Apeldoorn: sights and travel tips

Things to see and do in Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and modern comforts. Unlike the overcrowded tourist hotspots, it provides an authentic Dutch experience with stunning landscapes, royal heritage, and unique attractions. Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, or relaxation, Apeldoorn has it all.

Top 10 things to do and see in Apeldoorn

1. Paleis Het Loo – A stunning former royal palace with beautifully maintained gardens, showcasing the opulent history of Dutch royalty. Recently renovated, the palace offers an immersive experience into centuries of Dutch history. My absolute favorite in The Netherlands. Read more on Paleishetloo.nl.
2. Apenheul Primate Park – One of the most unique zoos in the world, where monkeys roam freely around visitors. Perfect for families and animal lovers, kids will love it. Read more on Apenheul.nl (closed in the winter as the monkeys don’t like the cold weather).
3. Julianatoren Amusement Park – A great attraction for kids, with over 60 rides and shows, making it a fun-filled day for young adventurers.
4. De Hoge Veluwe National Park – Just outside Apeldoorn, this breathtaking national park features heathlands, sand dunes, and dense forests. It’s home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world. It’s much less crowded than the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.
5. CODA Museum and Library – A cultural hub for art lovers, CODA offers contemporary exhibitions, literature, and an impressive jewelry collection.
6. Park Berg & Bos – A perfect place for a relaxing stroll, with scenic walking trails, a watchtower for panoramic views, and a beautiful deer park.
7. Klimbos Veluwe – An exciting treetop adventure park with zip lines and climbing courses for thrill-seekers of all ages.
8. Omnisport Apeldoorn – A world-class sports complex where you can watch top-tier cycling, athletics, and other sporting events.
9. The Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij (Veluwe Steam Train) – A nostalgic ride on a vintage steam train through the beautiful landscapes of the Veluwe region.
10. Market Square and City Center – A lively area full of shopping streets, cozy cafés, and bustling weekly markets where you can experience local life.

Best places to stay in Apeldoorn

Apeldoorn is worth staying in for a night or two. Our first choice is Hotel et le Cafe de Paris, especially for its lovely terrace, followed by Hotel Pegasus. Both have plenty of character, convenient locations and reasonable value for money. They make a useful base for visiting Paleis Het Loo and the city centre.

Food and local specialties

Apeldoorn’s culinary scene is a mix of traditional Dutch comfort food and international influences. Be sure to try:

• Veluwse wild dishes – The surrounding forests provide excellent game meat such as venison, wild boar, and pheasant, often featured in autumn menus.
• Stroopwafels – These caramel-filled waffle cookies are a beloved Dutch treat, and you can find fresh ones at the local markets. My favorite cookie.
• Hollandse nieuwe haring – A true Dutch delicacy, this raw herring is eaten with pickles and onions.
• Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken) – Larger and thinner than American pancakes, these are often topped with sweet or savory ingredients.
• Local craft beers – Several microbreweries in and around Apeldoorn offer excellent craft beers with a regional touch.

Events and festivals

Apeldoorn hosts a variety of events throughout the year, drawing visitors from all over the Netherlands:

• Koningsdag (King’s Day) – April 27: A nationwide celebration with flea markets, music, and street parties. Apeldoorn’s festivities are among the best in the country.
• International Drakenboot Festival – June: A thrilling dragon boat racing festival with live music and entertainment.
• Canal Festival (Grachtenfestival) – August: A classical music festival featuring open-air performances along the city’s waterways.
• Sinterklaas Arrival – November: A traditional Dutch event where Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas) arrives, delighting children with parades and festivities.
• Christmas Markets and Ice Rink – December: The city center transforms into a winter wonderland with festive stalls and a large ice rink.

Living in Apeldoorn – Where to buy as an expat

Apeldoorn is one of the most desirable cities for expats looking for a high quality of life at a reasonable price. The city offers excellent schools, green spaces, and strong infrastructure. Popular areas for expats include:

• Berg en Bos – A beautiful, upscale neighborhood close to the forest and Het Loo Palace, offering spacious homes.
• Zuidbroek – A newer residential area with modern housing developments and good amenities.
• De Maten – One of the largest residential districts, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
• Centrum – Ideal for those who want to be in the heart of the city with easy access to shops and restaurants.

Housing prices are more affordable than in Amsterdam or Utrecht, making Apeldoorn a great place to invest in property.

A bit of history

Apeldoorn’s origins date back to the Middle Ages, but it flourished in the 17th century when the Dutch royal family built Het Loo Palace. The city played a significant role during World War II, with several resistance movements operating here. Today, Apeldoorn is a thriving city that honors its past while embracing the future.

How to get there from other big cities

• From Amsterdam: Take an Intercity train from Amsterdam Central (1 hour).
• From Utrecht: Direct trains take around 35 minutes.
• From Rotterdam: Travel by train in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• From The Hague: Reach Apeldoorn in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.
• By car: Apeldoorn is conveniently located along the A1 and A50 highways, making it easily accessible from all major Dutch cities.

Things to do in the area

• Deventer – A charming Hanseatic city with stunning historic architecture, just 20 minutes away. One of the few Hanzesteden. Zwolle is also a nice one to visit!
• Arnhem – Visit the Open Air Museum or the famous Burgers’ Zoo, only a short train ride from Apeldoorn.
• Veluwezoom National Park – Another beautiful nature reserve perfect for hiking and cycling.
• Kootwijkerzand – A unique Dutch desert landscape, known as the “Sahara of the Netherlands.”
• Posbank – A breathtaking heathland with spectacular views, especially in late summer when the landscape turns purple.

Travellers and expats often asked this about Apeldoorn