The best traffic-free bike rides around Hattem

There are over 30 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Hattem, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. You'll find everything from easy, shorter rides to challenging, longer adventures through diverse landscapes.

The terrain around Hattem is incredibly varied, perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter extensive wooded paths and forests, open heathlands with sandy tracks, and scenic, flatter routes along the IJssel River floodplains. This mix ensures a dynamic and engaging ride, keeping you off paved roads and away from traffic.

Yes, Hattem offers several easy, traffic-free gravel routes. For a pleasant ride along the river floodplains, consider the IJssel Railway Bridge, Zwolle – Vuursteenberg loop from Zwolle. This route is approximately 30 kilometers and provides a gentle introduction to gravel biking in the region.

For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Hattem delivers. Routes like the Elspeetse Heath – Ennerveld – unpaved climb loop from Wezep, spanning nearly 96 kilometers with significant elevation, offer demanding terrain through forests and heathlands. Another excellent option is the De Dellen – Tongerense Heide loop from Oldenelerbroek, which is over 80 kilometers and traverses varied forest and heathland.

Absolutely! Many of the gravel bike trails around Hattem are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. This is ideal for exploring different landscapes without logistical concerns. For example, the Gortelse Heide – Noorderheide Heathland loop from Zwolle is a challenging circular route exploring extensive heathlands.

The no-traffic gravel routes around Hattem are rich in natural beauty and historical sights. You'll cycle through the vast Veluwe forests, across open heathlands, and alongside the scenic IJssel River floodplains. Keep an eye out for historical estates like Windesheim Estate or Den Alerdinck Estate, and even castles such as Kasteel ‘t Nijenhuis, adding cultural depth to your ride.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Hattem, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and quiet landscapes, the excellent network of traffic-free paths, and the opportunity to explore both dense forests and expansive heathlands. The charming Hanseatic town of Hattem itself is also a popular highlight for its historical appeal.

Yes, many routes in the Hattem area beautifully combine these two distinct landscapes. The region's location at the edge of the Veluwe means you can transition from dense woodlands to open heathlands, often within the same ride. The Heathland Zwolse Forest – Ennerveld – unpaved climb loop from Zwolle Stadshagen is a moderate route that showcases this blend of forest and heathland environments.

While Hattem itself is a charming starting point, many of the gravel routes begin from nearby towns like Zwolle or Wezep, which are well-connected by public transport. You can often take a train to these larger hubs and then cycle a short distance to the trailheads, making it convenient to access the no-traffic routes without a car.

Hattem offers great gravel biking opportunities year-round. Spring brings blooming heathlands and fresh forest air, while autumn provides stunning foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and even winter can be beautiful, especially on crisp, clear days, though some sandy sections might be softer. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While many of the gravel routes take you deep into nature, the charming town of Hattem and other nearby villages offer various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel. It's always a good idea to plan your route with potential stops in mind or carry sufficient snacks and water, especially on longer rides through more remote sections of the Veluwe.