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Netherlands
Gelderland

Nijkerk

Attractions and Places To See around Nijkerk - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Nijkerk include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. The city, located in Gelderland, Netherlands, offers diverse landscapes from serene waterside areas to expansive sand dunes and forests. Visitors can explore its rich history and natural beauty, making it a destination for various outdoor and cultural interests.

Best attractions and places to see around Nijkerk

  • The most popular attractions is Old Harbour of Spakenburg, a historical site that features a marina with space for more than 400 boats. This harbor has existed since the 13th century, originally serving Zuiderzee fishermen.
  • Another must-see spot is Solse Gat, a forest area with a deep hole. According to local folklore, a monastery once stood here before disappearing into the earth during a storm.
  • Visitors also love The Soester Dunes, a natural monument. This area consists of short and long dunes, large sand plains, and heathland, offering varied landscapes.
  • Nijkerk is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and forests. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient harbors to unique natural formations.
  • The attractions around Nijkerk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 970 upvotes and 480 photos shared across its highlights.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Old Harbour of Spakenburg

Highlight • Historical Site

Nice marina with space for more than 400 boats. There is also a camping and bungalow park in the area.

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Solse Gat

Highlight • Forest

According to folk tales, there used to be a monastery here, where dark practices took place... The abbot and the monks who lived in the beautiful monastery did not take the pious life very seriously. They drank gallons of wine, gorged themselves during meals and organized meetings with witches and ghosts. Together they danced until it became light again.

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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Tankbaan Climb (Soesterberg – Doornseweg)

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Start from the traffic light on Doornseweg

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The Soester Dunes

Highlight • Natural Monument

A beautiful area consisting of short and long dunes. Large sand plains, dunes and heathland. Beautiful in every season.

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Short Dunes

Highlight • Natural Monument

View over the sand dunes.

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Tips from the Community

Bumble-Bee
December 14, 2025, Korte Duinen

A beautiful route through the Soesterduinen with lovely views across the sandy areas.

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Fan of climbing and descending? You can find this Highlight in 'Climbing in the Netherlands', our book with 14 racing bike routes, good for 11,000+ altitude meters: Limburg, Nijmegen, Twente, Veluwe and many more. All routes have multiple distances/shortcuts. Komoot Premium month at €5 + 50% discount Climbfinder premium at €15 as a gift. Download the ebook for €14: https://bit.ly/klimmen-in-nederland

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Longer than you think!

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Riese
May 22, 2025, Korte Duinen

This is one of the few places in the Netherlands where the sand is still allowed to blow freely.

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This spot has the best view point on the 'Korte Duinen' (short dunes) accessible by bike! Certainly continue with the path leading North of the intersection here!

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Nice quiet (on Friday) route. Large parts unpaved.

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Wonderfully varied area. Forest and dunes. Dogs are allowed to run free on the Lange Duinen, so on nice (weekend) days it can be quite busy.

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Actually the only real climbing side of the tank track. Runs nicely false flat up and at the viaduct you are already there

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Nijkerk?

Nijkerk offers a rich history to discover. You can visit the Old Harbour of Spakenburg, a historical site that has existed since the 13th century and features a marina. The city's namesake, the NieuweKerk, originally built in 1221, is another central landmark. For a deeper dive into local heritage, consider visiting Museum Nijkerk or the Old Crafts & Toy Museum. Nearby, Museum Spakenburg provides insights into the traditional fishing village culture.

Are there natural attractions or scenic landscapes near Nijkerk?

Absolutely. Nature lovers will enjoy the diverse landscapes around Nijkerk. The Soester Dunes and Short Dunes offer expansive sand plains, heathland, and forests, perfect for exploration. You can also visit Solse Gat, a mysterious forest area with local folklore. For waterside relaxation, Erkemederstrand beach and the scenic Eemmeer lake are excellent choices.

What are some family-friendly activities in the Nijkerk area?

Many attractions around Nijkerk are suitable for families. The Old Harbour of Spakenburg is a great place to stroll and see boats. Kids will enjoy the natural beauty and open spaces of Solse Gat and the vast sand dunes of The Soester Dunes. The Old Crafts & Toy Museum also offers an engaging experience for all ages.

Where can I find unique viewpoints around Nijkerk?

For scenic views, the Old Harbour of Spakenburg provides picturesque vistas of the marina and historic boats. The Short Dunes offer lovely views across the sandy areas and heathland. Additionally, the Eemmeer lake provides beautiful waterside scenery.

Are there opportunities for outdoor sports like running or cycling near Nijkerk's attractions?

Yes, the region around Nijkerk is excellent for outdoor sports. You can find numerous running trails, such as the Palestinaweg loop or Groot Hennekeler loop. For cyclists, there are extensive gravel biking routes, including the Sprielder Forest – Solse Gat loop, and road cycling options like the Arkemheen Dike Trail. You can explore more routes on the Running Trails around Nijkerk, Gravel biking around Nijkerk, and Road Cycling Routes around Nijkerk guide pages.

What cultural experiences can I have in Nijkerk?

Nijkerk offers several cultural experiences. The Museum Nijkerk showcases the rich cultural history of the area through exhibitions and lectures. The Old Crafts & Toy Museum provides a nostalgic look into traditional crafts and toys. Additionally, the nearby Museum Spakenburg offers insights into the unique culture of a traditional fishing village.

Can I visit a vineyard near Nijkerk?

Yes, you can! The Wijngaard Aan de Breede Beek offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a tasting or tour, providing a local experience of wine production in the region.

Are there any unique or hidden natural gems to discover?

Beyond the well-known dunes, Solse Gat is a unique forest area steeped in local folklore, where a monastery is said to have disappeared into a deep hole. It offers a mysterious and tranquil natural setting. De Schammer is also recognized for its natural appeal and is a popular destination for those seeking serene outdoor experiences.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Nijkerk?

Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The Old Harbour of Spakenburg is loved for its historic atmosphere and marina. The Soester Dunes are praised for their varied landscapes, offering everything from simple forest paths to challenging walks in loose sand. The unique folklore surrounding Solse Gat also captivates many.

Are there dog-friendly walking areas near Nijkerk?

Yes, the Short Dunes are noted as a dog-friendly natural monument, offering beautiful routes through sandy areas and forests where you can enjoy walks with your dog.

What is the best time of year to visit Nijkerk's attractions?

Nijkerk's attractions can be enjoyed throughout the year. The natural areas like the Soester Dunes and heathland are beautiful in every season, offering varied landscapes from lush greenery in spring and summer to vibrant colors in autumn and serene, crisp views in winter. Historical sites and museums are accessible year-round, making Nijkerk a versatile destination.

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Hiking around Nijkerk

Most popular attractions around Nijkerk

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