Cycling across the Ginkelse Heide and along the Rhine

As a cyclist you can enjoy a varied landscape between Arnhem and Ede. This route takes you through the seemingly endless nature of the Veluwe, but also along the floodplains of the Rhine. You also visit villages such as Renkum, Wolfheze and Oosterbeek. In short: a day out in one of the most beautiful areas of the Netherlands. You will soon cycle from the starting point into the Veluwe. You drive through extensive forests, past drifting sand areas, streams and heathlands. The busy everyday life seems to dissolve here into unprecedented tranquility. You pass the sheepfold where the herd that grazes on the Edese and Ginkelse Heide resides. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the number of Veluwe Heath sheep has rapidly decreased due to stricter laws and regulations: from thousands of animals to just a few hundred. During World War II the breed almost became extinct. In the early 1950s, steps were taken to preserve this breed - with success. If you take a break around here, don't be surprised if some sheep suddenly wander around you. Near the Rhine you will pass Doorwerth Castle, a castle from the thirteenth century. The castle was restored in 2004 and can be visited at certain times. Museum Veluwezoom is located in the castle. The oldest robinia in the Netherlands is located in the courtyard of the castle: this tree was planted in 1579. A little further on you will pass through the beautiful Oosterbeek. This village was a popular place during the nineteenth century among painters such as Willem Maris, Anton Mauve and Jan Toorop. Later, Oosterbeek grew into a villa village due to its proximity to the forests of the southern Veluwezoom. That is why more than one percent of the houses in Oosterbeek are worth more than a million euros.