Gelderland is the largest province in the Netherlands in terms of land area. The Veluwe is perhaps best known, but the other regions also have a lot to offer for hikers. The quiet Achterhoek is certainly worth exploring and the Rivierenland with Maas, Waal and IJssel shows a completely different landscape. In the Rijk Van Nijmegen, a lively history is surrounded by sloping nature.
Province of Gelderland
Achterhoek.
.You never walked out in the Achterhoek. A hiking network of no less than 3,000 kilometers is waiting for you! And those are also very varied kilometers. Walk along winding roads and be surprised by what is hiding behind the next corner. Turn off to an ancient church path through the meadows. The cows come to the mesh to study you curiously. Continue through the forest and inhale the wonderful scents. In the distance you can hear the sound of calmly rippling water.
The Veluwe.
Nature has free rein in this enormous protected nature reserve. The Dutch big five, such as red deer or wild boars, are given plenty of space here. You can walk through beautiful heaths, sandy plains, rivers or forests.
Rivierenland.
The Betuwe occupies a special place in Rivierenland. About a third of all fruit grown in the Netherlands comes from Rivierenland. That is why this region is also called the fruit garden of the Netherlands. In the spring you can enjoy orchards full of beautiful blossom, and in the late summer the trees are full of delicious fresh fruit!
Het Rijk van Nijmegen.
There are several beautiful nature reserves in the Rijk van Nijmegen. The Ooijpolder is located in the floodplains of the Waal, east of Nijmegen. Stroll through the river nature and enjoy the flora and fauna that can be found here. During your walk you may just encounter wild horses, beavers or large geese. The Hatertse and Overasseltse Vennen are always well colored. In summer, the white plumes of wool grass and peat fluff gently wave to you and at the end of summer you can marvel at the beautiful purple heather. The red glow of plants and foliage reigns in the middle of autumn. In winter it is precisely the green pines that stimulate your senses. And in the spring, when the sun is shining, the blue sky is reflected in the crystal clear fen water, while tufts of green along the side mingle with the yellow sand ... The Hatertse and Overasseltse Vennen are beautiful to walk through. The beautiful Mookerheide has mighty oaks, grazing Galloway cattle and phenomenal views. This nature reserve owes its special landscape to the penultimate ice age, some 160,000 years ago. Propelling glaciers created hills and valleys of sand, gravel and boulders like a rolling carpet. The Mookerheide is a suitable area for long walks, so you can completely relax.