The best gravel rides in Tongerense Heide
4.6
(242)
2,992
riders
80
rides
Gravel biking in Tongerense Heide offers diverse landscapes, extensive unpaved roads, and varied natural features. The region is characterized by green forests, expansive heather fields, and fens, providing an engaging environment for cyclists. Its terrain includes hardpack double track dirt roads, unpaved forest paths, and sand paths, with gentle elevation changes. Over 75% of the surfaces on many routes are unpaved, making it ideal for gravel biking.
Best gravel bike trails in Tongerense Heide
- The most popular gravel bike trailβ¦
Last updated: July 3, 2026
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.6
(25)
276
riders
53.7km
03:35
160m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.9
(9)
95
riders
44.8km
03:06
130m
130m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.8
(12)
250
riders
72.8km
04:17
310m
310m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
26
riders
27.8km
01:59
160m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Particularly delicious ice cream, definitely worth a detour. I lived nearby for years and was a regular customer here.
0
0
The heath between Elspeet and Vierhouten is very special. When you look around, you will regularly see a striking shape of the hills. These shapes of the hills were not caused by push-up by the land ice, but by meltwater between blocks of ice. Because the deposition of sediment was faster than the melting of the ice blocks, thick layers of sand and gravel formed around and over the ice blocks. When the ice finally melted, a very irregular terrain remained, which was later referred to as a kame terrace.
0
0
The gravel recommendation
0
0
Wouter describes the comfortable route from Aardhuisweg back towards Uddel. It's fun to do, especially in wet weather, as you and your bike will arrive covered in fine white spray. But if you're looking for a real challenge, go the other way: first, an endless, gently ascending straight path through the heathland, and just when your legs start to feel the heat, there's the heart-pumping winding path through the trees. Actually, it's more fun.
2
0
On the Noorderheide heathland near Vierhouten, three landmarks made of boulders can be found: the Daniel George Pyramid (D.G. Pyramid), the Miesje Pyramid, and the Peter Paul Pyramid (P.P. Pyramid). Along with the now-lost Victoria Pyramid, they were part of the estate of Daniel George van Beuningen (owned by the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum). In 1935, he constructed ingenious waterworks here, consisting of brick gutters, ponds, and a pumping station to pump water and supply the streams. The three remaining pyramids have been restored by volunteers.
5
0
The Grevelweg near Elspeet is almost impossible to navigate with a regular bike. There are many holes and deep grooves in the unpaved path. Unfortunately, I fell off my bike. Be careful!
0
1
During my walk across the Gortelse Heide, I came across the famous Rozeboom ice cream van. It's been here since 1960 and is a regular stop for walkers and cyclists. Freshly made ice cream, a wide selection (including options for dietary requirements), and a beautiful view of the heath. It's the perfect spot for a quick break before continuing your walk.
0
0
Love climbing and descending? You'll find this highlight in "Climbing in the Netherlands," our book with 14 road bike routes, covering over 11,000 meters of elevation gain: Limburg, Nijmegen, Twente, Veluwe, and many more. All routes have multiple distances/shortcuts. Get a Komoot Premium month for β¬5 + a 50% discount on Climbfinder Premium for β¬15 as a gift. Download the ebook for β¬14: https://bit.ly/klimmen-in-nederland
0
1
Frequently Asked Questions
How many gravel bike trails are available in Tongerense Heide?
Tongerense Heide offers a wide selection of nearly 70 gravel bike trails. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 20 easy, 32 moderate, and 16 difficult options to explore.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel routes in Tongerense Heide?
You'll encounter a diverse landscape featuring green forests, expansive heather fields, and a mix of singletracks and gravel forestry roads. Many routes boast over 75% unpaved surfaces, providing an authentic gravel biking experience. As part of the Veluwe region, some areas also include notable elevation changes.
Are there any easy or family-friendly gravel routes in Tongerense Heide?
Yes, there are 20 easy routes perfect for beginners or families. A good option is the Gortelseweg Forest Path β Gortelse Heide loop from Epe, which is 15.2 miles (24.5 km) long and leads through pleasant forest paths and heathland.
What are some notable natural features or viewpoints along the trails?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can find expansive heather fields offering scenic views, dense forests, and even sections that traverse the royal Kroondomeinen. Specific highlights include the View over the Tongerense Heath and the Bench at the Wisselse Veen, both providing excellent spots to take in the scenery.
Can I expect to see any wildlife while gravel biking in Tongerense Heide?
Absolutely. Tongerense Heide is a vital habitat for various protected species. Keep an eye out for red deer, roe deer, wild boar, and badgers. Birdwatchers might spot nightjars, yellowhammers, and woodlarks, especially in the heathlands and the Tongerense Veen area.
Are there any moderate gravel routes that offer varied scenery?
For a moderate challenge with varied scenery, consider the Gortelse Heide β Elspeeter Shrubs loop from Pollense Veen. This 17.2-mile (27.7 km) route features a good mix of heathland and forest sections, with some elevation changes.
Where can I park my car when visiting the gravel trails?
Parking is generally available at various starting points and popular trailheads throughout the Tongerense Heide area. Many routes, especially those starting near Epe, have accessible parking options.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about riding in Tongerense Heide?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 130 reviews. Riders frequently praise the extensive network of unpaved roads, the beautiful and varied landscapes of heath and forest, and the engaging experience for all skill levels.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers?
Yes, there are 16 difficult routes for experienced riders. The Gortelse Heide β Gortelseweg Forest Path loop from De Schorpioen is a challenging 14.7-mile (23.6 km) route that offers a good workout with its varied terrain and elevation.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Tongerense Heide?
The diverse landscapes of Tongerense Heide are enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors, especially when the heather is in bloom. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can offer a unique, quiet riding experience, though some paths might be less smooth due to forest work.
Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks to look out for?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can find interesting spots like the Tepelberg, a notable forest area, and the Welna Forest Path. These highlights add character to your ride and offer opportunities for short breaks.
Most popular routes in Tongerense Heide
Most popular attractions in Tongerense Heide
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.
