Nunspeet, Vierhouten, Hierden

This cycle route offers something for everyone: authentic farmland, rustic forest, vast heathland and a small stretch of sand drift. Start your route at the Transferium and Visitor Centre Nunspeet; an interactive and informative location with a large free car park. From there, cycle straight into the woods towards Vierhouten, the village named after the four forests that surround it.

Vierhouten, named after the four forests surrounding the village, had a hiding camp during World War II. Three huts from the 'Hidden Village' have been recreated. On the grounds of campsite 'De Paasheuvel' is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, created in 1935 as a labour supply project. From the forest paths, the yellow sand of the Beekhuizerzand suddenly appears there. Perhaps you had already noticed it while cycling, but this area is characterised, among other things, by its height differences. As a result, you can enjoy beautiful views! Hulshorsterzand is another such place where it seems like you are in the desert.

The Veluwe villages used to live a poor existence. The inhabitants were mainly small farmers, day labourers and eek peelers who often lived in sod huts. In the mid-19th century, the Zuiderzeestraatweg was built and the esdorp Nunspeet was connected to the railway network. As a result, the economy grew, but so did the attraction for artists. In 2014, the Noord-Veluws Museum opened, showcasing works by artists from the period 1870-1950.

You can enjoy the beauty that painters spent years depicting on canvas in person during this cycle route!