National Landscape Veluwe and Royal Crown Estate Het Loo

The Landscape

National Landscape Veluwe is one of the twenty designated National Landscapes in the Netherlands and covers a large part of Gelderland. It is the largest continuous forest area in the country, spanning around 160,000 hectares, including areas that stretch all the way to the the River IJssel. This is a landscape of exceptional natural and cultural value, where stunning nature goes hand in hand with centuries of human influence. Shaped during the penultimate Ice Age, the area features glacial ridges, heathlands, forests, stream valleys, man-made springs, historic estates, farmlands and traditional villages. This rich variety makes the Veluwe one of the most diverse and captivating landscapes in the Netherlands

Royal Crown Estate Het Loo is the largest contiguous estate in the Netherlands, located in the western Veluwe near Apeldoorn. Covering more than 10,000 hectares, the area features vast forests, heathlands, historic estates, and hunting grounds, and has been connected to the Dutch royal family since the 17th century. At the heart of the estate lies Paleis Het Loo, the former royal summer residence. The surrounding landscape breathes tranquility and history, with star-shaped avenues, ancient burial mounds, and a rich variety of wildlife, including red deer and wild boar. Much of Het Loo is open to walkers and cyclists, except in the autumn months when parts of the estate are temporarily closed to allow the wildlife to rest.