CYCLING ROUTE
De Veluwse Natuurroute
Thijs de Jong26 kmDuration: 1.5 hours
Ask Thijs which route he recommends for the e-chopper, and the answer is always the same. De Veluwse Natuurroute is the go-to route for a reason: 26 kilometres of pure Veluwe nature, just right for the battery's range. And so beautiful you'll happily ride it twice in one day.
You're surrounded by forest, heath and nature the whole way. No built-up areas, no busy roads. Just the Leuvenumse bos, the Hierdense Beek, the drifting sands of the Beekhuizerzand and the purple glow of the Ermelosche Heide.
The start: into the forest
You set off at junction 64. After about 400 metres alongside the N302, you head into the forest towards junction 6, then 5 and on to junction 20. This is where you first come face to face with the Beekhuizerzand.
At junction 20 there's a bench on a slight rise, with a view over the entire drift sand area. One of the loveliest resting spots on the route.
Seized the chance and enjoyed the lovely weather today! Had a great time out on the electric scooter. Beforehand we got a fun briefing with some humour, not one of those deadly dull standard talks. Then off we went, isn't the Veluwe beautiful! Read more
Thanks to the directions, in less than 10 minutes we were riding through a huge drift sand area surrounded by forest and heath... perfect for feeling like you've really got away from it all. We were pretty hungry when we got back. Turns out there's a whole menu available. We had a surprisingly tasty carpaccio roll, a 'Pittige Tante' roll (spicy pulled chicken) and a far from ordinary, seriously delicious portion of loaded fries. Outdoor, thank you! We had a wonderful afternoon, ate far too well, and thanks for your cheerful, warm welcome and fun instructions. We'll definitely be back!
Translated from Dutch
Through the Leuvenumse Bos
From junction 20 you cycle towards 42 and follow the Hierdense Beek through the Leuvenumse Bos, past the back of Het Roode Koper, towards junction 84.
At junction 84, about 40% of the way along the route, we always recommend a short detour towards junction 24. There you'll find restaurant and hotel De Zwarte Boer. Recently fully renovated, under new ownership and set right in the middle of nature. A small, rustic restaurant where you can take a lovely break, recharge and chat about everything you've seen so far. Our top tip.
The Ermelosche Heide
After De Zwarte Boer you ride on towards junction 83, cross the road to junction 11 (watch out: it's tempting to go straight on here) and turn right towards junction 96. Then the Ermelosche Heide opens up before you.
It's especially beautiful here in autumn. The heather turns purple, these days from as early as late August. Thijs always describes the heath as a natural oven: when the sun shines, the warmth comes at you from all sides at once. From above, from below, a warm crosswind. A feeling you won't get anywhere else.
Detour to Ermelo
At junction 77 you have the option of turning left towards junction 93, to restaurant De Boterlap in Ermelo. Handy if you'd like a taste of village life. Bear in mind that you'll be on a busy main road there. If you'd rather have a quiet break, choose De Zwarte Boer earlier on the route.
Back to the start
From junction 95 you ride at a relaxed pace via 77, 58 and 48 back towards the starting point at junction 64. The route loops neatly back to where you began, with the Veluwe still fresh in your mind.
On an e-chopper you'll cover the 26 kilometres in about an hour and a half of pure riding time. Add in breaks and you'll easily be out for two to three hours. Enough for a lovely half day, compact enough to do it twice.
The perfect route for the e-chopper and e-scooter
De Veluwse Natuurroute has been put together especially for the e-chopper and the e-scooter. The battery range is a perfect match for the 26 kilometres, so you can head out without a worry. When you get back, we charge the vehicles for a possible second round.
Want to ride this route? Hire an e-chopper or e-scooter at Outdoor Harderwijk and you'll get the full route description when you set off.
Very satisfied! It was really easy to contact them in advance via WhatsApp with questions. The online booking process was simple. On 14 July we had a very friendly and capable staff member who explained everything clearly. The e-choppers are easy to operate and quiet. Read more
We flew round the forest route (26 km), which we really enjoyed despite the rain. The price includes three hours, a break (two recommended places for a bite to eat are mentioned) and even a possible minor traffic offence ;-) It was a fantastic experience!
Translated from German
A good reason to come back
26 kilometres of fresh Veluwe air works up an appetite. Back at Outdoor Harderwijk, Thijs and Anne take care of the rest.
Start the day with lunch, or round it off with drinks and nibbles in the open air. Prefer to end in style? The Outdoor BBQ is ready and waiting: hearty cuts of meat, fresh salads and plenty of time to talk over everything you've seen that day. From a lunch buffet to an extensive drinks package, there's always something to suit your day.
Take a look at the Outdoor Harderwijk menu or request your package and Thijs and Anne will be happy to help you plan.
Cycle junctions
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions about De Veluwse Natuurroute
How long does De Veluwse Natuurroute take?
The route is 26 kilometres and takes about an hour and a half of pure riding time on an e-chopper or e-scooter. Add a stop at De Zwarte Boer and you'll easily be out for two to three hours.
Do I need a driving licence?
A valid driving licence is required for the e-chopper. You don't need a licence for the e-scooter: it's open to anyone aged 16 and over. Not sure which vehicle suits you? Feel free to get in touch, we're happy to help.
Where does the route start?
You start at junction 64, setting off from Outdoor Harderwijk at Boekhorstlaan 1 (3847 LP) in Harderwijk. Free parking on site. Before you set off or when you get back, you can enjoy good food and drinks with us.
Is De Veluwse Natuurroute also suitable for beginners?
Do I have to navigate the route myself?
The route follows the Veluwe cycle junction network. When you set off, you'll get a route description with all the junctions in order. Along the way, everything is clearly signposted.
Can I get something to eat or drink along the way?
Definitely. You can come to Outdoor Harderwijk for lunch, drinks or a BBQ, which you can plan in advance with one of our packages. There's also plenty along the way: restaurant De Zwarte Boer at junction 24, in the middle of the Leuvenumse Bos. Recently renovated and in a wonderfully peaceful setting. Fancy a bit of village atmosphere too? At junction 93 you can make a detour to restaurant De Boterlap in Ermelo.
By Thijs de Jong
The outdoors is his natural habitat. As Chief Outdoor Officer, Thijs knows the Veluwe like the back of his hand and makes sure you head out with the best route, a well-adjusted bike and all the explanation you need. Behind the scenes, he keeps everything running smoothly. And every now and then, he'll simply pour you a cold beer.
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