Veluwezoom

About Veluwezoom

Veluwezoom is the oldest national park in the Netherlands, characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, and expansive heathlands. The park features unique elevation changes rare in the Netherlands, with the Posbank being one of its most notable viewpoints. It provides habitat for diverse wildlife including red deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species.

Fauna

The park is home to diverse wildlife, including large mammals such as red deer, wild boars, and roe deer. Birdwatchers can spot numerous species including the black woodpecker, European honey buzzard, and various songbirds. The heathlands provide important habitat for reptiles like the sand lizard and adder, while the varied insect population includes rare butterfly species.

Flora

Veluwezoom's diverse habitats support a rich variety of plant life, including extensive heathlands dominated by purple and common heather. The park features ancient deciduous forests with beech, oak, and birch trees, alongside managed pine plantations. In spring, the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers such as wood anemones and bluebells.

Geology

The park's most distinctive geological features are its push moraines (stuwwallen), formed during the Saale glacial period when ice sheets pushed up layers of sand and gravel, creating hills that reach heights of up to 110 meters above sea level. This makes Veluwezoom one of the highest points in the Netherlands, with the Posbank area offering spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.

History

Established in 1930, Veluwezoom was the Netherlands' first national park. The area's landscape has been shaped by centuries of human activity, from medieval farming practices to the estates of wealthy 19th-century industrialists. The park's distinctive rolling hills were formed during the Saale ice age, when glaciers pushed up sand deposits creating the unique terminal moraines that characterize the region today.

Notable Features

The Posbank, a famous viewpoint named after a former chairman of the Dutch Tourist Association, offers panoramic views over the park and surrounding areas. The historic Herikhuizen estate showcases traditional land management practices, while the extensive network of hiking and cycling trails includes the famous 'Posbank loop'. The park's varied landscape of forests, heathlands, and rolling hills makes it a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Climate & Weather

Veluwezoom experiences a temperate maritime climate typical of the Netherlands, with mild winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from 2°C in winter to 17°C in summer, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The best time to visit is between April and October when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities and the landscape is at its most vibrant.