Attractions and Places To See in De Dellen - Top 18

De Dellen in the Veluwe region offers a diverse landscape of forests and heathlands, including crowberry, heather, and bell heather. You'll also find fens and springs with unique flora like bog-bean and sundew. The area is characterized by varied terrain, sometimes resembling the forests of the Ardennes, as seen along the Dellenweg (De Dellen).

Yes, De Dellen is home to various wildlife, including wild boars, red deer, badgers, and pine martens. Birds of prey such as goshawks and buzzards are also present. For excellent views, visit the Haelberg Observation Tower. Guided wild observation walks are regularly organized, and during the rutting season (mid-September to mid-October), there's a good chance to see deer.

De Dellen has a rich history. You can find the site of the former Erf van Daendels, once a coaching inn and later a country house. The legacy of meteorologist Professor Chr. H.D. Buys Ballot, who significantly shaped the landscape, is also present, including the tomb of Cornelis Buys Ballot and his dog Pipo. Remnants of the popular Old Boating Pond at De Dellen (Meinhuis), once part of a café-pension, can also be identified.

Many trails and viewpoints in De Dellen are suitable for families. The Haelberg Observation Tower offers a unique perspective of the landscape that children often enjoy. Exploring the varied forests and heathlands on foot or by bike provides a great outdoor experience for all ages.

De Dellen is well-suited for cycling, with routes like the Dellenweg (De Dellen), which offers a varied landscape of forest and heather. The Dellenselaan (Königsberg Natural Forest, Veluwe) is a popular double-track gravel road suitable for various types of cycling. For more options, you can explore Road Cycling Routes in De Dellen or MTB Trails in De Dellen.

Yes, numerous footpaths traverse De Dellen, offering opportunities to explore the forests and heathlands. You can find marked routes starting from the Erf van Daendels parking lot. For easy walks, consider routes like the 'De Dellen Forest – Heather Fields in Veluwe loop' or the 'Rozenbank – De Dellen Forest loop'. More options are available in the Easy hikes in De Dellen guide.

The area is beautiful year-round. For observing wildlife like deer, mid-September to mid-October during the rutting season is a good time. In spring, parts of the forest may be adorned with a carpet of flowers. The heathlands are particularly vibrant when the heather is in bloom, typically late summer.

A primary parking area is located at the Erf van Daendels, which serves as a starting point for many marked hiking and cycling routes. This location was historically significant and is now a convenient access point for visitors.

The Pluizenmeer is a picturesque lake within De Dellen. Historically, this lake was used for washing sheep. Today, it remains a scenic spot within the nature reserve, often included in hiking routes.

De Dellen is generally dog-friendly, with many paths suitable for walks. However, it's important to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas where wildlife is present or where sheep graze. A sheep herd protected by dogs grazes on the heath, and visitors are advised to maintain a distance of at least 25 meters from them.

Many of the oaks and pines in De Dellen's forests date back to the time of landholders Daendels and Buys Ballot. These trees are a testament to the area's long history and the deliberate shaping of the landscape by past owners, contributing to the unique character of the forest.

While De Dellen itself is a nature reserve, the nearby town of Epe offers various options for snacks and drinks. The Haelberg Observation Tower is also near a spot where you can enjoy a snack and a drink at the Ossenstal.