The ultimate guide to visiting the Hoge Veluwe National Park

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Last Updated on March 8, 2026


When you’re traveling to the Netherlands, I believe a visit to the Hoge Veluwe National Park is an absolute must. This Dutch national park is where wild nature, world-class art, and fascinating history meet. Whether you’re dreaming of cycling through beautiful forests, spotting wildlife, or admiring Van Gogh masterpieces, I believe the Hoge Veluwe National Park is definitely worth a visit!

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to plan a trip to the Hoge Veluwe National Park. I will tell tell you how to get there, what to see and do, what to pack, and a few insider tips. Enjoy!

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Why the Hoge Veluwe National Park is so special

Covering a whopping 5,400 hectares, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the Netherlands’ most unique national parks. Imagine a landscape of lush forests, purple heathlands, golden sand dunes, and wide-open grasslands. I think it’s like stepping into a Dutch safari :D.

Keep your eyes open for the park’s most famous residents: red deer, wild boar, and mouflons (wild sheep). But this park isn’t just about nature. The park is also home to incredible art museums, striking architecture, and a fascinating underground nature museum.

How to reach the Hoge Veluwe National Park?

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is located between Arnhem, Ede, and Apeldoorn and has three main entrances:

  • Otterlo (location): Houtkampweg 9, 6731 AV (the busiest entrance)
  • Hoenderloo (location): Houtkampweg 13, 7352 TC
  • Schaarsbergen (location): Koningsweg 17, 6816 TC

– By car

You can park outside the entrance and buy a ticket or drive inside the park (for a small surcharge) and park at the Visitor Center, the Kröller-Müller Museum, or the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus.

– By public transport

Take the train to Arnhem, Ede, or Apeldoorn and continue by bus to one of the entrances of the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

Pro tip: use the free 9292 app to plan your journey and get real-time travel updates.

Best time to visit

  • Spring: the park bursts into life with greenery and baby animals.
  • Summer: ideal for long bike rides and picnics under the trees.
  • Late Summer: when the ‘heide’ blooms in stunning purple, one of my favorite times to visit!
  • Autumn: the forests turn golden, my favorite season in the Netherlands :D.
  • Winter: a peaceful wonderland, and sometimes a light dusting of snow.

No matter the season, I think the Hoge Veluwe National Park always offers something magical year-round.

Explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park by bike or on foot

The best way to explore the national park is by cycling or hiking. And here’s the best part: the park provides 1,800 white bicycles free of charge. You’ll find them at the entrances, the visitor center, the Kröller-Müller Museum, and the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus.

With 40 kilometers of cycle paths, you can spend hours cruising through the park’s forests, sand dunes, and heathlands. Prefer hiking? Grab a map at the entrance and follow one of the many marked trails.

Must-See highlights

– Kröller-Müller Museum

The Kröller-Müller Museum (official website) inside the Hoge Veluwe National Park houses one of the world’s largest Van Gogh collections (around 90 paintings and 180 drawings). You’ll also see works by Monet, Picasso, and Mondrian. The museum also has a 25-hectare sculpture garden. The museum has started in 1938 after Helene Kröller-Müller collected her 11.500 art works with her husband Anton Kröller between 1907 and 1922.

Tip: you need a separate ticket for the museum in addition to the Hoge Veluwe National Park entrance ticket. Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance!

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– Museonder

The Museonder (official website), an underground nature museum, reveals the secrets of life beneath the earth’s surface. It’s included in the Hoge Veluwe National Park entrance fee and I think it’s a really fun and educational museum for the entire family!

– Jachthuis Sint Hubertus

This former hunting lodge, designed by the famous Dutch architect Hendrikus Petrus Berlage, is one of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands. Book a 45-minute guided tour to step inside this architectural gem. Reservation is mandatory, it is not possible to visit the Jachthuis without reservation. Visit the official website for more information about the Jachthuis.

Where to eat and drink

After a day of cycling or hiking through the park, you’ll be ready for a break. The Park Paviljoen, located in the center square, serves tasty meals and drinks. For something more adventurous, grab a picnic package from the park shop. For a romantic touch, stop at the Theekoepel at Jachthuis Sint Hubertus for a light snack with a scenic view.

What to bring to the Hoge Veluwe National Park

Packing smart will make your visit to the park even better. Here’s a quick checklist:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A reusable water bottle (there are refill spots!)
  • A picnic blanket or snacks if you plan to enjoy lunch outdoors
  • A light jacket or raincoat. Dutch weather is famously unpredictable 😉
  • Binoculars for spotting wildlife
  • Camera or smartphone for those Instagram-worthy moments
  • Sunscreen & sunglasses (even in spring or autumn)

Entrance fees and opening hours

The Hoge Veluwe National Park isn’t open 24/7, so be sure to check the official website for current entrance fees and opening hours before your visit. You can easily buy tickets online or at the gate.

Conclusion

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is more than just a nature reserve, I believe it’s a full Dutch experience of wildlife, art, and culture. You can easily spend an entire day in the park! Whether you’re pedaling past sand dunes, watching wild deer at sunset, or standing in awe before a Van Gogh masterpiece, I’m sure you will have a great time in the park.

So, is the Hoge Veluwe National Park already on your Dutch bucket list? If not, it’s time to add it!

Save or pin this guide!

Found this guide helpful? Pin it to your travel board or save it for later so you’ll have all these tips handy when planning your own adventure to the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

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Daphne is the writer behind Girls Wanderlust. She shares practical travel guides, detailed itineraries, sustainable travel tips, and drone photography that shows destinations from a different perspective.

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