Holiday apartment in Uddel between Uddelermeer, heathland and the Veluwe

Uddel between the lake and the Veluwe

Uddel combines experiences in nature with traces from different eras. The almost perfectly round Uddelermeer is a body of water formed during the Ice Age and is one of the oldest natural lakes in the Netherlands. It formed from the remains of a pingo, an Ice Age frost mound, as the ground gradually thawed at the end of the Ice Age. In the legends of the Veluwe, Uddelermeer plays a mysterious role.

Hiking trails for different days

The “Uddelsche Buurtveld” hike is 8.7 kilometres long and leads through the Kroondomein Het Loo over the eastern ridge of the Veluwe. The Uddelermeerpad runs through the forest and heathland of Kroondomein Het Loo, along Uddelermeer and past a medieval defensive structure. It starts at Buitenplaats Het Loo, where hikers can park their cars. By public transport, the trail can be reached via the “Café Uddel, Uddelermeer” bus stop on Garderenseweg in Uddel. The “Ronde Uddelermeer” is a hiking route of approximately 8.3 kilometres around the lake. The “Trage Tocht Uddel” covers 16 kilometres from De Zandsteeg, 95 percent of which is on unpaved paths. The approximately two-kilometre Kwiekrouten trail starts at the Wilhelminahof and offers signposted practice stations.

The “Groene Wissel 300: Uddel” hike leads through quiet forests to Hoog Soerense Veld, a gently undulating, grass-covered heathland and a resting area for red deer and roe deer. The state and royal domains used by this hike are closed every year from 15 September to 25 December. The different route lengths make it easier to plan days in nature together to suit your preferences.

Forest, heathland and distinctive landscapes

The Uddelermeerpad passes Bleeke Meer, another lake formed by melting ice. Kingfishers can regularly be seen around both lakes. The “Uddel – De Hoge Duvel” route runs through varied woodland with former clay pits; their traces suggest that the area is rich in game. “Rabbit Hill – Nieuw Milligse Zand” leads to Kootwijkerveen and then through the former drifting-sand areas of Nieuw Milligse Zand. It also offers sweeping views across a gently undulating landscape. The “West-Veluwse variatie” route connects forests, heathland, pastureland, village centres and hamlets.

History along the way

The Uddel – Hofweg/Hunneschans/Uddelermeer area includes the Uddelermeer pingo remnant, settlement traces and burial mounds from the Late Stone Age, as well as the medieval Hunneschans ringwork. Hunneschans is a horseshoe-shaped ringwork that probably originated between 850 and 950 and consisted of an embankment surrounded by a moat. The Uddel Liberation Monument on Uttilochweg was unveiled on 4 May 1995. The stone benches there invite visitors to pause and reflect for a moment.

Uddel as a base for nature and outdoor activities

Cyclists also have a specific starting point: the “Rondom Uddel en Meerveld” route runs around Uddel and the hamlet of Meerveld. The Staverdense beek stream runs through the lowland, and the route extensively incorporates important surrounding natural areas. The route starts at Herberg ’t Vossegat in Uddel. On 4 July 2026, the family activity “Trappen met Happen” was also held: an approximately 25-kilometre cycling route through paths, forest and heathland, combined with several hot and cold snacks. When choosing a holiday apartment in Uddel, you can therefore tailor the focus of your holiday between lake, forest, heathland, cycling and history.

Other places: Beemte Broekland, Hoenderloo, Apeldoorn, Loenen, Hoog-Soeren, Nieuw-Milligen, Beekbergen, Ugchelen

Back to the overarching travel overview: Apeldoorn.