Royal Christmas Fair Apeldoorn
Annual Christmas market in December around Het Loo Palace with festive stalls and lights.
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Apeldoorn
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Apeldoorn
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Book tickets for Paleis Het Loo (former royal palace) in advance; the baroque gardens are most beautiful in spring.
- Arrive at the Apenheul primate park right at opening time, as the monkeys are most active then.
- Rent an OV-fiets (bicycle) at the station to explore the nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park.
- Use the free, guarded bicycle parking facilities in the city center if you arrive by bike.
- Admire the many monumental villas in the parks district around the Oranjepark.
🍽 Food
🍽
Venison (Wildbraad)
Try game dishes during the autumn and winter months at the restaurants surrounding the Veluwe.
🍽
Appeltaart
Treat yourself to a large slice of traditional Dutch apple pie at one of the cozy cafes on Raadhuisplein.
🍽
Local products
Buy local Veluwe products like honey and jam at the weekly market on the Marktplein.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Hoofdstraat
The main shopping street with a wide selection of Dutch and international retail chains.
🛍
De Oranjerie
An indoor shopping mall in the center, first-rate for rainy days.
🛍
Weekly market
Visit the large Saturday market for fresh food, cheese, and freshly baked stroopwafels.
🧘
Oranjepark
A classic 19th-century park right in the city center, convenient for relaxing on a bench.
🧘
Berg en Bos
A vast nature park on the edge of the city with forest trails, an observation tower, and a wild boar enclosure.
🧘
Paleispark Het Loo
For a small fee, you can walk through the extensive, quiet palace forests.
Water temperature…
Apeldoorn is a prominent city in the province of Gelderland, situated on the eastern edge of the Veluwe, the largest forested area in the Netherlands. The city's history is deeply intertwined with the Dutch Royal Family, as it is home to Paleis Het Loo, which served as a summer residence for the House of Orange from 1686 until 1975. During the 19th century, Apeldoorn experienced significant growth driven by the paper-making industry and the expansion of the national railway network. Today, the city is celebrated for its expansive parks and proximity to nature, earning it a reputation as a garden city. Beyond its administrative role, it hosts major tourist attractions such as the Apenheul primate park and the Koningin Juliana Toren amusement park. The current economic landscape is characterized by the service sector, large insurance firms, and government agencies like the national tax office. Apeldoorn successfully blends royal heritage with modern infrastructure and a high quality of life surrounded by greenery.
- Location: Gelderland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Orpheus · CODA · Paleis het Loo
- Nearby: Vaassen (8 km)
- Population: ~136.670
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 60 | 55 | 39 | 59 | 59 | 77 | 80 | 58 | 64 | 68 | 76 |
Live webcam – Apeldoorn
See what it looks like near Apeldoorn right now.
Voorst › North-east · 6.6 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Paleis Het Loo was opened to the public as a national museum in 1984.
- The Apenheul primate park was the world's first zoo where monkeys could roam freely among visitors in 1971.
- Apeldoorn has a population of approximately 165,000 and is one of the largest municipalities by land area in the country.
- The city emerged as a hub for the Dutch paper industry during the 19th century.
- The Hoge Veluwe National Park is located just a few kilometers southwest of the city center.
- Apeldoorn serves as the headquarters for the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster).
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→14:352.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Apeldoorn at the City Hall and the historic Grote Kerk. Feel the royal atmosphere of the city, which is closely linked to the Dutch royal house. In the morning, immerse yourself in local culture and art at the CODA Museum, which offers modern exhibitions in an impressive building. Afterwards, take a lunch break, perhaps with some Dutch snacks, before moving on. The afternoon is all about relaxation in the green Oranjepark. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the tranquility. End your walk with a look at the distinctive Theater Orpheus, a center for the performing arts.
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09:00→14:352.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
Start your day at the City Hall, where the porticos provide shelter from the drizzle. The Grote Kerk is a quiet, dry sanctuary for the morning. Spend midday inside the spacious CODA Museum, the perfect spot for rainy hours. A quick dash through Oranjepark leads you to Theater Orpheus, where the day concludes in an elegant, indoor setting away from the rain.
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09:10 · 47'
Apeldoorn City Hall
Use the porticos by the market square as a dry meeting point.
🚶 9'0.31 km
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09:00→14:352.4 km walk5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 17–23 €Entries 20€ · Transport 0€
A frosty morning at the City Hall starts the tour. Inside Grote Kerk, find silence and protection from the winter wind. CODA Museum offers cozy warmth and modern art at midday. Oranjepark looks particularly peaceful in the low winter light before dusk falls early. Spend the evening at the festively lit Theater Orpheus.
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🚶 9'0.31 km
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10:06 · 47'
Grote Kerk (Great Church)
It is often colder inside than expected; keep your coat on.
