NL
Walking on the Veluwe by train is an excellent way to experience Veluwezoom National Park, thanks to a well-marked route that leads you from one station to another. You cross one of the most varied landscapes in the Netherlands, full of hills, forests and vast heathlands. Read on to discover how to plan this special day trip and what you can expect along the way.
How do I get to the Veluwezoom walk by train?
The accessibility of the Veluwe is one of the major advantages for travellers who consciously choose public transport. The start of the best-known walking route, the NS walk (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) Veluwezoom, is directly at Dieren station. This station is easily accessible by intercity train from cities such as Arnhem and Zwolle. You step off the train and within a few minutes you are following the waymarks that lead you into the national park. Planning your trip is easy via the NS or 9292 journey planners.
The end point of the route is flexible. You can opt for Rheden station after a walk of around 11 kilometres, or continue to Velp station, which extends the hike to 15 kilometres. Both stations have regular connections back to major hubs such as Arnhem. A smart approach is to park your car at the end point, if you are using one, and from there take the train to the starting point in Dieren. That way, after a long day of walking you can get straight into the car without having to depend on train times.
‘ The terrain is untypically hilly for the Netherlands, with climbs that really get your heart rate up and reward you with wide open views. ’
What are the highlights of the NS walk Veluwezoom?
The route from Dieren to Rheden or Velp is known as one of the most beautiful and most challenging station-to-station walks in the Netherlands. The terrain is untypically hilly for the Netherlands, with climbs that really get your heart rate up and reward you with panoramic views. The route is carefully mapped out and leads you through a varied landscape.
The main stages and highlights:
- Onzalige Bossen: Directly after the start in Dieren you walk into the so-called Onzalige Bossen. This old and hilly forest area is characterised by winding paths and an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
- The Posbank: About halfway along the route you reach the best-known spot: the Posbank. From this heathland at 90 metres above NAP (Normaal Amsterdams Peil, the Dutch reference level) you have, in clear weather, a view that stretches as far as Germany. The heather blooms in mid-August. The hills turn purple, which makes the landscape extra special.
- The Zijpenberg: After the Posbank you descend and then climb again to the Zijpenberg. Here too you are treated to beautiful vistas over the rolling landscape of the Veluwezoom.
- Beekhuizense Beek: Towards the end of the route you descend towards Rheden and follow the course of the Beekhuizense Beek. This gently babbling stream provides a soothing finale to an intensive walk.
The route is physically tougher than the distance suggests because of the constant changes in elevation. Make sure you have good walking shoes and take enough water and provisions with you, as cafés and restaurants are limited along the way. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and for older children with walking experience this is a great challenge too.
Combining the Veluwe with train and walking: is a weekend possible?
Absolutely, the Veluwe is perfect for a multi-day stay where you use the train as your base. By staying overnight in a city such as Arnhem or Apeldoorn, you can explore different parts of the area without having to walk with heavy luggage. These cities act as an ideal base camp and are also worth exploring in their own right.
Tips for a weekend away:
- Day 1: The Veluwezoom walk. Walk the route from Dieren to Rheden and at the end of the day take the train to your accommodation, for example in Arnhem.
- Day 2: Another route or the OV-fiets. From stations such as Apeldoorn or Ede-Wageningen you can take the bus deeper into the Veluwe for other routes, for example towards Hoog Soeren or Epe. Another option is to hire an OV-fiets (public transport bicycle) at the station. This makes it easy to cover the distance from a station to a shorter walking area or a place of interest.
- Travel light: By working from a fixed location, you only need to take a small daypack with you on your walks. This makes the hikes more comfortable and enjoyable.
By planning your trip smartly, you combine the convenience of the train with the freedom of walking. This way you experience the tranquillity and nature of the Veluwe in a conscious and sustainable way, entirely at your own pace.
The Veluwe is a perfect example of how you can reach beautiful nature reserves in the Netherlands by train. On the Traveler Tips website you will find more of these practical guides and routes for train journeys and walking trips. Discover how you can plan your next trip in a smarter way and with more experience.
Frequently asked questions
The Veluwe is very easy to reach by train via intercity stations such as Arnhem and Apeldoorn, which offer good connections to walking areas. Popular starting points are Dieren station for the Veluwezoom route, and Rheden/Velp stations for the Posbank. Northern routes start from stations such as Putten and Ermelo, while Apeldoorn serves as a hub for bus connections to various starting points. For specific routes, the NS route Veluwezoom (Dieren to Rheden/Velp) is highly recommended.
To travel comfortably and efficiently to the Veluwe by train, start with intercity trains to hubs such as Arnhem, Apeldoorn or Ede. From there, change to regional buses or trains operated by Syntus, or book a “haltetaxi” (on-demand shared taxi) via 9292.nl for the last kilometres to the starting points of walks. Download GPX tracks and take enough water with you, especially if you tackle the hilly routes, and consider an OV-fiets for extra flexibility.
For train travellers, the Veluwezoom route (Dieren → Rheden/Velp) and linear walks such as Twello → Barneveld Centrum are recommended. The Veluwezoom offers hilly paths through the Onzalige Bossen, past the Posbank heath and the Beekhuizense Beek. Linear walks from Putten to Ermelo reveal the Oud Groevenbeek estate and the Groevenbeekse Heide. Other highlights are the sand drifts and forests around Hoenderloo, accessible via Apeldoorn.
To plan a walking holiday on the Veluwe by train, plan your journey and buy your tickets via 9292.nl or NS.nl. Download GPX tracks via NS.nl or Wandel.nl for navigation on the spot, and consider the 9292 app for on-demand taxis and bus connections. Choose routes based on distance, terrain and season, with starting points such as Dieren station for the Veluwezoom. Don’t forget to take enough water with you and bear in mind the hilly terrain.
For multi-day hikes on the Veluwe there are no specific luggage storage facilities at stations or starting points of walking routes. A smart approach is to use a base camp, for example in Apeldoorn, where you can leave most of your luggage and walk the day stages with a lighter rucksack. This means you will need to arrange hotels or other accommodation for your overnight stays yourself.
