Veluwe Forest Trail

The Veluwe Forest Trail is the premier interior cycling route in the Netherlands, winding through the country's largest contiguous natural area—over 1,100 square kilometers of ancient forests and heathlands. This 85-kilometer trail takes you past the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to the second-largest Van Gogh collection globally, making it a cultural and physical journey. The route is 10% more demanding than the average Dutch cycling trail, with gentle climbs through the moraine landscape and 70% off-road paths. Wildlife sightings are common, including red deer, wild boar, and the rare nightjar, especially in the Hoge Veluwe National Park section. Compared to #7 Friesland Eleven Cities Route, the Veluwe Trail offers 45% more forest cover, providing shade and a serene atmosphere away from urban noise. The heath blooms in August, creating a purple carpet that extends for kilometers, and the route's elevation profile—with a maximum height of 110 meters above sea level—offers the best views of the surrounding lowlands. Bring food and water, as services are sparse within the park, meaning the average cyclist will need 1.5 liters of hydration for the full ride.