Salentse Bos

The Sallandse Bos is part of the impressive Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park in the province of Overijssel, a prominent terminal moraine landscape from the Saale ice age. This chain of hills rises significantly from the otherwise flat Dutch environment, offering a mosaic of dense coniferous and deciduous forests as well as extensive heathlands. Historically, the area is of great importance as it hosts one of the last stable populations of the black grouse in the Netherlands, which is why parts of the area are strictly protected. The geology of the region is fascinating; the hills, reaching up to 75 meters high like the Holterberg, were created by massive ice sheets pushing sand and debris ahead of them. Numerous hiking and cycling trails lead through the hilly landscape, which is particularly memorable in autumn due to the coloring of the beech forests. An information center at the Holterberg gives in-depth insights into the ice age history and the specific flora and fauna of this special forest area.

Nearby cities

Lelystad

The capital of Flevoland was built on reclaimed land and is known for the Batavia shipyard and modern waterfront architecture.

Kampen

Kampen is a historic Hanseatic city on the IJssel with one of the best-preserved historical skylines in the Netherlands.

Harderwijk

Harderwijk is a Hanseatic city at the edge of the Veluwe and Veluwemeer, world-famous for the Dolfinarium.

Zeewolde

The youngest municipality in the Netherlands, located on the Flevo polder.

Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a historic city in the province of Utrecht with a well-preserved medieval center.

Barneveld

Welcome to Barneveld, the poultry capital of the Netherlands, known for its charming traditions, historic summer market, and the famous B…

Soest

Soest is located in the province of Utrecht.

Almere

Almere is the largest city in the province of Flevoland, built entirely on reclaimed land.

Woudenberg

A charming village in the heart of the Netherlands, known for its beautiful forests and the Henschoter Meer recreational lake.

Doornspijk

A quiet village in the Veluwe region, offering a peaceful retreat between lush forests and the Veluwemeer lake.

Zeist

Zeist is a city in the province of Utrecht, nestled in the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Veenendaal

Veenendaal is situated at the foot of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Driebergen-Rijsenburg

Driebergen-Rijsenburg is located in the province of Utrecht.

Elburg

Elburg is a beautifully preserved medieval fortress town and former fishing port on the edge of the Veluwemeer lake.

Ede

Ede is a city in the province of Gelderland, nestled among the heathlands and forests of the Veluwe.

History & landmarks

Naarden

One of Europe's best-preserved fortified towns, famous for its distinctive star-shaped layout and double moats.

Hoge Veluwe

The De Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest continuous nature reserve in the Netherlands and is located in the province of Gelderland.

Nature

Oostvaardersplassen

This nature reserve was created by the drainage of Flevoland.

Oostelijk Vechtplassen

A lake district east of the Vecht.

More places

Arkemheen Polder

This polder area is an important protected area for meadow birds.

Polder Arkemheen

A historic polder with high ecological significance.

Oostvaardersbos

A young forest in the nature reserve near Almere.

Nieuw Land National Park

One of the youngest national parks, located in Flevoland.

Port of Lelystad

The Port of Lelystad on the Markermeer specializes in recreational boating and light industrial logistics.

Baarn Sand Hill

Baarn Sand Hill is a forested elevation near historical estates.

Elspeet Hill

The Elspeet Hills are located in the middle of the Veluwe heathland.

Laren Hill

Laren Hill is located in the Gooi region.