The best MTB trails around Veluwezoom National Park

The trails in Veluwezoom National Park offer a diverse and rugged experience. You'll encounter rolling hills, dense forests, vast heathlands, and expansive sand drifts. Expect a mix of hardpack, loose sand segments, and sections with roots. Some trails feature technical elements like berms, drops, jumps, pump tracks, and even small rock gardens, providing a varied and engaging ride.

Yes, unlike much of the Netherlands, Veluwezoom National Park features notable elevation changes. Hills can reach up to 110 meters above sea level, providing challenging climbs and descents. The southern part of the park is particularly known for its tough, rough climbs over moraines. For example, the MTB Route Rheden - Blue Route includes over 360 meters of elevation gain.

Yes, an MTB vignette is required to use the designated mountain bike trails within Veluwezoom National Park. These routes are well-marked with blue MTB symbols and are maintained by volunteers.

The iconic Posbank, at an altitude of 90 meters, offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding hilly Herikhuizerveld, the IJsseldal, and the Achterhoek. Other notable points of interest include various peaks and climbs such as the Emma Pyramid climb, Zijpenberg Climb from Rozendaal, and Signaal Imbosch.

Yes, the park offers several easier routes suitable for families or beginners. For instance, the Wooden bridge over Rozenbos loop from Ellecom is an easy 8.1 km trail, and the Skinny Bend Veluwezoom loop from Laag-Soeren is an easy 3.4 km option. These routes provide a less strenuous introduction to mountain biking in the park.

Veluwezoom National Park has multiple starting points for its mountain bike routes, many of which offer parking facilities. Some starting points also have catering options available.

The park is beautiful year-round, but the heathlands are particularly vibrant in August when the heather blooms, offering stunning purple landscapes. Wildlife, such as red deer, is also very active during the mating season in September and October. While trails are generally well-maintained, conditions can vary with weather, especially after dry periods when sandbanks can be quite loose.

The mountain bike routes in Veluwezoom National Park are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,400 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, including spicy climbs, sharp turns, good singletrack, and fast descents. The varied landscape of hills, heath, sand, and forest, along with well-marked trails, contributes to a highly enjoyable experience.

While primarily known for its hills and heath, the park area does feature some beautiful water elements. You can find the Waterfall at Beekhuizen Pond and the tranquil Beekhuizen Pond itself. The Heuven Spring is another natural water feature in the vicinity.

The main mountain bike route in Veluwezoom National Park is approximately 48 to 49 kilometers long, often referred to as the "Mountain Bike (MTB) Route Veluwezeen." This route, such as the MTB Route Rheden - Blue Route, typically takes around 4 hours to complete. Including additional loops, the total distance can extend to 58 kilometers.

Yes, for those without their own equipment, bike hire kiosks are available at the visitor center, making it convenient to explore the park's extensive trail network.

Many of the mountain bike routes in Veluwezoom National Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Ark's Cottage – Veluwezoom Fire Watchtower loop from Postberg and the Teerose-Granny Descent loop from Rozendaal.