Gelderland is stretching from the Veluwe hills to the banks of the Rhine. The province is perfect for road trips, cycling and outdoor adventures. The Veluwe is one of Europe’s largest forested areas, home to deer, wild boar and rare birds. You can hike, cycle or drive through its trails and visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Art lovers can visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to a fantastic Van Gogh collection while history lovers can explore WWII sites around Arnhem. Along the rivers, you can delve into the history of towns like Arnhem and Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands.
Places like Doesburg and Bronkhorst showcase traditional Dutch architecture and cobbled streets. Seasonal festivals, local markets and farm-to-table dining give a taste of local life.
Gelderland combines nature, history and culture in a way that makes every trip a discovery. It’s a province where you can explore quiet landscapes, charming towns, castle and even a beautiful zoo.
Gelderland highlights
- Hoge Veluwe National Park A nature reserve of forests, heathlands and sand dunes. You can hike, cycle on free bikes and spot wildlife like deer, wild boar and foxes. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum with its world-class Van Gogh collection.
- Arnhem Walk across the iconic John Frost Bridge, a symbol of World War II history. Then explore the streets filled with cafés, boutiques and street art of this provincial capital. Nature lovers can visit the expansive Sonsbeek Park.
- Nijmegen The oldest cities in the Netherlands, Nijmegen features historic city squares, Roman history, and lively markets. The annual International Four Days Marches attract walkers from around the world.
- Zutphen A hidden gem with medieval streets, old canals and historic buildings. Perfect for a quiet day trip exploring Dutch history and architecture.
- Cannenburch Castle A beautifully preserved 18th-century castle near Vaassen. You can explore the gardens, interior rooms and learn about the history of the noble family who lived there.
The local Four
History of Gelderland
In the Middle Ages, Gelderland rose to power as the Duchy of Guelders, a territory that often challenged its larger neighbors. Cities like Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, thrived thanks to their strategic positions along major trade routes.
During the Dutch Golden Age, Gelderland was quieter than the booming coastal provinces. It played a key role in agriculture, river trade and military defense along the eastern frontier. The landscape itself was transformed by floods, dike building and the gradual cultivation of heathlands and forests.
In the 20th century, Gelderland became the stage for crucial moments of World War II. The Battle of Arnhem in 1944 left deep marks on the region and memorials today keep those stories alive. After the war, the province rebuilt its towns and focused on nature preservation, restoring forests and creating protected areas like the Veluwe.