Attractions and Places To See around Nunspeet - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Nunspeet include a blend of natural beauty and cultural sites in the Gelderland province. The area features diverse landscapes, from forests and heathland to lakes, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Nunspeet also has a rich history, including its past as an artists' colony, reflected in its cultural landmarks. This region provides a variety of points of interest for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Nunspeet
- The most popular attractions is Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, a natural monument characterized by a unique sand drift with varied landscapes of dry forests and wetter parts with old beeches. It offers beautiful views and various picnic spots.
- Another must-see spot is Staverden Castle, a historical castle with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Visitors can explore the castle gardens, enjoy a brasserie, and find a brewery on site.
- Visitors also love Gortelse Heide, a 108-hectare heathland area that is part of the Het Loo Crown Estate. This area offers cultural history, biological diversity, and vast landscapes ideal for cycling and experiencing tranquility.
- Nunspeet is known for its natural features like lakes and forests, historical sites, and outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from sand dunes to castles.
- The attractions around Nunspeet are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1000 upvotes and over 600 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Elburg - historic fishing town with a unique layout
Highlight • Historical Site
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Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes
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Staverden Castle
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The estate and castle have a long history. The counts of Gelderland (later dukes) probably had a court in Staverden as early as the 12th century. In 1299 Count Reinald I obtained city rights from the Emperor. But it never came to a real urban development.
It was probably never the intention that Staverden became a real city. This is apparent from the wording of the granting of the city rights. A research report into the cultural history of Staverden states that the rights granted to Staverden differ greatly from the city rights granted to Gelderland cities at the time. It is stipulated that, in addition to the 'free people', serfs and ministerials or servants may also live there. It can be concluded that we should not regard medieval Staverden as a regular city (to be founded), but as an agricultural settlement with certain legal characteristics of a city. The confirmation of the rights is probably related to the fact that the Count of Gelre is busy increasing his influence on the Veluwe at that time.
Early times
The six preserved burial mounds on the west and east edges of the stream valley show that people were already present in the Staverden area around 4000 years ago. The valley and its surroundings are continuously adapted to the needs of the residents. The stream was used to power water mills. In the stream valley, loam was extracted to bake bricks. Farms were built with fields and large plots of coppice.
Nineteenth and twentieth centuries
From the 19th century, Staverden developed rapidly. Land was reclaimed, roads were constructed or improved and two new farms were built. The aim of the owners was to make Staverden self-sufficient again as a modern agricultural and forestry company, as the estate had functioned for centuries.
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Gortelse Heide
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Monument for Great People
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Popular around Nunspeet
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The castle has changed its appearance in many ways over the centuries. The current building dates from 1905 and was built by Herman Theodore s'Jacob, the scion of a noble family. His father Frederik Bernhard was mayor of Rotterdam and his grandfather was governor of the Dutch East Indies. The architecture goes back to older styles, but the interior still contains features of the Art Nouveau style that was popular at the time. The rest of the estate is still largely intact and the castle garden has also been restored with honor.
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Before 1830, the Beekhuizerzand was part of a large quicksand area. Between 1880 and 1930, it was planted with pine trees on a large scale, especially to prevent dusting. It was also used as a military training area and opened for recreation from 1963. In 2004, many fly pines were felled and the top layer removed from the ground, so that it has become a real quicksand area where the destructible sand has been released again. The area is grazed by sheep.
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Experience the tranquility when you cycle through this rolling heathland area. The Gortelse Heide covers 108 hectares and is part of the Het Loo Crown Estate, the largest contiguous estate in the Netherlands. Here you will find a lot of cultural history, great biological diversity and beautiful vast landscapes.
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Staverden Castle has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. The current castle, partly built in 1853 and partly in 1905, is surrounded by a beautiful estate. The brasserie and brewery located on the estate are also nice. Good place to take a break!
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One of the beautiful quicksand areas in the region - although not really natural, but it's worth it as you don't find something like that often.
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Pretty little place with a closed rampart system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Nunspeet?
