Things To Do
in Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn is a green city in central Netherlands, close to the Veluwe forest and expansive parks. It blends royal history with modern, family-friendly attractions. The city is known for its large parks, elegant palaces, and easy access to nature trails.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, charming streets, and a mix of culture and outdoor activities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Apeldoorn. Admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings and visit the stunning St. Joseph's Church, which showcases intricate Gothic details. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy a traditional Dutch breakfast of fresh bread and pastries.
After lunch, visit the CODA Museum, which features contemporary art and a fascinating collection of applied art. Take time to explore the nearby Het Loo Palace, once a royal residence, where you can wander through the lush gardens and learn about Dutch royal history. Spend some time shopping at local boutiques, discovering unique souvenirs and artisanal crafts.
As the sun sets, dine at a cozy restaurant in the heart of the city, where you can indulge in traditional Dutch cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the charming ambiance of the historic center. Cap off the night with a visit to a local café for a drink and perhaps some live music.
Begin your day with a visit to the Hoge Veluwe National Park, just a short drive from Apeldoorn. Rent a bike to explore the park's vast landscapes, dotted with heaths, forests, and sand dunes. Keep an eye out for the unique wildlife, including deer and wild boar, that roam freely in this stunning natural environment.
After a morning of cycling, stop at the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to a remarkable collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings. Enjoy lunch at the museum's café, which offers a delightful menu featuring local ingredients. Spend the afternoon strolling through the sculpture garden, where you can appreciate art in a natural setting.
Return to Apeldoorn and unwind with a relaxing dinner at a restaurant that specializes in regional dishes. If you’re up for it, take a short walk to the nearby village of Beekbergen to experience local nightlife at a pub or café. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you reflect on a day filled with nature and art.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-5 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $100-180 |
| 🧀500g local cheese | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong access to nature and green spaces
- Royal history and cultural assets like Het Loo Palace
- Walkable center and good cycling infrastructure
- Central location with easy rail links to major cities
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to big cities
- Can be busy during Veluwe events and weekends
- Weather can be changeable; plan for rain
- "Dag" - Hello / Good day
- "Dank u wel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don’t understand
- "Kunt u mij helpen?" - Could you help me?
Places to Visit in Apeldoorn
Visit one of these nice places.
Immaculate baroque gardens and grand avenues ideal for symmetry and palace reflections.
Historic church façade and the lively market square provide architectural and street photography opportunities.
Modern glass-and-brick architecture with photogenic light and art installations.
Forest paths, water features, and bridges offer natural photography in green surroundings.
Food in Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Dutch comfort dish: mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and smoked sausage.
Must-Try!
Hearty pea soup often enjoyed with rookworst and pancakes in colder months.
Battered fried fish bites typically served with lemon and garlic sauce.
Fluffy mini pancakes, usually served with butter and sugar.
Indonesian-inspired dishes showcasing spice blends popular in the Netherlands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls with cheeses, fresh produce, stroopwafels, herring, and seasonal treats.
Casual spots near the center offering fried fish, frites, and Dutch pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dutch people tend to be straightforward; be polite and respectful in conversation.
Stay in bike lanes, signal your turns, and give way to pedestrians in crowded areas.
Respect orderly queues; avoid cutting in line and keep a reasonable distance in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Apeldoorn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is common if service is good.
PIN-based debit and credit cards are widely accepted; cash is becoming less common but still usable. Contactless payments are standard.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blooming trees in the parks; pleasant daytime temps and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Warm days ideal for outdoor cycling and long park walks; expect frequent showers and sunny intervals.
Golden foliage in the Veluwe; great light for photography and forest hikes.
Cold days with possible frost; enjoy festive markets, warm drinks, and fireside dining.
Apeldoorn at Night
Hiking in Apeldoorn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive network of hiking trails through heathlands, forests, and sand dunes, plus art at Kröller-Möller Museum.
Rolling heath and forests with scenic viewpoints and long circular walks.
Airports
How to reach Apeldoorn by plane.
Major international hub about 60-90 minutes by train from Apeldoorn.
Another international option, typically reachable by train or car in a couple of hours.
Northern option; reachable with rail connections, though longer travel times.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly attractions attract many residents and visitors.
A large proportion of calm neighborhoods and heavy emphasis on quality of life.
Growing presence near educational institutions and the CODA Museum area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A defining Dutch pastime with extensive bike paths and scenic routes around the Veluwe.
Local clubs and amateur leagues are active; many residents participate in weekend matches.
Several courts and clubs offer outdoor tennis in spring and summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Apeldoorn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie dishes or ask for adaptations. In markets, choose vegetable-forward snacks and dairy-free options.