's edges, such as Rheden or Dieren, from which you can cycle directly into the park. This allows for convenient access without needing a car, especially for those looking to start their no-traffic cycling adventure right away.