Harderwijk, Nunspeet, Staverden

This cycle route takes you through the towns, villages, forests and farmlands on the Veluwe and you even pick up a piece of polder. The places you encounter along the way all have their own charm and are therefore popular with both residents and tourists.

The bustling Harderwijk is an old Hanseatic town and breathes history. The catering establishments, the city beach and the many monumental buildings make it a wonderful place to stroll around. The large monumental buildings are interspersed with small white fishermen's houses, where large fishing families used to live.

Slightly less old is Biddinghuizen in East Flevoland. The village Bidningahusum already existed in 790, but has disappeared. Much later, in 1963, the current village of Biddinghuizen was created, named after the vanished village. In the harbour of Biddinghuizen, you step on the ferry to cross the Veluwemeer, back to the Veluwe. Nunspeet was traditionally a poor farming village, which tried to earn a living on the barren sandy soil. Nowadays, Nunspeet is a lot more prosperous than it used to be and is particularly well-known to tourists because of its beautiful surroundings. When you cycle through the woods you will meet the small village of Vierhouten. This lively place has almost more restaurants than inhabitants.

A little further on, near Leuvenum, you will find the smallest town in the Netherlands, Staverden, in the middle of the woods. The estate with its castle, beautiful gardens and famous white peacocks are a popular place for walking.

From this peaceful town, you can be back in the Hanseatic city of Harderwijk in no time. Enjoy the variety along the way and the conviviality of the Veluwe. Which is your favourite place?