Holiday apartment in Ermelo: Heathland, Roman camp and Veluwe

Ermelo is considered a green and blue municipality on the Veluwe and along the Veluwe Border Lakes. In the woodland and heathland areas, the municipality lists cycling, including mountain biking, as a recreational activity. Swimming is also possible at Veluwe aan Zee, at Horst beach.

Landscape and heathland

The Ermelosche Heide is a protected Natura 2000 area. It is largely used as a nature reserve and is available for recreation during the day. Wide sandy paths can be used for walking freely. The visitor centre and sheepfold are located at the Ermelosche Heide, surrounded by several cycling and hiking junctions. The Ermelo sheepfold is home to an average of around 300 sheep.

Between Ermelo and Elspeet, Landgoed Staverden is situated on the north-western slope of the Veluwe in a green, wooded setting. More than 40 rare and endangered plant species grow there. The walking routes in the park area of the Staverden routes are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but do include some differences in elevation. White peacocks have been kept at the estate as a tradition since around 1400. Kapel Staverden is a characteristic building near Kasteel Staverden. In addition to weekly services, it is also used as a wedding venue.

Nature experiences and exercise

Schaapskooi Ermelo organises short and longer walking excursions throughout the year focusing on cultural history, landscape formation, and the animals and plants found there. It also offers a three-hour walk accompanying the shepherdess and her dogs, for a maximum of four participants. Two recurring events put sheep farming particularly in the spotlight: Lammetjesdag takes place every year, usually in March. On this one day of the year, the public is allowed to walk through the sheepfold and see and pet the lambs. The Wol- en Schaapscheerfestijn takes place annually in May and includes a wool market as well as demonstrations of spinning, felting and carding.

The renewed Ermelo mountain bike route is 23 kilometres long and leads over challenging single tracks, including across the extensive Ermelosche Heide and through the Speulderbos and Sprielderbos. Those travelling on foot can take the Cultuurhistorie walking route, which passes cultural and historical sites in the Sprielderbos and Speulderbos on the Veluwe.

History and culture

On the Ermelosche Heide, the archaeological monument area comprises 28 burial mounds and the remains of a temporary Roman army camp. The burial mounds date from the Neolithic and/or Bronze Age. The outlines of the Roman marching camp near Ermelo are still visible; it is considered the only known Roman marching camp in the Netherlands.

Museum Het Pakhuis is an interactive museum where visitors can explore the past with their hands. Its content focuses on the Romans and the Germanic peoples. The museum also encourages visitors to take a cycle tour along the Roman marching camps with a VR experience.

Regional specialities

Stadsbrouwerij Staverden offers brewery tours and tastings. It is located in the Koetshuis of Kasteel Staverden near Ermelo. Wijngaard Telgt complements this offering with vineyard tours, excursions and wine tastings.

Getting there and further information

Ermelo railway station is on the NS railway line between Putten and Harderwijk. For information on attractions, museums, events, food, accommodation, nature and shopping, the municipality refers visitors to Ermelo Buitenleven.

More about the town: Ermelo. Other places: Culemborg, Neerijnen, Nijmegen, Groesbeek, Elburg, Lingewaard, Zaltbommel.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gelderland.