Nunspeet, Hierden and the Veluwe

Explore the green surroundings of Nunspeet and Hierden and cycle through the largest nature reserve in the Netherlands: the Veluwe. You pass through the varied Leuvenumse Bos, which consists of deciduous and coniferous forest, but also over rolling heathland, where fens interrupt the landscape. You cross drifting sand areas and sand paths and thus arrive at the Elspeetse Heide: a remnant of a gigantic heathland plain. Heath sheep are inextricably linked to this beautiful piece of nature, the animals have traditionally grazed the Elspeetse Heide. Also special about this heathland is the fact that the exceptionally rare rice grain moss can still be found on this piece of nature, which was believed to be extinct for a long time. The Elspeetse Heide is also important from an archaeological point of view - the presence of centuries-old burial mounds and old oak coppice groves give the area special value. Near Hierden you can view the De Essenburgh castle and estate. Presumably there was a predecessor on the site of the castle, but archaeologically the writings mentioning this have never been supported. The castle was built on behalf of Johan Coolwagen. He wanted to use this prestigious status symbol to acquire a place within the Knighthood of Veluwe, but when this failed he had to sell the castle to his creditors. The Essenburgh then saw many owners come and go, until finally the Premonstratensians used it as a monastery. Nowadays, conferences, seminars, company presentations and other events such as weddings are organized in the castle.