Apeldoorn

Introduction

Located in the province of Gelderland in the center of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn offers a landscape defined by its diverse geography. You can explore the western half of the municipality situated on the Veluwe ridge or head toward the eastern side to experience the scenery of the IJssel valley.

The municipality encompasses several distinct areas, including the villages of Beekbergen, Loenen, Ugchelen, and Hoenderloo.

Before you go

Prepare for a visit to Apeldoorn by noting that much of the city's history, sights, and attractions are concentrated in the northwest quarter, which serves as the original core. This area features the 17th-century palace Het Loo, stately villa neighborhoods nestled within beautiful parks, and the Apenheul ape zoo. You can also explore the eastern flank of the Veluwe forestry area nearby.

While the city center offers a range of shopping opportunities and dining options, you will find picturesque art nouveau architecture and various entertainment venues at the northern end of the center. Experience the city's spacious, green, and family-oriented atmosphere during the summer months.

Getting there

You can reach Apeldoorn by train from Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Zuid via direct intercity services. If traveling from Amsterdam Central Station, you can take a combination of domestic intercity trains through Hilversum or via Utrecht and Amersfoort. For international travelers, an intercity train between Berlin and Amsterdam serves as an option for cross-border travel. From Eindhoven, your journey involves a change at Utrecht, where you can catch a direct train to Apeldoorn or continue toward Amersfoort for more frequent connections.

If you prefer to travel by car, the city is well connected by the A1 and A50 motorways, which meet in the area. From Schiphol Airport, the drive involves navigating the ring roads around Amsterdam before joining the A1. Alternatively, a car journey from Eindhoven via the A50 motorway provides a straightforward route. For those interested in local scenery, you can board regional trains from Apeldoorn to explore the countryside toward Zutphen or enjoy a heritage steam locomotive service to Dieren during the summer months.

Getting around

You can navigate the compact and walkable town centre on foot or by bicycle, as extensive cycle paths run throughout the city and along the roads. A cycle tunnel beneath the central railway station allows you to move easily between the town centre and the southern parts of the city. For those looking to explore further, a dedicated bike path connects to a wider European cycling network. You can rent a bicycle at the railway station using an OV-Chipkaart or visit standard rental shops located around the city.

The local bus network provides an efficient way to travel, with many routes serving shopping areas and coordinated departure times from the station during the day. During the tourist season, a specific bus service operates toward major attractions in the western part of the city. While regional buses also depart from the station for travel to surrounding areas, note that their connection timings differ from the local lines. For longer journeys, you can take trains from the central hub or utilize coach services for travel to other cities.

Where to stay

You can choose from a wide range of hotels and B&Bs throughout the city. For those seeking more rustic surroundings, the area surrounding Apeldoorn features a high concentration of campsites and greenparks. If you prefer to stay within the city limits, several options provide convenient access to local sights or central locations near the market square.

Depending on your preference for amenities and location, you can find various accommodations:

• Hostels located in pleasant surroundings near must-see sites while remaining accessible to the town center.
• High-end accommodations with restaurant and business facilities situated near major motorways.
• Hotels positioned directly within the heart of the city or on the outskirts for a more secluded stay.
• Budget and backpacking opportunities available through local listings and community platforms.

Food & drink

You can find a wide range of dining options throughout Apeldoorn, with most establishments concentrated in the city centre while more upscale venues are located on the outskirts. For a quick bite, you can visit various fast-food chains or numerous Dutch snackbars specializing in fries. If you prefer Turkish cuisine, the area near Nieuwstraat offers several kebab restaurants. For mid-range dining, you can enjoy Indian dishes at Indiaas Restaurant Apeldoorn or the cozy atmosphere of Restaurant Moon Sky, or opt for an all-you-can-eat Asian buffet at Wokcentre. For a high-end experience, De Echoput specializes in wild ingredients from the surrounding forest.

The local nightlife is primarily centered around Caterplein square, which hosts many bars and restaurants near a cinema complex. You can also find a quieter atmosphere a few blocks away at Leienplein. Notable spots for a drink include:

• Finnegan's Irish Pub in the heart of the nightlife area
• Café Kierewiet, a Dutch pub located nearby
• Het Nieuws van Apeldoorn, situated in the secondary nightlife area of Leienplein

What to see and do

Explore the diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks surrounding the city. You can visit Apenheul, a zoo specializing in monkeys and great apes where some species roam freely among visitors within well-designed habitats. For those interested in history and local culture, the CODA Museum serves as an archive and library for the area. If you prefer to explore the outdoors, the nearby Veluwe region offers scenic views of the Loenense Watervallen, where man-made waterfalls provide a rare change in elevation. You can also visit the Hoog Buurlo Sheepfold or find ancient history at the burial mounds in the Spainkbos.

The area is rich with architectural variety and royal history:

• Explore the 17th-century Paleis Het Loo, a former royal hunting estate featuring ornate gardens and a nearby palace park containing a hedge maze and a statue pond.
• View notable architecture such as the Structuralist Centraal Beheer building or the modern Walterboschcomplex.
• Visit the historic De Wenumse Molen, a water mill where the retention pond remains visible.
• Experience local heritage by riding the Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij on its 22-kilometer rail line.
• Enjoy active pursuits like cycling through the nearby forests, visiting the Omnisport velodrome for athletic events, or heading to Teuge Airport to learn how to skydive.

Three days in Apeldoorn

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the natural beauty of the Veluwe region. You can spend your time wandering through the landscapes of Beekbergen, Loenen, Ugchelen, and Hoenderloo.

Day two, you can visit Het Loo or experience the wildlife at Apenheul to immerse yourself in the local surroundings.

Day three, you can take a relaxing stroll along the IJssel river to conclude your stay in Apeldoorn.