Gelderland: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Experience the diverse nature and culture of Gelderland in the Netherlands. From the extensive forests and heathlands to the historic cities and charming villages, this province offers a wealth of experiences. Enjoy bike tours, discover castles and gardens, and experience the hospitable atmosphere on site.
Table of contents
Gelderland - The most beautiful cities
Berg en Dal
Berg en Dal is located in the south of the province of Gelderland on the border with Germany. The small municipality boasts a beautiful and diverse natural landscape. In addition to many hiking trails through the magnificent forests, there is the Millingerwaard nature reserve with many cattle, horses, and plenty of birds. A major highlight is also the Africa Museum, which offers an exhibition on African culture and art. There, you can also admire African villages in the form of an open-air museum and the thickest tree in the Netherlands, which proudly measures 850 centimeters in diameter and offers an impressive sight.
Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn is famous for the former royal palace Het Loo. It is one of the most beautiful Baroque castles in Europe. Today, it houses a museum about the history of the Dutch royal family. A walk through the lovingly designed garden is recommended. It is laid out in terraced walks. Things are lively at Apenheul. In the zoo, numerous monkeys roam freely. You can admire gorillas, chimpanzees, cute squirrel monkeys, and orangutans up close. A total of 300 monkeys live on the grounds. Families visit the amusement park Julianatoren, where 60 attractions provide entertainment.
Winterswijk
Many artists like Gerrit Komrij and Piet Mondriaan have been inspired by the beautiful landscape around Winterswijk. In the Villa Mondriaan, you can see works by the founder of classical modernism. Or book a tour of the museum factory, which has a collection of around 18,000 exhibits. Stroll through the historic city center, where you can discover the original Winterswijk. Romantic brick buildings characterize the city. If you feel like shopping, you will find numerous shops on Misterstraat or Wooldstraat. A visit to the weekly market, which regularly takes place at the central market square, is worthwhile.
Arnhem
Arnhem is the provincial capital of Gelderland and is known far beyond the Netherlands as a design and fashion mecca with its art academy. In the Klarendal district lies the Fashion Quarter, a hotspot for creatives with numerous galleries, studios, and unique boutiques. The charming shopping district 7straatjes, consisting of seven streets, also invites you to stroll. On the market square, dominated by the late Gothic Eusebius Church, you will find cozy street cafes to linger. Arnhem's vibrant restaurant scene also promises enjoyment. Contemporary art can be found in the Museum Arnhem, and interesting insights into Dutch wine production in the Wine Museum. Adjacent to the city, the De Hoge Veluwe National Park invites you to hike and cycle.
Ede
Especially in the Grotestraat in Ede, there is always something going on with many shopping and dining options. The late medieval Oude Kerk, the Old Church, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city center. With the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo in the municipality of Ede, you can even expect one of the largest Van Gogh collections in the world during your vacation. For nature-loving guests, a trip to the De Hoge Veluwe National Park near Ede is worthwhile. The nature park is known for its expansive forests, dunes, and heathlands and is a magical destination, especially during the heather bloom in the late summer months. You can explore the landscape on your own on hiking and biking trails.
Elburg
Medieval charm surrounds Elburg in the north of the Dutch province of Gelderland. Viewed from above, the rectangular layout of the old town center is noticeable. The fact that Elburg was once part of the Hanseatic League and experienced flourishing prosperity is reminded by magnificent brick buildings. Impressive is the Gruithuis, where hops were once traded and beer was brewed. Also worth seeing are the Vischpoort city gate and the still-preserved casemates. Deeper insights into the city's history can be gained at the Elburg Museum, located in the Agnieten Monastery from the 15th century. Elburg is also a well-known water sports center with opportunities for canoeing and surfing. A tour in a traditional Botter is incomparable.
Garderen
The former farming village of Garderen is now a popular holiday destination. Families with children enjoy the climbing park or the theme park in nearby Apeldoorn. Nature enthusiasts explore the Veluwe nature area on marked hiking and cycling trails. In the forests, you might be lucky enough to encounter the deer living there. A walk through Garderen brings you closer to the history of the community. The village's landmark is the De Hoop corn mill from the 19th century, which once served as a guide for fishermen in the Zuiderzee. Also worth seeing is the Dutch Reformed Church from the 14th century.
Barneveld
Barneveld is located in the Dutch province of Gelderland, in the middle of the Veluwe landscape, which is the largest contiguous forest area in the country. Therefore, the town is a popular starting point for hikes through the beautiful forest and meadow landscape of the region, offering plenty of nature. In the town itself, there is much to discover with the Oude Kerk church and the monumental Landgoed Schaffelaar castle. The castle is situated in a lovely park and impresses with its imposing appearance. Additionally, there is the Dutch Poultry, an interesting museum on the historically significant poultry farming of the town.
Gelderland - 4 most beautiful natural sights
Hoge Veluwe National Park
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is a true gem in the province of Gelderland. This stunning nature reserve spans 5,400 hectares and offers an impressive variety of landscapes, from dense forests and vast heathlands to sandy dunes. It is a paradise for nature lovers, with a rich wildlife including deer, wild boars, and many bird species. The park also offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying the peace and beauty of nature. Visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park and be enchanted by its natural beauty.
Veluwezoom National Park
The Veluwezoom National Park in Gelderland is a true paradise for nature lovers. With its impressive variety of flora and fauna, including rare species like the red deer, it attracts visitors from all over the world. The gentle hills, wide heathlands, and dense forests offer a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, cycling, and picnics. In autumn, the park transforms into a sea of colors, while in spring the heath is in full bloom. The Veluwezoom National Park is not only a place of peace and relaxation but also a place that invites discovery and experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of nature.
Ginkel Heath
The Ginkel Heath in Gelderland is a breathtaking natural paradise that will captivate you. This expansive heathland, crisscrossed by picturesque hiking trails, offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. In late summer, the Ginkel Heath transforms into a purple wonderland when the heather blooms in full splendor. The gentle hills and wide fields are a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Here you can relax, breathe in the fresh air, and fully enjoy the beauty of nature. Visit the Ginkel Heath and let yourself be enchanted by its natural beauty.
Posbank
The Posbank in Gelderland is a breathtaking natural wonder that will captivate you. This picturesque area, characterized by gentle hills, purple heath fields, and expansive forests, offers a spectacular view that makes every nature lover's heart beat faster. The beauty of the Posbank is so captivating that it ignites your desire for adventure and entices you to plan a trip immediately. Let yourself be enchanted by the majestic landscape and experience the fascination of nature up close. The Posbank is not just a place, but an experience you should not miss.
Gelderland - Climate
A moderate climate awaits you in Gelderland. In the summer months, the thermometer climbs to around 22 degrees Celsius. With seven hours of sunshine per day, June to August offers good conditions for a relaxing active holiday or a city trip in Gelderland. Late summer is the best time to experience the heather bloom in the Veluwe. In spring and autumn, you can expect maximum daytime temperatures of around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Spring stands out as a particularly low-rain travel time. Winter in Gelderland is characterized by mild temperatures, averaging just above freezing.
The following graph shows the average weather conditions for the country. Historical weather conditions may vary by region.