Top 20 Natural Monuments in Gelderland
Natural monuments in Gelderland offer diverse landscapes, from expansive national parks to unique geological features. This Dutch province is characterized by its varied terrain, including forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. Visitors can explore areas with significant relief, providing panoramic views, alongside serene river landscapes. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities and appreciating Dutch nature.
Best natural monuments in Gelderland
- The most popular natural monuments is Veluwezoom National Park, a forest and natural monument known for its almost untouched…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Motte Mergelp on the Duivelsberg
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Posbank Viewpoint
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Veluwezoom National Park
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Sunken Path in the Forest
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Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes
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Staverden Castle
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Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill)
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Oude Waal Nature Reserve
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Upper Slinge in Bekendelle
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Loenen Waterfall
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Popular around Gelderland
The Meuse Cycle Route - Follow the Meuse from the hills to the harbor
Pilgrim Trail (LAW 7-1) - Through idyllic villages and vast polders
Veluwe Zwerfpad – 21 days of roaming through protected nature
Trekvogelpad (LAW 2) – Bird watching from Bergen aan Zee to Enschede
The Pieterpad by bike – From Pieterburen to Sint-Pietersberg
Maarten van Rossumpad – hiking from 's-Hertogenbosch to Steenwijk
Cycling the LF Zuiderzee Route – Delve into history around IJsselmeer lake
LF Maasroute – From Maastricht to Rotterdam along the Meuse River
Gravel, heather & hills – bikepacking the Utrecht Ridge and the Veluwe
The Rhine Cycle Path — From the source to the North Sea
Other adventures in Gelderland
Tips from the Community
It can be busy on weekends. It is a popular hiking area.
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Bekendelle is one of the few swamp forests in the Netherlands
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The castle has changed its appearance in many ways over the centuries. The current building dates from 1905 and was built by Herman Theodore s'Jacob, the scion of a noble family. His father Frederik Bernhard was mayor of Rotterdam and his grandfather was governor of the Dutch East Indies. The architecture goes back to older styles, but the interior still contains features of the Art Nouveau style that was popular at the time. The rest of the estate is still largely intact and the castle garden has also been restored with honor.
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Before 1830, the Beekhuizerzand was part of a large quicksand area. Between 1880 and 1930, it was planted with pine trees on a large scale, especially to prevent dusting. It was also used as a military training area and opened for recreation from 1963. In 2004, many fly pines were felled and the top layer removed from the ground, so that it has become a real quicksand area where the destructible sand has been released again. The area is grazed by sheep.
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Walked in the summer, beautiful piece of forest.
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The waterfall we see here has a drop of 15 meters. The Vrijenberger Spreng Waterfalls, as they are officially called, are the largest two waterfalls in the Netherlands. The Vrijenbergse Spreng was dug at the end of the 19th century so that the water level of the Apeldoorn Canal could be maintained. Due to the large difference in height in the spring, two waterfalls were constructed instead of a very strong flowing river.
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Climb the 75.9 meter high Duivelsberg and you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the wooded area and the meadows of the floodplains below the moraine. The Duivelsberg nature reserve of the same name is approximately 125 hectares in size and is covered with deciduous trees, including a large collection of sweet chestnuts. There are many stories about the history of De Duivelsberg. For example, in the 11th century it was the strategic location of a motte (wooden) castle called Mergelp. From the first motte on the edge of De Duivelsberg it was easy to keep an eye on the surroundings. In addition, the hill has a sacred meaning for many and is still used for ceremonies. There are also stories that women who were accused of being witches, were drowned and bandaged in this place. This area originally belonged to Germany and was called Wylerberg or Teufelsberg, but was annexed after the Second World War. Unlike the other areas, the Duivelsberg was not returned, but it is still Dutch land property.
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The Wylerberg or Teufelsberg (Duivelsberg in Dutch) is a hill near Nijmegen that originally belonged to the German municipality of Wyler/North Rhine-Westphalia. In 1949, the British military administration placed the mountain under Dutch contract administration on a Dutch initiative and in 1963 it finally became Dutch territory. Source and link to the full article: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wylerberg
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore in Gelderland?
