Cycling route Northeast Veluwe and IJssel Valley
Cycle through a varied landscape of stately estates, expansive forests, heathland and drifting sand dunes. Along the IJssel, floodplains and quiet oxbow lakes create wide panoramic views and a classic Dutch river setting.
The Landscape
The Northeast Veluwe is a quieter part of the Veluwe, where you’ll find plenty of space to keep moving. Extensive, uninterrupted natural areas with quiet forest paths, open heathland and sandy stretches give the route a distinct Veluwe character. At the heart of this area lies the Oldebroekerheide, used as a military training ground since the nineteenth century, which has helped preserve its openness and sense of space.
Towards the north, the landscape becomes more small-scale, with historic farmsteads and old routes that recall past trade. To the east, you notice the transition to the IJssel Valley, where estates, grasslands and water features shape the scenery. Closer to the river lie floodplains and quiet oxbow lakes, while further inland sprengen and small streams feed the greenery and add extra variety to the route.
What You’ll Discover Along the Way
Around Epe, you cycle along quiet woodland edges and open heathlands where the space suddenly opens up and the landscape sets your pace. Sandy paths and sparse natural areas create that characteristic Veluwe feeling, with ever-changing views between pines and oaks.
Between Epe, Heerde and the edge of the IJssel Valley, estates and historic farmsteads appear, with avenues, farmhouses and monumental buildings that give the route its character. This mix of culture and landscape makes each stretch feel distinct, without ever becoming busy or urban.
As you approach the IJssel Valley, the landscape becomes greener and more open, with floodplains, oxbow lakes and water appearing ever closer. Streams, sprengen and ditch-side edges bring movement to the scenery and create natural moments of calm along the way.
On the Veluwe side, the relief gives the route a playful feel, with gentle elevation changes that occasionally ask a bit more of your legs. From the higher points, you look out over the transition from forest and heath to the flat river landscape, so the scenery keeps changing throughout.
Ride along with us on this virtual bike tour
Virtual cycling through the Northeast Veluwe and the IJssel Valley lets you experience the quiet Veluwe around Epe, with expansive forests, open heathland and stretches of drifting sand that naturally set a comfortable pace. You ride one continuous route along quiet paths and wide natural scenery, ideal for a varied hometrainer workout.
Towards the IJssel Valley, the scenery shifts to floodplains, oxbow lakes and green waterways, with estates and historic farmsteads around places such as Heerde. This mix of Veluwe relief and river landscape makes this virtual cycling route appealing to anyone looking to combine nature, heritage and wide, open views.
Want to learn more about virtual cycling? THIS IS HOW VIRTUAL CYCLING WORKS
Route map and cycling junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 30 on the Ossenbergweg in Epe. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Distance: 53 km
Estimated riding time: 3 hours 34 minutes
Elevation gain: 174 m
Paved roads: 91%
Unpaved / semi-paved: 9%
Ideal for: e-bikes and city bikes
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
