Apeldoorn Travel Guide

Get a comprehensive guide to Apeldoorn with all the best attractions, activities, best time to visit, food and drink scene, culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and more.


Apeldoorn is a beautiful city located within the Veluwe, Gelderland, in the eastern part of the Netherlands, a stunning country in the Benelux region of Europe. This small city is rich in history and natural beauty, making it a great place for tourists looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-track destination. In this travel guide, we’ll share all you need to know when visiting Apeldoorn, including must-visit attractions, ideal outdoor adventures, local food spots, and more.

Introduction to Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is a vibrant city with an incredible history. It is famous for being the home of the Dutch royal family. The city is small and easy to navigate, making it a great city to move around on foot or by bike. The friendly locals, stunning natural scenery, and historical landmarks make Apeldoorn an excellent destination for a weekend getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn has many fantastic places to visit. Here are the top picks for tourists.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Palace Het Loo - This palace used to be the home to the Dutch royal family. The architecture of the building is stunning, and it is a great place to learn about Dutch monarchy.

  2. CODA Museum - This modern art museum is famous for its exhibitions and is a must-see destination for lovers of modern art.

  3. Park Berg en Bos- This beautiful park has plenty of hiking trails and is home to a zoo and an art museum. It is perfect for a day trip with the family.

Natural Attractions of Apeldoorn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. National Park De Hoge Veluwe - This park covers 13,500 acres of land and includes heather fields, sand dunes, and woodland areas. There are many hiking and cycling trails to explore. You can also rent free bikes to explore the park, which is a great activity for the entire family.

  2. Apenheul Primate Park - This park is home to over 300 primates that roam free in the forest. This unique experience of seeing monkeys in their natural habitat is truly a must-visit.

  3. Klimbos Veluwe - This adventure park has over 1,000 meters of zip lines, rope bridges, and obstacles set high up in the trees.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn has plenty of hiking and biking trails that you can explore. Here are some of the top picks:

  1. Kroondomein Het Loo - This beautiful area has plenty of hiking trails that offer stunning views.

  2. Veluwezoom National Park – This park has the highest point on the Veluwe and stunning landscapes. The park is perfect for camping, hiking, and mountain biking.

  3. Kootwijkerzand - This area is the largest drifting sand area in Europe and perfect for hiking.

Best Things to Do in Apeldoorn: Activities and Tours

  1. Walking or cycling tour of the city - Apeldoorn is a small city, and a walking or cycling tour of the town allows one to appreciate the city’s landmarks and hidden gems.

  2. Segway tour - This guided Segway tour is a unique way to explore the city.

  3. Tandem bike tour - Take in the beauty of the city while cycling on a tandem bike. It is a fun and unique way to explore the city.

Week-Long Itinerary for Apeldoorn

Day 1: Arrive in Apeldoorn and do a walking tour of the city.

Day 2: Visit the Palace Het Loo

Day 3: Go on a Segway tour or a tandem bike tour of the city.

Day 4: Visit Park Berg en Bos and the CODA Museum.

Day 5: Visit De Apenheul Primate Park

Day 6: Go on a hiking tour in the Veluwe National Park

Day 7: Shopping in the city center and visit the Klimbos Veluwe.

Food and Drink Scene of Apeldoorn

The food and drink scene in Apeldoorn is diverse and lively. The city has many local food joints that offer a unique culinary experience.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Stroopwafels - These thin waffle cookies with a caramel filling are a Dutch classic.

  2. Bitterballen - These crispy and delicious meatballs are the perfect snack to enjoy with beer.

  3. Poffertjes - These mini pancakes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are typically served with powdered sugar and butter.

Local Beverages

  1. Jenever - This traditional Dutch gin is perfect for those who love strong spirits.

  2. Heineken - A popular beer that originated in the Netherlands.

  3. Coffee - The Dutch are famous for their coffee culture, and Apeldoorn has plenty of cute cafes that serve a quality cup of coffee.

Where to Stay in Apeldoorn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Apeldoorn has a wide variety of accommodation options that suit all budgets. Here are some top picks:

  1. Hotel De Echoput - This hotel is surrounded by the forest and is perfect for those who enjoy peace and quiet.

  2. Stayokay Apeldoorn - This hostel is centrally located and offers visitors a clean and comfortable place to stay.

  3. Hotel et le Cafe de Paris - This hotel offers comfortable and budget-friendly rooms that are ideal for those who want to be in the city center.

What to Buy in Apeldoorn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. An authentic clog

  2. A bottle of Jenever.

  3. A piece of Dutch cheese.

Local Culture and Customs of Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is a friendly and welcoming city. The locals are proud of their culture and traditions and are happy to share them with visitors. Visitors should be respectful and polite to the locals and adhere to the Dutch culture of punctuality.

Best Time to Visit Apeldoorn

The best time to visit Apeldoorn is from April to October when the weather is mild. July and August are the busiest months, and it can get crowded, but the weather is fantastic. Winter can be cold and damp, but it is the perfect time for those who enjoy winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Apeldoorn

Do:

  1. Be polite and respectful to the locals.

  2. Be on time.

  3. Try local food and drinks.

Don’t:

  1. Speak loudly in public.

  2. Smoke in public spaces

  3. Touch the wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is a safe city, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any safety issues. Visitors should be mindful of their personal items and keep them close while traveling on public transportation.

Health in Apeldoorn

The Netherlands, in general, has a high level of health care. The Apeldoorn Hospital is a great facility that can handle most medical emergencies.

Getting to Apeldoorn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Apeldoorn

The nearest airport to Apeldoorn is the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. From the airport, you can take a train or hire a taxi to reach Apeldoorn.

Bus Stations Near Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn has a central bus station that is well connected to the rest of the Netherlands. The bus station is located in the city center and is walking distance from most of the city’s main attractions.

Other Options

The train is the most popular and convenient mode of transport in the Netherlands. Apeldoorn has a train station that is well-connected to the rest of the country.

How to Get Around in Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is a small city and easy to navigate on foot or by bike. The city has an excellent public transport system, and visitors can purchase a smart card that offers unlimited travel on buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Apeldoorn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Utrecht - This vibrant city is known for its canals, café culture and is a great place to explore by bike.

  2. Amsterdam - This famous city is known for its canals, historical landmarks, and museums. It is perfect for a weekend getaway.

  3. Kampen - This beautiful historic city on the banks of the river Ijssel is known for its Renaissance-style buildings.

Conclusion

Apeldoorn is a beautiful city that offers visitors a unique travel experience. The city’s welcoming locals, stunning natural scenery, and historical landmarks make it a great destination for a weekend getaway. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are all set to plan your trip to Apeldoorn, explore the best of the city, and immerse yourself in Dutch culture.

Apenheul male Bonobo Apenheul male Bonobo Apeldoorn evening skyline Apeldoorn evening skyline Despite its name, the '''Apelheul''' doesn't only house apes. Despite its name, the '''Apelheul''' doesn't only house apes. The '''Loo Palace''' (shown is the backside of the palace and the main fountain) is known for its ornate gardens, which since 1984 have been reinstated in their form as William III had it designed in the 1680s. The gardens and the palace were intended to rival those in Versailles, which it partially succeeded in - the main fountain tops higher than those at Versailles. The '''Loo Palace''' (shown is the backside of the palace and the main fountain) is known for its ornate gardens, which since 1984 have been reinstated in their form as William III had it designed in the 1680s. The gardens and the palace were intended to rival those in Versailles, which it partially succeeded in - the main fountain tops higher than those at Versailles. 15 mt tall, making it the largest waterfall of the Netherlands. 15 mt tall, making it the largest waterfall of the Netherlands.