Apeldoorn might not be the first city that comes to mind for a city trip, but that’s precisely what makes it so surprising. Located in the heart of the Veluwe, this city combines nature, culture, and history in a way you won’t find everywhere in the Netherlands. In this blog, you’ll discover the best activities in Apeldoorn, the most beautiful attractions, and handy tips for your visit.
What to do in Apeldoorn
Short on time? Here are the main highlights of Apeldoorn at a glance:
- Visit Paleis Het Loo
- Explore National Park De Hoge Veluwe
- Discover Apenheul
- Walk or cycle on the Veluwe
- Explore Apeldoorn city center
- Bike tour through Apeldoorn
- Visit Julianatoren (amusement park)
- Visit CODA Museum
- Day trip to Deventer or Zwolle
- Explore Park Berg & Bos
Apeldoorn is centrally located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, in the province of Gelderland, and is particularly known for its combination of city and nature. What makes this place special is its location on the edge of the Veluwe, one of the largest natural areas in the Netherlands. What makes Apeldoorn even more interesting is its long-standing reputation as a ‘royal city’, due to the Oranges residing here. Additionally, it’s one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands and is directly adjacent to the Veluwe, which is quite unique for a city of this size.
The history of Apeldoorn dates back to the Middle Ages, but the city mainly grew in the 17th century when the Oranges built Paleis Het Loo here. That royal past can still be felt in the city.
What many people don’t know is that Apeldoorn is one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands. The weather in Apeldoorn also plays a role in this: mild summers, fresh winters, and each season brings a different atmosphere in nature. As a result, it’s a pleasant destination all year round.
The best activities in Apeldoorn
1. Visit Paleis Het Loo
One of the most famous attractions in Apeldoorn is undoubtedly Paleis Het Loo. This former royal palace has been fully restored and provides a good insight into how the Oranges lived here. The gardens are equally impressive and perfect for a stroll.
2. Discover the Veluwe
What truly sets Apeldoorn apart is its direct access to the Veluwe. Here, you can endlessly walk and cycle through forests, heathlands, and sand drifts. I found it particularly special how peaceful it can be here, even just a short distance from the city. With a bit of luck, you might even spot wildlife like deer or wild boars.
3. Visit the Apenheul
The Apenheul is one of the most unique zoos in the Netherlands and truly a place you won’t easily find elsewhere. What makes it so unique is that many monkeys roam freely among the visitors. As you walk through the park, they might just run right past you or curiously come close, making it a very interactive and surprising experience.
The park is spaciously laid out and nestled in greenery, making it almost feel like you’re walking through the animals’ natural habitat rather than the other way around. Besides meeting the monkeys, you also learn a lot about their behavior and environment, making the visit not only fun but also educational.
Especially if you’re traveling with children, this is undoubtedly one of the best activities in Apeldoorn. But even without children, it’s a unique experience that makes your trip just a bit different from a standard zoo visit.
4. Explore Apeldoorn by bike with Baja Bikes
One of the best ways to explore the city and its surroundings is by bike. The Baja Bikes tour in Apeldoorn is ideal for seeing the main sights in a short time.
During this tour, you’ll pass various highlights of Apeldoorn, such as the city center, green parks, and historical locations, while a guide tells you more about the city. Especially because Apeldoorn is so spacious and green, cycling here is the perfect way to discover everything.
5. Visit Park Berg & Bos
This park is located close to the city and is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle. Park Berg & Bos is known for its green surroundings, peaceful atmosphere, and varied landscape. During a walk, you’ll pass through forests, ponds, and open natural areas, ensuring it never gets boring.
What makes the park extra enjoyable is that there are various walking routes, from short loops to longer trails if you really want to immerse yourself in nature. You’ll also find a lookout tower here, offering a beautiful view of the surroundings — definitely worth the climb.
6. Visit Julianatoren
Traveling with children? Then Julianatoren amusement park is definitely a must-visit. This park is located near Apeldoorn and is entirely geared towards young children, making it much more manageable and quieter than the larger amusement parks. You’ll find over 50 attractions here, ranging from small roller coasters to carousels and interactive shows.
7. CODA Museum
For culture enthusiasts, the CODA Museum is intriguing, featuring rotating exhibitions with a focus on art, design, and history.
8. Take a day trip
From Apeldoorn, there are plenty of enjoyable day trips available. Consider cities like Deventer or Zwolle, both known for their historic centers, charming streets, and cozy terraces. Deventer is particularly fun to explore by bike: Baja Bikes offers a bike tour here, allowing you to leisurely see the city’s main highlights and learn more about its history. Book the Deventer bike tour here. This way, you can easily combine your visit to Apeldoorn with another city and an active activity.
Eating and drinking in Apeldoorn
During a visit to Apeldoorn, there are plenty of places to enjoy good food and drinks. In the city center, you’ll find a mix of cozy cafes and restaurants, ranging from casual to slightly more upscale. Notably, many restaurants use local and seasonal products, which fits well with the city’s green surroundings.
A good tip is to look just outside the busiest shopping streets. That’s often where you’ll find the more surprising and local spots. Especially in the summer, it’s delightful to sit on a terrace and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of Apeldoorn.
Apeldoorn is a pleasant destination year-round, but it truly comes to life in spring and summer. During these seasons, the parks and nature areas are in full bloom, allowing you to fully enjoy everything the Veluwe has to offer.
Since many Apeldoorn attractions are spread out, it’s smart to rent a bike. This makes it easy to travel between the city and nature. It’s also wise to book popular spots like Paleis Het Loo in advance, especially during peak season.
Frequently asked questions about Apeldoorn
What to do in Apeldoorn?
There are many activities in Apeldoorn, such as visiting Paleis Het Loo, exploring the Veluwe, the Apenheul, and biking through the city.
Is Apeldoorn worth visiting?
Yes, especially for its combination of nature, culture, and tranquility.
What is the weather like in Apeldoorn?
The weather in Apeldoorn is similar to the rest of the Netherlands, with mild summers and cool winters.
What are the main attractions in Apeldoorn?
Paleis Het Loo, the Veluwe, Apenheul, and Park Berg & Bos are among the highlights of Apeldoorn.
How many days do you need in Apeldoorn?
2 to 3 days is enough to discover the main spots.
How large are the groups during the bike tour?
We work with small groups of up to 12 people. This allows the guide to give personal attention and there is room for questions. We can also be flexible in accommodating the group’s wishes, such as making an extra stop at a local stall.