The best traffic-free bike rides around Arnhem

The Arnhem region offers a wide selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails, with over 70 routes available. These range from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every skill level.

You can expect a diverse range of terrain. The Veluwe region, including Veluwezoom and De Hoge Veluwe National Parks, features undulating heathlands, dense forests, and even significant sand drifts. Some routes, like Gravel in Loenermark & het Deelerwoud, traverse beautiful woodlands and heath, offering varied surfaces from packed gravel to root passages.

The trails are rich with natural beauty. You'll encounter vast heathlands, ancient forests, and unique sand drifts. Notable landmarks include the Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge within De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and the panoramic Posbank Viewpoint in Veluwezoom, which offers stunning vistas, especially during heather bloom. For more natural inspiration, you can visit Visit Arnhem's nature page.

Yes, despite the Netherlands' generally flat reputation, the Arnhem region offers some surprisingly challenging climbs, particularly within Veluwezoom National Park. Routes like Climb Italian Way – Posbank Descent loop from Oosterbeek feature significant elevation gains, with some tours reaching over 600 meters of ascent, providing a good workout for experienced gravel bikers.

Many of the traffic-free gravel trails are suitable for families, especially those within the national parks where car traffic is restricted or absent. De Hoge Veluwe National Park, for instance, offers extensive car-free paths. When choosing a route, look for those rated 'easy' or 'moderate' and check the distance and elevation profile to match your family's capabilities.

Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for gravel biking in Arnhem. In spring, the forests burst with new growth, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the heathlands and woodlands. The heather bloom in late summer (August/September) also transforms the Veluwezoom into a purple spectacle, making it a highly popular time to visit. Even winter offers unique, quiet rides through frosted landscapes.

Yes, parking is generally available at the entrances to the national parks and other popular starting points for gravel trails. For example, areas around Velp and Oosterbeek, common starting points for Veluwezoom routes like Heather Fields at Veluwezoom – Koningsheide Gravel Road loop, usually have designated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking availability.

Many areas around Arnhem that host gravel trails are accessible by public transport. Arnhem Central Station is a major hub, and local buses can often take you closer to the national parks and other trailheads. For instance, routes starting near Oosterbeek or Velp are often well-connected, allowing you to combine public transport with your gravel biking adventure.

Yes, many of the gravel routes around Arnhem are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes. An example is the challenging Gateway to the Heath, Veluwe – Radio Kootwijk loop from Oosterbeek, which offers a full circuit through varied terrain.

Dogs are generally allowed on many trails in the Veluwe region, but often require to be kept on a leash, especially within national parks and nature reserves to protect wildlife. Specific rules can vary by area, so it's always best to check local signage or park regulations before heading out with your dog.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience around Arnhem, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Riders frequently praise the region's diverse and quiet natural landscapes, the extensive network of well-maintained gravel paths, and the feeling of immersion in nature away from traffic. The challenging climbs and stunning viewpoints, particularly in Veluwezoom, are also often highlighted as favorites.

While many routes offer a sense of wilderness, you can often find cafes or restaurants near the entrances or within the national parks, especially at popular spots like the Posbank in Veluwezoom. Some villages bordering the parks also provide opportunities for refreshments. It's always a good idea to plan your route and check for amenities beforehand, or carry sufficient supplies.