Summer Hiking in the Netherlands on the Veluwe

The Veluwe is a green belt in the Netherlands where a lot of the forests are, this is a popular destination to go camping and spending time in nature. While plenty of people live in the Randstad in the Netherlands they often seek escape or go visit family in the Veluwe. Hiking on the Veluwe is a popular activity and there are a lot of different hiking trails there.

Summer is always a good time of year to go hiking on the Veluwe. You can escape most of the heat of summer underneath the trees and you can see all the greenery from the forests in full bloom. Be wary of ticks and the Oak caterpillar. This is also prime time for those nasty bugs so prepare accordingly.

What hikes to take?

Like all my recommendations for hiking in the Netherlands I like to point out the Klompenpaden or clog trails. These are variable lengths day hike trails that you can do with friends or solo. Along the way you pretty much always have the option to go stop at a nice restaurant or cafe. Here you can often get the local specialties such as wild boar or deer.

There is also a nice short hike near Loenen which is a fun little hike to take with children. This hike is called the Loenermark loop and is 6.4 km. The hike takes you across a heath field and the surrounding forest. Also on the trail there is a building where they have sheep. Kids can pet them there and you can get a cup of coffee there.

National Park de Hoge Veluwe

When talking about hiking on the Veluwe you cant leave out the National Park the Hoge Veluwe. This is a privately owned park which is very well maintained by a team of foresters. In the park you have a lot of hikes that you can do in a day and in the center of the park there is a Museum to visit. The Kröller-Müller Museum. You do have to pay to get in the park, but this goes to the maintenance for the park.

My favorite spot in the park is the bosje van staf, or the little forest of staf. You can see it in the map or ask upon entry to the park. There you can hike around and have a good chance to see some wildlife. So bring your camera!

My favorite Hikes on the Veluwe (so far)

The first hike is close to home for me and one of the first klompenpaden or clog trails that I walked. This is the Plaggenstekerspad, you can read all about it on my article for the path. The Plaggenstekerspad is only 12 km so a light day of walking.

Loenermark loop

As brought up earlier in this article the Loenermark loop is a pretty part of the Netherlands and an excellent choice if you want to go hiking with children. As the route is only 6.4 km is it very easy to do with kids.

Marskramerpad

If you want to be more adventurous and walk sections of the Marskramerpad then you can pick the sections that are in the Veluwe. Such as section 11 to 8. This will take you across some of the prettiest spots around. When you want to walk sections you can use a hiking app like AllTrails or you can download the GPX files on Wandelnet.nl. Or you can also thru hike the trail, bring your tent and sleeping bag then. As prices in the Netherlands for hotels and bed and breakfasts are usually quite expensive.

What to bring with you hiking in the Summer?

I suggest bringing water obviously and a small day pack. Take a small first aid kit and some sunglasses. Take some lunch, and that’s about it.

Most of the klompenpaden or clog trails take you through a village where you can stop for lunch and most often there is a small supermarket.