Discoveries on the Veluwe: Listening to the nightjar…

From sand drifts to Vincent van Gogh and from the official Woudloper certificate to the best pancake in the Netherlands. Or how about listening to the song of the nightjar under a sparkling starry sky? Discover the Veluwe!

With a graceful gesture he lands on the table: the Marshmellow Strawberry, the winning pancake of the Dutch Pancake Baking Championship. Fresh strawberries covered with a comfortable blanket of creamy foam: genuine Italian meringue. You would spontaneously applaud it. Rightly so, because pancake house 't Jagersnest won the Golden Frying Pan with it in 2015 and the winner is still on the menu in Ermelo. It is our first introduction to the Veluwe…

Toughest climbing course in the Netherlands

The winning pancake is a welcome addition to the calories we lost between the treetops a little further in the Klimbos Ermelo nature park. Climbing courses have been installed in the green canopy at various heights, with adventurous names such as The Jungle and The Kick. The latter – the toughest climbing course in the Netherlands! – no fewer than seventeen challenging obstacles await us, at a height of nine meters between the treetops.

The broad-shouldered instructor assists in putting on the special climbing harnesses and explains the safety system in which you attach the safety hook to a steel safety cable. 'The cable guides you through the entire course: so you are secured everywhere - you can only let go once you reach the ground.'

In the trees we clamber over beams and obstacles that are attached with steel cables between the forest giants - each tree has a small platform to regain strength. No obstacle is the same, with the highlight being the zip line that takes us to the next obstacle at dizzying speed – highly recommended! There is even a family trail for the whole family.

Big Five of the Veluwe

"Can we have the poop card?" I look in surprise at the two girls at the reception of De Wildhoeve campsite. The 'poo card' is part of the Wildhoeve Woudlopers project, with which the campsite won the ANWB Innovation Award. Children of primary school age come into contact with nature in a playful way and collect stamps when they photograph animal tracks and birds in the forest, draw a badger sett or - indeed - identify the various turds of the Big Five of the Veluwe: badger, fox, deer , red deer and wild boar.

In addition to the assignment booklet, there is also a Woudlopers App with which the children can collect points with their mobile phone and ultimately receive an official certificate at the campsite reception: a solemn moment for which time is really taken: Wildhoeve Woudloper is not something you simply become…

Camping de Paalberg

A completely different campsite is De Paalberg in Ermelo. Also in the woods and just like De Wildhoeve, De Paalberg is one of the 48 'top campsites' in the Netherlands certified by the ANWB. Winding paths lead you to beautiful hidden private places in the greenery, to cozy rental chalets and there are even special camping fields for dog owners. The older youth can enjoy themselves here in the subtropical swimming pool, during sports activities or on adventurous treasure hunts in the forest. With a bit of luck you may even come across bison: the European bison, which was almost extinct at the beginning of the last century.

Wisent dream scenario

Thanks to an extensive breeding program, about a thousand bison are again roaming around Europe, including three on the Veluwe: two adult ladies and a bull that was born last year. The Veluwe is on the waiting list for an adult bull, to get closer to the dream scenario: a herd of ten that you can soon encounter in the wild. Among the deer, roe deer, wild boars and the other residents. You can book special bison excursions on the Veluwe, led by a nature guide, walking or by bike. They start from holiday park De Berkenhorst. Please check in in advance wisentopdeveluwe.nl

Hoge Veluwe National Park

'Pure nature on a silver platter'. This is how forest ranger Henk Ruseler characterizes the Hoge Veluwe National Park. 'A 5,4 hectare nature reserve with just four different landscapes. From drifting sand plains to heathlands and from lichen steppe to dark forests. And the biodiversity is enormous. Red deer, mouflons, you name it. But what about reptiles and insects – that little stuff. Beautiful! You can enjoy cycling or walking here. And horse riding', he points to two female riders who guide their horses at walking pace along the sandy path. "No, ladies," he answers, through the open window of his sturdy Land Rover. 'It's too hot to see game now; our animals all seek cooling in the shade.'

Picasso, Mondrian and Van Gogh

Henk talks about the origins of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, founded by the extremely wealthy Kröller-Müller couple, initially as a private hunting area and for horse riding, as the wealthy did around 1920. Anton Kröller had their hunting lodge Sint Hubertus built there. by Berlage and Helene Müller devoted himself to collecting art, including works by Picasso, Mondriaan and Vincent Van Gogh.

Her private collection is now housed in the museum that bears the name of the special couple. 'Van Gogh's most beautiful works hang here,' continues Henk Ruseler. "The leftovers hang in Amsterdam," he jokes.

'That is why the Kröller-Müller Museum enjoys world fame – art lovers are brought in by the busload from Schiphol.' In the bumpy Landrover, the ranger talks enthusiastically about the tours in the National Park, where he has been working for 36 years. 'We also organize night walks here. For children of primary age – without parents. Fantastic to see them enjoying themselves so much. And recently we also do that for adults. Just imagine: listening under the stars to the song of the nightjar - how the males attract the females. White wine, some olives... You won't forget that for the rest of your life!

Tips on the Veluwe

Julianatoren amusement park, Apeldoorn

Meet Mr. Cheese Slicer, Mrs. Suikerspin, and Juul & Julia, known from Telekids. www.julianatoren.nl

Hoge Veluwe National Park

More than 5 hectares of nature experience, perfect for walking and cycling. www.hogeveluwe.nl

Kröller Müller Museum

Here you will find the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world: almost 90 paintings and more than 180 drawings. www.krollermuller.nl

Natural climbing park Ermelo

Climbing with various difficulty levels, through the treetops. Also for families. The climbing forest is located directly at the entrance of De Paalberg campsite. www.klimbosermelo.nl

Pancake house 't Jagersnest, Ermelo

Winner of the Dutch Pancake Baking Championship in 2015. Ten minutes' walk from De Paalberg campsite. www.tjagersnest.nl

Bison excursions

See the European bison yourself during excursions with nature guides. More information and bookings at www.wisentopdeveluwe.nl

Campsites on the Veluwe

Camping De Wildhoeve, Emst

Camping among the wild animals, on the edge of Kroondomein Het Loo, in the middle of the woods. Luxury swimming pool, excellent restaurant. Spacious places for campers, special rental accommodations and tree tents.

More information on www.wildhoeve.nl

Recreation center De Paalberg, Ermelo

De Paalberg is completely immersed in nature, with beautiful winding paths, hidden private places in the green and cozy camping fields. Separate fields for dog owners. Also rental accommodations and chalets. Subtropical swimming pool!

More information on www.paalberg.nl

Wide range of campers and caravans

Looking for a camper or caravan with which you can explore the Veluwe? Our website contains a large and current range of campers and caravans. View the offer here