🚶 10'0.35 km
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09:00→15:3311.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
Hop on your bike and start your day at the CODA Museum to get in the cultural mood. Afterwards, a scenic bike ride takes you north to the magnificent Paleis Het Loo. Explore the former royal palace and its stunning baroque gardens - an absolute highlight. After the royal splendor, it's time for an animal adventure at Apenheul, where monkeys roam freely. Lunchtime is perfect for a break in this green environment. In the afternoon, cycle through the spacious Berg en Bos park, enjoy nature and perhaps climb the observation tower. The tour ends back in the city center, where you can treat yourself to a well-deserved dinner.
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09:00→15:3311.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
Start at CODA Museum, where you can park your bike under shelter. The ride to Paleis Het Loo goes through tree-lined avenues providing some cover. At Apenheul, make use of the covered observation spots. Berg en Bos Park offers a mystical atmosphere in the rain. Finally, pedal back to the city center for a warm meal.
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🚲 19'2.69 km
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09:00→15:3311.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 27–37 €Entries 20€ · Transport 12€
Start the winter tour well-layered at CODA Museum. The ride to Paleis Het Loo offers crisp air and often frost-covered gardens. At Apenheul, some animals are less active; use the heated indoor enclosures. Berg en Bos Park shows a serene winter stillness. The ride back happens at dusk with bike lights on toward the center.
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13:39 · 84'
Return to City Center
Ensure your bike lights are working perfectly for the return.
09:00→16:2621.3 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 24€ · Transport 4€
With a car, you have the freedom to discover the extensive treasures around Apeldoorn. Start your adventure at Radio Kootwijk, a breathtaking art deco building in the middle of the Veluwe National Park. After this architectural marvel, drive to the royal cluster. The morning is dedicated to Paleis Het Loo. Park your car and explore the palace and gardens. Then, take a walk to the neighboring Apenheul for a fun encounter with monkeys. After lunch, drive into Apeldoorn's city center. Park again and explore the historic core on foot, starting with the Grote Kerk and a quick visit to the CODA Museum, before ending the day with a leisurely dinner.
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09:00→16:2621.3 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 24€ · Transport 4€
The drive starts at the futuristic Radio Kootwijk, which looks particularly imposing in the rain. Next, head to Paleis Het Loo, where you can park close to the entrance. Spend the afternoon dry at Apenheul's indoor spots or Grote Kerk. The day ends with a visit to CODA Museum and a cozy dinner in the center.
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09:10 · 47'
Radio Kootwijk
Park directly in the designated area to minimize walking in rain.
🚗 50'14.01 km
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10:47 · 47'
Paleis Het Loo
Use the shuttle service from the parking lot to the palace during heavy rain.
🚗 10'1.97 km
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11:44 · 47'
Apenheul Primate Park
The indoor enclosures are great to visit even when it rains.
🚗 16'3.87 km
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🚗 7'1.08 km
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14:32 · 84'
Dinner in the Center
Choose a restaurant with easy access to an underground parking.
09:00→16:2621.3 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 24–32 €Entries 24€ · Transport 4€
A clear winter morning takes you to the monumental Radio Kootwijk. The drive through the Veluwe is picturesque during frost. Afterward, warm up inside Paleis Het Loo. Spend the cool afternoon at Apenheul and Grote Kerk. Finally, enjoy the warmth of CODA Museum before settling in for dinner.
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🚗 50'14.01 km
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12:47 · 47'
Grote Kerk (Great Church)
Take advantage of the short walk from the car to stay warm.
🚗 4'0.35 km
🚗 7'1.08 km
Sights in the town Apeldoorn (18)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Apeldoorn?
Paleis Het Loo, a former royal palace famous for its magnificent baroque gardens.
Which zoo is located in the city?
Apenheul, a unique primate park where many monkeys roam freely among visitors.
Is Apeldoorn near a national park?
Yes, it is the gateway to the Hoge Veluwe National Park, well-suited for cycling and hiking.
Is there a theme park nearby?
Yes, Julianatoren is a popular amusement park specifically for families with young children.
How is the public transport connection?
Apeldoorn is a major railway hub and easily accessible from all major Dutch cities.
Apeldoorn: where is it located?
Apeldoorn is located in Gelderland, Netherlands.
Apeldoorn: what is there to see?
Highlights include Orpheus, CODA, Paleis het Loo.
Apeldoorn: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Apeldoorn: why is it worth visiting?
Apeldoorn is a prominent city in the province of Gelderland, situated on the eastern edge of the Veluwe, the largest forested area in the Netherlands.
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History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Paleis Het Loo Apeldoorn
Paleis Het Loo was a royal palace near Apeldoorn.
Elspeet Hill
The Elspeet Hills are located in the middle of the Veluwe heathland.
Kootwijkerzand
Kootwijkerzand is a large drifting sand area in the middle of the Veluwe.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
A vast nature area in Gelderland.
De Uilenhorst National Park
A protected nature area in the east of the Netherlands.
Veluwezoom Moraine
The Veluwezoom is a hilly moraine area in the east of the Veluwe.
Rozenheuvel
Rozenheuvel is a viewpoint in the Veluwezoom National Park.
Posbank
Posbank is a prominent hill in the Veluwezoom National Park.