A weekend in De Hoge Veluwe is a quick escape into one of the Netherlands’ wildest corners, and staying in a nearby bungalow park makes it effortless. From the moment you step out the door you’re surrounded by a mix of pine forest, rolling heath, and drifting sand to breathe a little deeper. Bikes are waiting at the park gates, the Kröller-Müller Museum hides world-class art among the trees, and wildlife red deer, wild boar, and shy foxes moves quietly in the background. After a day of exploring, the bungalow is your cozy base: private, roomy, and close enough to hear the night sounds of the Veluwe as you settle in for the evening.
Walking, Riding, Discovering
We kicked off the weekend early on Friday morning, packing our gear and driving to Rheden for a first hike in the Posbank. Check-in at the bungalow wasn’t until 16:00, so we had plenty of time to explore the heath. Because it was September and a weekday, we could use the scenic roads around the Posbank routes that close to cars on weekends and stay closed every day during July and August.
Under Heavy Skies: Posbank Hike
We parked the car at the main Posbank parking lot and began with lunch at Paviljoen De Posbank. After checking the weather radar, we saw rain on the way. So we quickly started the hike from the nearby viewpoint.
Next, we followed our GPX route across the heath. At first the western sky looked promising and the light gave stunning views. Then the clouds shifted south and the weather changed fast.
Soon we reached the woodland. A few drops fell, and then heavy rain followed. The trees offered little cover. We decided to continue a short distance to a restaurant for coffee and shelter.
Earlier forecasts suggested it was a brief shower. Yet the rain kept falling. We checked the radar again and saw the storm lingering, we only did 2 kilometers. Finally, we turned back toward the parking lot. The planned hike would have to wait. We then drove to the bungalow park, via the beautiful road through the National Park that was not closed on this day. We checked in early, and ended the day with a relaxed dinner at the park’s restaurant.
From Radio Waves to Royal Walls: Radio Kootwijk and Kasteel Rosendael
Saturday started with a visit to Radio Kootwijk. I had never been to this historic transmitter station, so it was high on my list. We parked at the closest lot near the main building and chose the short 2 km walking route. There is also a longer 7 km hike, but that will wait for another trip.
From the parking area we turned right and immediately saw the iconic Art-Deco building. The heathland still showed hints of late-summer purple, creating a striking view. The weather was far better than the day before. We followed the marked trail, stopping at several viewpoints for photos of the vast heath and the dramatic structure. At the main building we explored the grounds and captured more images.
Afterwards we enjoyed a sunny coffee break at Garage C and planned the next stop. Our choice: Kasteel Rosendael. We took the scenic back roads instead of the highway, enjoying the Veluwe landscape along the way.
At the castle we started with lunch and a Kasteel Beer. Then we paid the entrance fee and entered the famous gardens through the old castle stables. The Rosendael gardens are known for playful water features called “bedriegertjes” hidden fountains that spring to life without warning. Wide lawns lead to quiet ponds bordered by ancient trees, and winding paths reveal small follies and elegant flower beds. It’s an easy walk filled with photo opportunities and a calm, almost storybook atmosphere.
As the afternoon faded, we drove back to the bungalow for a relaxed evening. First came the Formula 1 qualifying, a perfect slow-down after a day. We cooked a simple dinner, keeping it easy after the miles of walking. The night wrapped up with a cold beer and a few lively games of Yahtzee, a laid-back finish to a full Saturday on the Veluwe.
Nature Trails and World-Class Art in One Day
Sunday began with planning the day’s adventure. We chose a visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum and a bike ride on the free white bikes scattered throughout De Hoge Veluwe National Park. Tickets for the park, car, and museum were booked online in advance for easy entry.
Our first stop was the museum itself. We drove through the national park and parked near the entrance. From there we walked to the sculpture garden and started with the outdoor art.
I’m not a big art lover, yet the open-air sculptures were striking and perfect for photos. After exploring most of the garden we stepped inside to see the paintings works by Vincent van Gogh, Charley Toorop, and other masters. Some pieces surprised me with their color and detail, even if galleries aren’t usually my thing.
Next came lunch. We took another short stroll through the garden, spotting a few sculptures we had missed, and then found a table at the museum’s outdoor restaurant. The food was excellent, and the warm weather made the outdoor seating ideal.
After lunch we left the museum, grabbed our backpacks from the car, and picked out white bikes with well-inflated tires. A slow ride followed, with plenty of photo stops. At one point we parked the bikes and walked a wooden boardwalk to a small pond, another quiet spot for pictures and a break.
Later in the afternoon it was time to head back. We cycled to the car, returned the bikes, and drove to the bungalow for a calm evening. The Formula 1 Monza Grand Prix set the pace while we relaxed. We finished the night with a detective board game and then called it a day, ready for an early checkout the next day and the drive home.
Hoge Veluwe Map
Explore my weekend route with the interactive Hoge Veluwe map below. I’ve pinned the trails I hiked, the stretches of heathland, and the loop I biked through the forest. Each marker marks the location. So you can follow the same paths or use them as inspiration to make your own plan. Zoom in to see where forest meets open dunes and get a feel for how the park was seen through my lens.
Hoge Veluwe Trails
Want to follow the same paths? You can download my walking and cycling routes for De Hoge Veluwe National Park as GPX files for your GPS watch or smartphone. I’ve shared the exact tracks from my weekend, so you can explore the heathland, forest trails, and bike paths at your own pace. Check my profile on Outdooractive for the full details and easy downloads before you head out.
- Gardens Kasteel Rosendael (Download GPX or Outdooractive)
~0h 40m – 2,2km – 49m - Posbank (Download GPX or Outdooractive)
~1h 35m – 5,7km – 122m - Radio Kootwijk Short (Download GPX or Outdooractive)
~0h 45m – 2,4km – 19m - Radio Kootwijk (Download GPX or Outdooractive)
~1h 40m – 6,7km – 59m
- Hoge Veluwe (Download GPX or Outdooractive)
~1h 10m – 16,0km – 46m
Impression Photo Gallery
This photo gallery highlights my weekend photography trip to De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands. First, I captured drifting clouds over the heathland. Then I followed winding forest trails and enjoyed a breezy bike ride across open fields. Next, the journey led beyond the park to the rolling heath of the Veluwezoom Postbank. After that came the historic Rosendael Castle and, finally, the world-class art of the Kröller-Müller Museum. Together, these images reveal how nature, culture, and history meet in the Hoge Veluwe region. It’s a striking destination for landscape and travel photographers.
