Planks doublet

This route leads through the most famous nature reserve in the Netherlands: De Veluwe. The area is located between Apeldoorn, Wageningen, Arnhem, Ede, Barneveld and Harderwijk. This rural region, full of forests and rolling heathlands, is approximately 1000 square kilometers in size. Large parts of the Veluwe consist of elevations in the landscape that were created by glaciers or ice tongues that pushed the subsoil up (moraines). The landscape is broken up by various streams and watercourses, but there are also drifting sand areas. This great variation in the environment also ensures diversity in the ecology of the area, which may or may not have arisen naturally on the Veluwe. The wild boar lives among the forests and on the heathlands and was released there by people. The population of otters that disappeared in the Netherlands has been reintroduced to the Veluwe and deer can also be found in the forests. The very rare black grouse and raven survive on the heath and in the trees of the Veluwe. The starting point of the route is the Sonsbeek visitor center in Arnhem. This visitor center provides a good overview of the green environment and is a source of additional information. Also stop at Zijpendaal Castle in Arnhem. This building is not a castle, because it never had a defensive function and was only built well after the Middle Ages (in the eighteenth century). Zijpendaal Castle is located on the Zijpendaal estate; a beautifully landscaped park. The main floor of the house can be visited. If desired, you can make a short stop at VVV Otterlo for more information about the area and the sights. A few kilometers further you will find Jachtslot St. Hubertus. The legend of Saint Hubertus served as a guideline for the design. According to legend, a hunter was visited in a vision by a red deer with a shining cross in its antlers. The animal told him that he had to mend his ways, otherwise he would pay in hell. The hunter repented and retreated to a monastery. The legend has been incorporated into the hunting lodge with a lot of symbolism: the building has an antler-shaped design and the tower contains a cross in the masonry. The entire interior and utensils are coordinated, resulting in an impressive whole. This castle, located on a beautiful pond, is open almost daily to interested parties. Towards the end of the route we recommend that you stop at De Kruidentuin or the water and tower mills, both called'Open Air Museum\\\'. You can take a tour of the Herb Garden. Volunteers are happy to tell you all about the special herbs that grow in the garden and on the Veluwe.