To Elburg across the Doornspijkse Heide

You cross the Doornspijkse heide and Oldebroekse heide. These forest and heath areas form the northernmost part of the Veluwe and are used by the Ministry of Defence. Due to the little disturbance and the vastness of the area, an enormous diversity of flora and fauna has arisen. Many lichens and vascular plants grow here and rare locusts, butterflies and birds can be found. The juniper thickets on the Doornspijkse heide are the only place in the Netherlands where the juniper can survive on its own. You continue to the historic gem of Elburg, on the banks of the Veluwemeer and the Drontermeer. In the fourteenth century, because of the numerous floods, it was decided that Elburg had to be moved. The medieval fortified city was then designed at the drawing table and has therefore been given an almost completely straight street plan. Elburg is one of the best preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands. Around 1400 the first defensive belt was completed and in 1590 the fortifications. Elburg had become an almost impregnable fortress. Many of those medieval buildings still determine the cityscape today. It is a special and historic place to cycle through at your leisure on this cycle route. The return journey takes you through the forests of Boswachterij Nunspeet, past open heaths and cool forests, swaying spruces and whimsical oaks. Purple-red sundew grows around the puddles on the wet heath. The Hidden Village is located in the woods near Nieuw-Soerel. During the Second World War, almost a hundred people were hidden here for a year and a half in a number of primitive huts. There are now three reconstructed huts to see. Those who are there at the right time can enjoy the purple of the heath on the last part of this tour. The ride returns to the starting point via the heathlands of Het Greveld and Middelbergen.