Camping in Gelderland

The province of Gelderland lies in the heart of the Netherlands. In the north, the area is characterised by a huge forest area, the so-called Veluwe, and the adjacent long Veluwemeer lake. This is perfect for camping by the lake. To the south are the capital Arnhem and the fortified city of Nijmegen. The eastern Achterhoek region - the back corner - is characterised by an idyllic landscape with small villages and magnificent castles.

Special features of camping in Gelderland

Bathing fans choose one of the campsites on Lake Veluwe in Gelderland. Some sites are located directly on the shore of the lake. In addition to swimming, windsurfing, boating and sailing are also on the programme at Lake Veluwe. Culture vultures look out for the proximity to Arnhem or Nijmegen when choosing a campsite.

Nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet opt for a campsite on the edge of De Hoge Veluwe National Park, which is located in the Veluwe forest area. The impressive flora and fauna attracts many hikers and cyclists in particular. But the Achterhoek region also offers picturesque landscapes and pleasant tranquillity.

How to get there

From Munich, holidaymakers can reach Gelderland in just over 700 km. The best way to get there is via Nuremberg, Wiesbaden and Cologne. First, campers take the A9 northbound and change to the A3 at Nuremberg. Follow the A3 as far as Wiesbaden and Cologne. At the Dutch border, the motorway becomes the A12. Once in the Netherlands, travellers on this route are immediately in Gelderland. From here it is only 20 kilometres to Arnhem, just under 30 kilometres to the Hoge Veluwe National Park and around 80 kilometres to Lake Veluwe.

Holidaymakers coming from the north of Germany, for example from Berlin, can reach Lake Veluwe in around 600 km. One of the shortest routes is the A2 motorway to the west via Hanover, from which you change to the A30 at Bad Oeynhausen. From the Netherlands, campers stick to the A1, followed by the A50. At least one break is recommended on both routes. From Munich, a walk along the Main or Rhine near the city of Mainz is recommended halfway along the route. If you are coming from Berlin or the surrounding area, you can stretch your legs in the Wunstorfer Moor with its neighbouring lake, for example.

Destinations

Those seeking peace and quiet will love the Veluwe forest area and the gateway to Gelderland, while those interested in culture can spend their holiday near Doesburg, Nijmegen or Arnhem. Visitors who want to camp in the vicinity of castles come to Vorden or Winterswijk.

The gateway to Gelderland

The so-called De Gelderse Poort is a nature conservation project between Gelderland and the German region of Kleve. The vast landscape between Emmerich am Rhein, Arnhem and Nijmegen is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Sand dunes alternate with orchards, moors and wide fields along the Waal. The wildlife is just as varied, with beavers, wild horses, cattle, geese and numerous endangered bird species.

Winterswijk

In the east of the Achterhoek lies the municipality of Winterswijk, which is characterised by fields, pastures, raised bogs and forests. Farms, monasteries and chapels are woven into this landscape. Travellers on hiking and cycling tours are accompanied by the splashing of the many water mills along the streams. Winterswijk is the perfect place for anyone looking for relaxation and tranquillity.

But the municipality has even more to offer: In the centre of the charming medium-sized town, cafés and restaurants invite you to linger. Lively shopping streets with local markets, chic boutiques and interesting bookshops have something for everyone. The historic Ruurlo Castle is located close to Winterswijk.

Activities and excursions

In Gelderland, families like to visit the Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem or the Koningin Juliana Toren theme park in the municipality of Apeldoorn. Those interested in art and culture will not want to miss the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

A zoo with animals from all over the world

Burgers' Zoo in Arnhem impresses with a safari where guests can observe cheetahs and lions, for example. Giraffes, zebras and antelopes also roam the savannah landscape on this tour. In the recreated desert of Arizona and Mexico, holidaymakers can discover cacti and agaves. Burgers' Desert is also home to songbirds, red foxes and bighorn sheep. The zoo also boasts a train through the rainforest and a waterfall. At Burgers' Ocean, a huge coral reef with sharks, rays and colourful fish awaits visitors.

A nature park with art and culture

De Hoge Veluwe National Park is not only worth a day trip for its nature and wildlife. The area is home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which contains the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. It also has works by Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso in its repertoire and a sculpture park enriches the museum. The Sint Hubertus hunting lodge, one of the most prestigious buildings in Gelderland, is also well worth a visit.

Gastronomy

When camping in Gelderland, travellers can look forward to typical Dutch cuisine. Sausage, cheese and peanut butter are on the breakfast table. But sweet morning meals are also a favourite throughout the country. Syrup waffles with coffee, for example, are a real favourite of many locals and holidaymakers. In Gelderland, buttered bread is a favourite with traditional chocolate sprinkles, known as hagelslags. The aniseed sprinkles are also very extravagant.

At lunchtime, the Dutch usually only eat snacks such as bread or fresh fruit. Dinner, on the other hand, is all the more important. Hearty dishes such as sauerkraut with thinly sliced beef or a hearty pea soup with smoked sausage end up on the plate.

Best time to visit

Holidaymakers can expect warm summers when camping in Gelderland. At this time of year, temperatures in this area are higher than on the North Sea coast in the west of the Netherlands. July and August are the hottest months at around 23 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for swimming fans. May, June and September are also very appealing for campers spending their holiday on Lake Veluwe, for example, with temperatures of 17 to 21°C. The coldest months are December, January and February with an average of 5°C. This particularly mild winter makes Gelderland attractive for travellers all year round. The temperate climate in spring and autumn attracts sports enthusiasts such as hikers and cyclists.