Attractions and Places To See around Ermelo - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ermelo offer a diverse range of experiences in the heart of the Netherlands. This region is characterized by its varied landscapes, including sand dunes, heathlands, and forests. Visitors can explore historical sites and natural monuments, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery. Ermelo serves as a gateway to exploring the unique natural and historical heritage of the Veluwe.
Best attractions and places to see around Ermelo
- The most popular attractions is Radio Kootwijk Building A, a man-made monument that served as a former radio station for communication with Dutch colonies. This imposing building is known for its unique history, style, and location in the middle of the Veluwe.
- Another must-see spot is Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, a natural monument. Visitors can expect a large field of quicksand with varied landscapes, including dry forests and wetter parts with old beeches, offering beautiful views and picnic spots.
- Visitors also love Staverden Castle, a historical castle with a beautifully landscaped park. This estate has a long history, with the current building dating from 1905, and features a brasserie and a small brewery.
- Ermelo is known for its historical sites, natural monuments, and castles. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from unique architectural marvels to expansive natural landscapes.
- The attractions around Ermelo are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1200 upvotes and more than 380 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Radio Kootwijk
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Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes
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Staverden Castle
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The estate and castle have a long history. The counts of Gelderland (later dukes) probably had a court in Staverden as early as the 12th century. In 1299 Count Reinald I obtained city rights from the Emperor. But it never came to a real urban development.
It was probably never the intention that Staverden became a real city. This is apparent from the wording of the granting of the city rights. A research report into the cultural history of Staverden states that the rights granted to Staverden differ greatly from the city rights granted to Gelderland cities at the time. It is stipulated that, in addition to the 'free people', serfs and ministerials or servants may also live there. It can be concluded that we should not regard medieval Staverden as a regular city (to be founded), but as an agricultural settlement with certain legal characteristics of a city. The confirmation of the rights is probably related to the fact that the Count of Gelre is busy increasing his influence on the Veluwe at that time.
Early times
The six preserved burial mounds on the west and east edges of the stream valley show that people were already present in the Staverden area around 4000 years ago. The valley and its surroundings are continuously adapted to the needs of the residents. The stream was used to power water mills. In the stream valley, loam was extracted to bake bricks. Farms were built with fields and large plots of coppice.
Nineteenth and twentieth centuries
From the 19th century, Staverden developed rapidly. Land was reclaimed, roads were constructed or improved and two new farms were built. The aim of the owners was to make Staverden self-sufficient again as a modern agricultural and forestry company, as the estate had functioned for centuries.
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Gortelse Heide
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Radio Kootwijk Building A
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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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Experience the tranquility when you cycle through this rolling heathland area. The Gortelse Heide covers 108 hectares and is part of the Het Loo Crown Estate, the largest contiguous estate in the Netherlands. Here you will find a lot of cultural history, great biological diversity and beautiful vast landscapes.
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Staverden Castle has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The current castle, partly built in 1853 and partly in 1905, is surrounded by a beautiful estate. The brasserie and brewery located on the estate are also nice. Good place to take a break!
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One of the beautiful quicksand areas in the region - although not really natural, but it's worth it as you don't find something like that often.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular attractions around Ermelo?
The most popular attractions around Ermelo include the unique architectural marvel of Radio Kootwijk Building A, a former radio station with a rich history. Visitors also highly rate the expansive natural beauty of Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, known for its varied landscapes, and the historical charm of Staverden Castle with its beautifully landscaped park.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Ermelo?
Yes, several attractions around Ermelo are suitable for families. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes offer a large field of quicksand and varied landscapes perfect for exploration. Staverden Castle features a beautiful park and grounds that families can enjoy. Additionally, the Radio Kootwijk Building A and the Gortelse Heide are also marked as family-friendly, providing diverse options for all ages.
What natural features can I see near Ermelo?
Ermelo is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can explore the unique Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, which feature dry forests and wetter parts with old beeches. The Gortelse Heide offers rolling heathland and forests, providing a tranquil experience. The region is characterized by sand dunes, heathlands, and forests, all part of the Veluwe's natural heritage.
What historical sites are there to visit around Ermelo?
The area around Ermelo boasts significant historical sites. The iconic Radio Kootwijk Building A is a monumental former radio station with a fascinating past, once used for communication with Dutch colonies. Another notable site is Staverden Castle, an estate with a long history dating back to the 12th century, featuring a beautiful park and a small brewery.
Are there hiking trails near Ermelo's attractions?
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails available. For example, you can find easy routes like the 'Low-threshold Gelderland routes - friends and beeches in the Speulderbos' (5 km) or 'Low-threshold Gelderse routes - living history in the Speulderbos' (4 km). Moderate options include 'Hideout No. 3 – Forest House Drie loop from Ermelo' (9.4 km). You can find more hiking options on the Hiking around Ermelo guide page.
Can I go cycling around Ermelo's attractions?
Absolutely. The region offers various cycling routes that pass by or through attractions. For instance, the 'Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes – View of Beekhuizerzand loop from Ermelo' is an easy 25 km route. You can also find moderate routes like 'Ermelo: heathland, castles and Romans' (53.4 km) or 'Staverden Castle – De Hoop Corn Mill Garderen loop from Ermelo' (54.2 km). Discover more routes on the Cycling around Ermelo guide page.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ermelo?
Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of history and nature. They appreciate the imposing architecture and historical significance of Radio Kootwijk Building A, often describing it as surreal. The tranquility and varied landscapes of natural areas like Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes and Gortelse Heide are also highly valued for cycling and walking, offering beautiful views and picnic spots.
Are there any less crowded outdoor spots near Ermelo?
For a quieter experience, consider visiting the Gortelse Heide during off-peak times. While popular, its expansive nature allows for finding peaceful spots, especially on weekdays or outside of holidays. The area is part of the Het Loo Crown Estate, offering vast landscapes to explore.
Are there running trails available near Ermelo?
Yes, there are several running trails around Ermelo, ranging in difficulty. You can find challenging routes such as 'View of the Heath near Ermelo – Totem Pole in Veluwe Forest loop from Ermelo' (24.6 km) or 'Ermelosche Heath – Ermelose Heide loop from Ermelo' (17.3 km). A moderate option is 'WSC Strand Horst – Strand Horst Noord loop from Ermelo' (13.2 km). More options are available on the Running Trails around Ermelo guide page.
What kind of landscape can I expect when visiting Ermelo?
Ermelo is situated in the heart of the Netherlands, characterized by its varied landscapes. You can expect to see unique sand dunes, expansive heathlands, and dense forests. This region, part of the Veluwe, offers a diverse natural environment for outdoor activities and scenic views.
Can I find facilities like food and drink near attractions?
Yes, some attractions offer facilities. For instance, Staverden Castle features a brasserie and a small brewery on its grounds, perfect for a break. While not all natural sites have direct facilities, many routes in the area pass by towns or villages where you can find refreshments.
Most popular attractions around Ermelo
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