Nunspeet is surrounded by diverse natural landscapes. You can visit the unique Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes, characterized by a varied landscape of dry forests and wetter parts with old beeches, offering beautiful views and picnic spots. The Gortelse Heide is a vast heathland area perfect for cycling and experiencing tranquility. For water activities, Veluwe Lake (Veluwemeer) is excellent for sailing, windsurfing, and swimming, while Zandenplas offers a tranquil natural swimming paradise with a sandy beach.
Are there historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit near Nunspeet?
Yes, the region offers several historical and cultural sites. Staverden Castle, though slightly outside Nunspeet, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, with beautiful gardens, a brasserie, and a brewery. The Noord Veluwe Museum in Nunspeet showcases the rich history and art of the region, highlighting Nunspeet's past as an artists' colony. You can also explore Elburg - historic fishing town with a unique layout, a former Hanseatic city with a medieval street plan and numerous monuments.
Where can I find panoramic views of the Veluwe region?
For unbeatable panoramic views, climb the Vuursteenberg Lookout Tower. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes also offer beautiful vistas across its unique landscape. Additionally, the Gortelse Heide provides expansive views of rolling heathland.
What are some family-friendly activities around Nunspeet?
Families can enjoy a visit to the Nunspeet Ezelboerderij (Donkey Farm) for a charming experience walking alongside donkeys. The Zandenplas offers a sandy beach and natural swimming area perfect for picnics and relaxation. The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes are also suitable for family outings with picnic spots and unique landscapes to explore.
Are there good hiking trails near Nunspeet's attractions?
Yes, Nunspeet is an excellent base for hiking. You can find various running and walking routes, such as the 'Zandenplas – Nunspeet Lookout Tower loop' or the 'Zandenbos Off-Leash Dog Area – Kabouter Trail Veluwe loop'. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Nunspeet guide, which includes routes of varying difficulties.
Can I go cycling or mountain biking near Nunspeet?
Absolutely. The region is well-suited for cycling and mountain biking. You can find numerous routes through the Veluwe Forest and heathlands. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'MTB Route Harderwijk – Veluwe – Winding Trail in Veluwe loop from Nunspeet'. If you prefer gravel biking, the 'Gortelse Heide – Gortelseweg Forest Path loop from Nunspeet' is a great option. Discover more routes in the MTB Trails around Nunspeet and Gravel biking around Nunspeet guides.
What unique natural landscapes can I find in the Nunspeet area?
The Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes are a unique sand drift in the region, offering a varied landscape of dry forests and wetter parts with old beeches. The Gortelse Heide, part of the Het Loo Crown Estate, is a 108-hectare heathland area known for its tranquility and biological diversity.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Nunspeet?
Visitors frequently praise the tranquility and natural beauty of the area, especially when cycling through the Gortelse Heide. The unique sand drift at Beekhuizerzand Sand Dunes is also highly appreciated for its beautiful views and picnic spots. The historical charm of places like Staverden Castle, with its gardens and brasserie, also receives positive feedback.
Are there any specific seasonal activities or events in Nunspeet?
Nunspeet hosts local markets, including a weekly market and the annual Eibertjesmarkt. Town festivals like 'De nacht van Nunspeet' (Nunspeet Night) also take place. In autumn, the Vierhouten Mushroom Walk offers an enchanting trail through the forest, perfect for nature lovers.
Where can I relax and enjoy nature in Nunspeet?
You can find relaxation at the Nunspeet Town Park, located in the heart of Nunspeet, offering walking paths and areas for unwinding. A. Vogelland provides lush gardens ideal for a gentle stroll. For a tranquil natural swimming spot, Zandenplas is a great choice with its sandy beach.
Are there any unique local experiences or hidden gems in Nunspeet?
Beyond the main attractions, you might enjoy sampling local brews at the Nunspeet Craft Brewery. The Nunspeet Railway Station also surprisingly hosts an art exhibit that captures the town's spirit. For a picturesque woodland experience, explore Kijktuinen.
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