You can find Heerde in the center of The Netherlands, in the Veluwe region. The Veluwe region is wellknown for its National Park called the Hoge Veluwe. Surrounding this park are many forests, heather fields and areas with wild streams and rivers.
Visit Heerde recommends visiting the following spots and areas:
Shepherd with sheep at the moors of Heerde, Veluwe, Netherlands
1. Heath Moors
De Renderklippen is a beautiful natural park, mainly covered with heath and pines. It is a hilly area where our herd of sheep makes sure the heath keeps growing by eating grass and small bushes. In August the heath turns into a beautiful colourful purple wave.
Pluizenmeer at the Renderklippen forest area in Heerde- picture by Bertil Olde Weghuis
2. Forest And Wildlife
The forests around the heath area keep many wildlife such as deer, boars and foxes. And don't forget the many birds you can watch! Also, there are small lakes, springs and streams. There are many bike lanes and walking paths with coloured signs where you can do tours on your own to discover places like this little lake, called Pluizenmeer.
Mill in Veessen, Heerde, at the dike at the river IJssel, picture by Yvonne van der Zwan
3. Wind Mills
In Wapenveld and Veessen you can find typical Dutch wind mills which you can visit and see how the miller works! There more cultural sights in Heerde, in the village Vorchten you find well preserved farms and a very old church. Near to Heerde you may find the pretty Hanseatic cities Hattem, Zwolle and Deventer.
River IJssel in Veessen, Heerde. Walk among the river of cycle on the dikes.
4. The Idyllic River Ijssel
The river IJssel is described as the most beautiful river of the Netherlands. The IJssel is 127 km. The unique nature among the river in the valley and the delta of the IJssel, the rich cultural history with Hansa towns, the typical homesteads (IJsselhoeven) and the cold war defense line (IJssellinie) make the IJssel a river worth the visit.
In the towns Veessen and Vorchten you can walk and cycle among the IJssel.
Visit our Tourist Info in Veessen which is at the dike at the IJssel: Koek en ei. There you can go accross the IJssel with a small pedestrian- and bike ferry (Kozakkenveer).
Heerderstrand, the beach and lake surrounded by forest in Heerde, the Netherlands
5. The Beach
Yes, Heerde also offers a beach, which is called Heerderstrand. It is a lovely calm place where you can walk and cycle around the lake and take a swim!
