Visit Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the most popular parks in the Netherlands.
It's known for its serenity, high sand dunes and thick forests.
This Dutch national park is located near the province of Gelderland.
It is close to the towns of Arnhem, Wageningen, Ede and Apeldoorn.
Today, I'm talking about this nature reserve.
Hoge Veluwe National Park: article summary
The history of Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a fully fenced private estate. The national park was established by Anton Kroller and his wife Hélène Kroller-Muller as a private estate in 1909. Until 1929, there were no major developments to report, since the entire park was under construction.
Meanwhile, wildlife was imported and hunting lodges and fences were erected. Hendrik Petrus Berlage, an eminent Dutch architect, designed the hunting lodge known as St Hubertus Hunting Lodge.
In addition, Hélène Kroller-Muller was responsible for building the museum within the park, as she was a passionate art collector and very committed to the running of a museum.
Private property quickly saved by the Netherlands
Unfortunately, the couple's economic circumstances deteriorated and they were unable to build the museum and retain the property.
In 1935, the State of the Netherlands took over the task of completing the museum after the art collections had been donated to them by the couple. In addition the entire park has been entrusted to a foundation.
At the time, it was the second-largest national park in the Netherlands, and it's currently the only national park with an entrance fee!
Some facts about Hoge Veluwe Park
When it comes to things to see in the Netherlands, Hoge Veluwe National Park is always on the list. That's simply because this national park is full of exceptional places.
Let me tell you more about it in a few points.
Exceptional diversity
The diversity of landscapes is probably the most important thing you'll see in Hoge Veluwe National Park. When you visit this park, you'll discover the joy of being in a dense forest. But you'll also notice the presence of dunes and moors at the same time!
If you're in the national park, be sure to visit the vast sandy area that was created during the Ice Age. The embellished landscape is interrupted only by the moraines that rise to a height of 100 meters to the east and south.
Enjoy the flora and fauna
Where there are such beautiful landscapes, there are also animals and birds in abundance. Today, there are numerous observation points located within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Visitors can see red deer, wild pigs, roe deer, mouflons, magpies, thrushes, jays and chickadees.
If you plan to visit the area to observe the animals, I suggest you plan your trip early in the morning or late at night. That way, you'll enjoy an exceptional show.
A park to explore on foot or by bike
Most of the terrain in this park is flat, which means you can also enjoy the beauties of this park while traveling by bike. There are also around 1,700 bikes in the park that you can use at no extra charge.
You can rent a bike if you wish to keep it throughout your stay. Bikes for people with special needs can also be provided at no extra charge. Last but not least, there are numerous hiking and walking trails. which you can follow for your walk.
Don't miss the Kroller-Müller Museum
At the Kroller-Muller Museum, you can contemplate some of the finest works of art produced during the 19e and 20e centuries. You can also visit the museum's glass extension, added later in 1977.
There's also a special sculpture garden, developed after the 1950s. A magical place to visit with your family.
Europe's first underground museum
Next to the Kroller-Muller Museum is the Museonder. Europe's first underground museum, it opened in 1993. The museum takes visitors on a unique journey.
It focuses on exhibits of once-native fauna and present-day subterranean organisms.
How much does it cost to enter Hoge Veluwe National Park?
Unlike other parks in the Netherlands, this one is not free. The entrance fee for is 9.30 euros for adults and 4.65 euros for children.. An affordable price that lets you visit a natural site just a few kilometers from Amsterdam.
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is a must-see if you're visiting Amsterdam. You can recharge your batteries for a day in an unspoilt setting.
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