Gelderland offers a diverse range of natural features. You can discover the unique sand drift at Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, experience the significant drop of the Loenen Waterfall, or witness the naturally flowing Slinge river and its sand banks at Upper Slinge in Bekendelle. The province is also known for its extensive heathlands and forests, particularly within areas like Veluwezoom National Park.
When is the best time to visit Gelderland's natural monuments?
The natural monuments in Gelderland can be enjoyed year-round, but specific times offer unique experiences. Late August is particularly beautiful for visiting areas with heathlands, such as Posbank Viewpoint within Veluwezoom National Park, when the heather blooms purple. Autumn provides stunning foliage, especially in deciduous forests like those on Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill).
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Gelderland's natural monuments?
Gelderland's natural monuments are home to diverse wildlife. In areas like De Hoge Veluwe National Park, you might spot red deer, wild boars, and mouflon. The Upper Slinge in Bekendelle is known for roe deer and various woodpeckers, including the black woodpecker. Birdwatching is also popular in many nature reserves.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Gelderland?
Yes, several natural monuments in Gelderland are suitable for families. Veluwezoom National Park and Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes offer varied landscapes and easy paths. The Loenen Waterfall is a peaceful and scenic spot, and Upper Slinge in Bekendelle provides opportunities for walking and observing nature. De Hoge Veluwe National Park also offers free white bicycles, making it great for family exploration.
Are there historical sites among Gelderland's natural monuments?
Yes, Gelderland's natural monuments often blend natural beauty with historical significance. Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill), for instance, was the strategic location of an 11th-century motte castle called Mergelp. Staverden Castle, while a castle, is also listed as a natural monument and has a long history dating back to the 12th century, with ancient burial mounds nearby.
What outdoor activities can I do near Gelderland's natural monuments?
Gelderland's natural monuments are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like those in the Planken Wambuis nature reserve or the Geopad near Beek. For cycling, there are paved paths in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and mountain biking enthusiasts can explore routes like the Veluwezoom Blue MTB Main Route. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes through Loenermark & het Deelerwoud. For more details on routes, refer to the Easy hikes in Gelderland, MTB Trails in Gelderland, and Gravel biking in Gelderland guides.
Are there hiking trails near these natural monuments?
Absolutely. Many natural monuments in Gelderland are integrated into extensive trail networks. You can find easy hikes such as 'On safari in Planken Wambuis nature reserve' or 'Forests and moors near Nijmegen' which offer beautiful scenery. The Veluwezoom National Park is particularly popular for both walking and cycling, offering routes with beautiful views. For a comprehensive list of hiking options, check out the Easy hikes in Gelderland guide.
Can I bring my dog to Gelderland's natural monuments?
While policies vary, some natural monuments in Gelderland are dog-friendly. For example, the Loenen Waterfall is listed as dog-friendly. It's always advisable to check specific regulations for each park or reserve, as some areas may require dogs to be on a leash or restrict access to protect wildlife.
What do visitors enjoy most about Gelderland's natural monuments?
Visitors frequently praise the untouched nature, diverse landscapes, and beautiful views. The distinctive relief of areas like Veluwezoom National Park and the panoramic vistas from Posbank Viewpoint are highly appreciated. Many also enjoy the tranquility and the opportunity to spot wildlife, as well as the charm of unique features like the Sunken Path in the Forest.
Are there natural monuments suitable for beginners or easy walks?
Yes, Gelderland offers several natural monuments with accessible terrain suitable for beginners or those seeking easy walks. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes feature a bike path that meanders through the landscape, and many parts of Veluwezoom National Park have well-maintained trails. De Hoge Veluwe National Park also provides paved cycle paths and various walking routes. For specific easy routes, consult the Easy hikes in Gelderland guide.
Where can I find viewpoints with expansive scenery?
Gelderland is home to several natural monuments offering impressive viewpoints. The Posbank Viewpoint within Veluwezoom National Park is often considered the most beautiful vantage point in the country, especially during the heather bloom. Climbing Duivelsberg (Devil's Hill) rewards visitors with beautiful views of the wooded area and floodplains below. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes also offer scenic vistas of its unique landscape.
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Most popular attractions in Gelderland
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