Best attractions and places to see in Leuvenum include a blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural insights. This picturesque hamlet and estate in Ermelo, Gelderland, Netherlands, is known for its diverse landscapes and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore extensive forests, ancient agricultural enclaves, and historical sites. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural discovery.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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In Roman times, around 170 AD, this site housed a 9-hectare Roman army camp, which housed approximately 4,000 to 6,000 legionaries. Its outlines are still clearly visible in the landscape. The earth walls of the Roman camp are a protected monument (stolen from Wikipedia: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ermelosche_Heide)
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Forbidden for cyclists. You are not allowed to cycle freely on the Ermelose heath.
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The Harderwijk family of Westervelt bought land adjacent to the Leuvenumsche Beek at the beginning of the eighteenth century. The family had a prestigious house built on the site for their own residence in 1744. The house is located near De Zwarte Boer. At the beginning of the twentieth century, Jonkheer C.J. Sandberg the estate. He demolishes the old farms, reclaims the heath, merges land and creates forests. This is how the current Leuvenum estate was created. De Jonkheer has Huize Leuvenum rebuilt in a different location. Nowadays the estate with the house is part of the Sandberg van Leuvenum Foundation Huize Leuvenum The old house from 1744 is located on an island close to the De Zwarte Boer restaurant. A square townhouse with two floors. On the forecourt in summer there are orange trees in tubs and swans in the canal. On the other side of the water is a deer park. Due to its poor condition, it was demolished in 1854. The demolition released stones. Fun fact is that these stones were used for the renovation of De Zwarte Boer. Sandberg family In 1919, a new chapter was added to the history of Huize Leuvenum. Jonkheer C.J. Sandberg (1883-1945) bought the estate from his cousin in 1919. Jonkheer Sandberg is building a new Huize Leuvenum in a different location. It will be a stately two-storey mansion. It also has a picturesque dome tower. The construction corresponds to the design of De Essenburgh Castle in Hierden. With the beautiful nature frame, the house forms an attractive picture in Ermelo. He is also vigorously pursuing the development of the estate. He demolishes old farms, reclaims the heath, merges land and creates forests. The farms on the estate are recognizable by their green shutters with yellow stripes. The family will only stay in the hunting lodge (now demolished) during the summer. De Jonkheer suffers from asthma. He notices that his health is much better in Leuvenum. After a while, he and his family moved into the new Huize Leuvenum. Sunday is a day for church. They walk straight through the fields and meadows to the Oude Kerk in Ermelo. The family has its own pew in the church. During the Second World War, the Sandberg family took in evacuees. The Germans invaded the house in January 1945. They arrest Jonkheer Sandberg and his son. Both are taken away. Father and son do not survive the German concentration camps. His wife and daughters remain alone in Huize Leuvenum. Survival of estate and Huize Leuvenum The unmarried Damsels A.C. Sandberg (1916-2006) and M.A.J. Sandberg (1919-2014) are the last residents of Huize Leuvenum. They founded the Sandberg van Leuvenum Foundation in 2002. In this way they secure the continued existence of the estate and Huize Leuvenum. Leuvenum owes a lot to Jonkheer Sandberg. That is why the road that runs through the hamlet is named after him.
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You can spin a wheel to hear the commander and the clatter of weapons.
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The Roman Marching Camp near Ermelo is the only Roman Marching Camp found in the Netherlands. Excavations have shown that Marcus Aurelius' army camped here on the heath for a few days in the year 170 AD.
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You can listen to the story from the pump behind the couch.
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Fantastic cycle route from Elspeet to Harderwijk. The cycle lane has just been re-tarred and the bike rolls like a 1 🤗
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beautiful quiet forest road
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Leuvenum is rich in natural beauty. You can discover the extensive Leuvenum Forest (Leuvenumse Bos), perfect for hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, with diverse landscapes and wildlife like red deer. The meandering Leuvenumsche Beek offers picturesque walking routes, including paths leading to a waterfall near Het Rode Koper. Additionally, explore ancient agricultural enclaves and heathlands, which are vital for local biodiversity.
Yes, Leuvenum boasts significant historical sites. Don't miss the Roman marching camp, the only one found in the Netherlands, where Marcus Aurelius' army camped around 170 AD. You can also see Leuvenum House (Huize Leuvenum), a stately mansion with a rich history, now part of the Sandberg van Leuvenum Foundation.
Leuvenum is excellent for cycling. You can ride along the Jonkheer Doctor C.J. Sandbergweg, a recently re-tarred route from Elspeet to Harderwijk. For varied terrain, try the Postweg Gravel Section (Veluwe), which offers both gravel and paved surfaces. The Heath-to-Forest Cycling Path in Veluwe provides breathtaking scenery on proper cycling roads, connecting to the Kroondomein for longer trips.
Many attractions in Leuvenum are suitable for families. The extensive Leuvenum Forest is ideal for leisurely walks and picnics. The Roman marching camp offers an educational historical experience. Cycling paths like the Jonkheer Doctor C.J. Sandbergweg and the Heath-to-Forest Cycling Path in Veluwe are also family-friendly.
Leuvenum offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore the Leuvenum Forest with its winding trails or follow the picturesque routes along the Leuvenumsche Beek. For specific routes, consider checking out the easy hikes in Leuvenum, such as the 'Leuvenumse Stream – Waterfall at Het Rode Koper loop' or 'Under the beeches along the Leuvenumse beek'. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking in Leuvenum guide.
Leuvenum is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for hiking and cycling. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the forests, making it ideal for scenic walks and wildlife spotting. The heathlands are particularly stunning when in bloom.
Yes, Leuvenum is known for its rich biodiversity. The Leuvenum Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation and photography. The agricultural enclaves and heathlands also provide a rich food source for local animals.
A distinctive cultural feature of the Leuvenum estate is its traditional farms, many of which are recognizable by their dark green shutters with yellow stripes. These historic hall-house farms, some dating back centuries, contribute to the area's unique charm and history.
Absolutely. Leuvenum has several easy walking trails. The paths along the Leuvenumsche Beek are generally flat and pleasant. For specific easy routes, you can refer to the 'Easy hikes in Leuvenum' guide, which includes options like the 'Bench with View of Veluwe – Leuvenumse Stream loop' and 'Leuvenumse Stream – Waterfall at Het Rode Koper loop'. Find more information in the Easy hikes in Leuvenum guide.
Visitors frequently praise Leuvenum for its pristine natural scenery, well-maintained paths, and peaceful environment. The blend of extensive forests, historical landmarks, and diverse landscapes, along with opportunities for hiking and cycling, are highly appreciated by the komoot community.
Yes, Leuvenum offers various running trails for different skill levels. You can find routes like the 'Running loop from Elspeet' for a moderate run or more challenging options such as the 'Alternative Route in Veluwe loop'. For a comprehensive list of trails, consult the Running Trails in Leuvenum guide.
Yes, 'De Zwarte Boer' restaurant is located near the original site of the 1744 Leuvenum House, offering a convenient spot to eat and drink amidst the natural surroundings.


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