Christmas festival in Hoorn: festive winter vibes and tasty treats
December 19, 2024
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That the Veluwe vast and breathtaking that we already knew, but how impressed we were with the North Veluwe region. You will find in this part of the Veluwe not only beautiful nature, but also beautiful estates and towns. And the great thing about the North Veluwe is that you can also completely unwind here and experience the real vacation feeling. Therefore we share with you the most beautiful places of the North Veluwe region!
1. Castle de Vanenburg
Is it a mansion or a castle? That's the first thing we wondered when we saw Castle de Vanenburg near Putten visited. After browsing around the gardens, orangery and inside the castle itself, it became clear to us: we really are in a castle. The 13-hectare estate meets all the requirements to obtain the designation castle. Today, Kasteel de Vanenburg is a location where you can spend the night, hold meetings, get married and have a delicious dinner.
2. Schovenhorst Estate
They call it the hidden gem of Putten and we totally understand why. When you live on the Veluwe it is quite normal to be surrounded by greenery, but for us it is a luxury. So we can intensely enjoy it when we manage to find such beautiful places. Schovenhorst Estate consists of its own forest with a forest tower and tree species from all over the world. By the way, there is also a delicious brasserie. It is the ideal location to take a nice walk and look out over the Veluwe from the 40-meter high forest tower.
3. Ermelo sheepfold on the Ermelosche heath.
The sheepfold in Ermelo was built in 2013 in authentic style on the edge of the Ermelosche heath. The flock consists of 262 sheep that can be found on the heath during the day. Towards the end of the day, the shepherd leads the flock back to the sheepfold. This is spectacular and handsome work to see. A visit to the Ermelo sheep pen is well combined with a walk on the moors.
4. Staverden Estate
We found paradise! Wow, what a wonderful place is Staverden Estate. From the moment we arrived here we were impressed. The mansion reflects beautifully in the water, there are white peacocks walking on the estate, a greenhouse where their own vegetables are grown, there is a maze in which you can get lost and we haven't even mentioned the delicious hotspots you can find here.
Uddelear Brewery
Right across from Staverden country house is the former coach house. A historic place where now a very special brewery has established itself, namely Brewery The Uddelaer. It is a fairly young brewery (2015) that quickly gained a foothold in the local market. They are mostly specialty beers brewed here, but the most iconic one we found was the Uddelaer Sportbier. We haven't tasted it (yet), but we're curious to hear what you think. You can pick a nice spot on the terrace, next to the enormous kettles or between the old stables. In fact, you can still see features of the former coach house here!
5. Visit hanseatic city of Harderwijk
When you think of the city of Harderwijk, you probably think of the Dolfinarium, but the city of Harderwijk is so much more than that. With a beautiful location on the Veluwe Lake and the vast Veluwe on the other side, Harderwijk is a city that attracts many visitors. And is loved by nature lovers and tourists alike. There is plenty to do in Harderwijk.
Marius van Dokkum Museum
In the former cutting room of the old University of Harderwijk you will now find the Marius van Dokkum museum. A museum you have to experience to be able to put into words what it is like. Spread over three floors, you can admire multiple works of art. One work of art is even more hilarious than the other. It is amazing how Marius van Dokkum creates such recognizable works of art. During your visit to the museum, you can follow an audio tour recorded by Marius himself.
Hot spot: restaurant de Boterlap
After strolling around the picturesque squares and narrow streets of Harderwijk, it is logical that you get a craving. There are obviously several hotspots to discover in the city, but we definitely recommend the following hotspot: Restaurant The Buttercup.
Restaurant De Boterlap is a cozy place on the Market in Harderwijk. Here you can take a seat at the historic bar or in the historic dance hall, but even nicer is the recently opened Boterlap Botanic. An atmospheric location adjacent to the historical part. Here you can enjoy tasty dishes in a green and sustainable environment.
The most beautiful places in the Veluwe
If there is one place we love to visit every year it is the Veluwe. It is a place where we can unwind in nature, but also be active. You will find beautiful accommodations such as Buitenplaats Beekhuizen and Recreation park De Boshoek and there are countless trips you can take. All our favorite ones we have collected for you in the blog the most beautiful places in the Veluwe.
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
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