Top 13 Waterfalls around Apeldoorn

The Vrijenbergerstreng is a unique and lesser-known stream and spring area in the Veluwe, with high landscape and ecological value. 🌊 What is the Vrijenbergerstreng? The Vrijenbergerstreng is a spring stream: a natural spring stream, man-made. It originates from seepage water that has infiltrated deep into the sandy soils of the Veluwe and surfaces along the edge of the moraine landscape. 🏞️ Location The stream is located in the eastern Veluwe, near Beekbergen/Loenen, an area known for its many springs and streams. The Vrijenbergerstreng is part of a larger historical spring system. ⚙️ Historical Function From the Middle Ages onwards, springs such as the Vrijenbergerstreng were: deepened and extended to increase water flow used for watermills, especially in the paper industry used to power mills and later laundries The clear, iron-free water was ideal for paper production. 🌱 Nature and Landscape The water is cold and clear (a nearly constant temperature year-round) Alders, beeches, and ferns grow along the stream Species such as: stream damselfly newt kingfisher (occasionally) The combination of flowing water, shade, and relief makes the area ecologically valuable. 🚶‍♀️ A hiker's experience The Vrijenbergerstreng is attractive for hikers because of: its peaceful, secluded character the contrast between dry heathland/coniferous forests and wet stream valleys the view of historic waterways that still function You literally walk along a piece of cultural history in the landscape.

Until around 1855, a paper mill operated on the De Molenbeek estate, powered by water from the Griftbeek stream. A waterwheel once stood at the site of the stone ruin, which powered the entire mill. The blue-green information board shows step by step how papermaking worked, from pounding old rags to pressing and drying the paper. This process began in the Middle Ages and continued into the last century. So, using water from the Veluwe, paper has been made in this region for over 400 years.

Nicely laid out, including the stepping stones

Enjoy the view

This sprinkler was dug at the end of the 19th century to maintain the water level of the Apeldoorn Canal. Today, the serene water in the forest makes for an idyllic stop on your hike. The two waterfalls of the Vrijenberger Spreng are the largest in the Netherlands!

This waterfall is located along the Gravinnebeek at the place where a paper mill used to stand. The Gravinnebeek has been completely restored in recent years by the group of volunteers so that it flows freely again, as does the waterfall.

This information board is located along the Gravinnebeek at the location of the waterfall. There used to be a paper mill here. The Gravinnebeek has been completely successfully restored in recent years by a group of volunteers.

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.