Heerde

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Heerde's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Exploring the Village
morning
:

Start your journey with a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Heerde. Enjoy the picturesque views of traditional Dutch architecture and vibrant flower gardens. Stop by a local bakery to savor some fresh pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the Heerde Museum to learn about the local history and culture. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the village's rich heritage and enjoy the beautiful surrounding park. Afterward, unwind at a nearby café with a slice of apple pie, a local favorite.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a scenic walk along the IJssel River. Listen to the sounds of nature and watch the local wildlife come alive in the golden hour. End your day with a cozy dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant, enjoying local dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

day 2
Nature Walks
morning
:

Start your morning by exploring the scenic landscapes of the Veluwse Bossen forest. Immerse yourself in nature as you walk or cycle through the lush trails, breathing in the fresh air. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as deer and various bird species.

afternoon
:

After your nature experience, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the many designated areas in the forest. Take time to relax and appreciate the tranquility of your surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park to hike its unique heathland trails.

evening
:

Return to Heerde for an evening of local culture by attending a traditional Dutch folk dance show. Enjoy lively music while participating in the dances, if you feel adventurous. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a local pub, sharing stories with friendly locals.

day 3
Lake Day
morning
:

Head to the nearby Veluwemeer Lake for a refreshing day by the water. Begin with a morning swim or take a peaceful kayak ride to explore the serene surroundings. For breakfast, pack a colorful picnic to enjoy on the sandy shore.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon participating in various water sports such as windsurfing or paddleboarding. Engage in friendly competitions with fellow visitors and make the most of your lakeside fun. Alternatively, relax on the beach while soaking up the sun and reading a good book.

evening
:

As evening approaches, watch as the sky turns beautiful shades of orange and pink over the lake. Enjoy a beach bonfire if permitted and toast marshmallows while sharing stories with newfound friends. End the night reflecting on a day filled with adventure and laughter.

day 4
Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Heerde by visiting local monuments and historical sites. Start with a guided tour of the old church and the 18th-century buildings that showcase Dutch architecture. This will provide insight into the town's history and its significance in the region.

afternoon
:

Continue your cultural exploration by visiting artisan workshops where local craftsmen create handmade goods. Engage with the artisans to learn about their techniques and purchase unique souvenirs. Afterward, take a scenic bike ride to the nearby historical estate, discovering more about the area’s past.

evening
:

Attend a cultural event at the local community center, where you might find art exhibitions, live performances, or film screenings. Mingle with locals who share your interests and perhaps even join in a workshop. Enjoy a simple dinner at a nearby bistro featuring local dishes inspired by traditional recipes.

day 5
Cycling Adventure
morning
:

Rent a bike and kickstart your day with an invigorating cycling tour through the Dutch countryside. Explore the scenic bike paths that weave through fields and quaint villages while stopping to admire wildflowers. Stop at a local market to pick up fresh produce for lunch.

afternoon
:

Continue your cycling adventure towards the beautiful Hoge Veluwe National Park. Here, enjoy cycling among the diverse landscapes, from woodlands to sandy dunes, with the opportunity to spot some wildlife along the way. Take a break to explore the Kröller-Müller Museum, showcasing impressive art collections.

evening
:

Return to Heerde, where you can enjoy an early dinner at a nice terrace restaurant. Relish a delightful meal featuring local specialties while watching the sunset over the village. Finally, consider an evening bike ride to experience the peacefulness of the countryside at dusk.

day 6
Day Trip to Zwolle
morning
:

Take a short trip to Zwolle, a vibrant city rich in history and culture. Begin your day by visiting the Sassenpoort, one of the last remaining city gates. Enjoy breakfast at a cozy café nearby, sampling regional delicacies.

afternoon
:

Continue wandering through the charming streets of Zwolle, stopping at the Museum de Fundatie to view contemporary art. Explore local boutique shops for unique fashion and handicrafts. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant while soaking in views of the IJssel River.

evening
:

As dusk falls, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the river, admiring the reflection of the city lights against the water. Consider dining at one of Zwolle's celebrated restaurants, known for using local ingredients in their dishes. Return to Heerde enriched with experiences from your city adventure.

day 7
Food Lovers' Day
morning
:

Spend your morning at a local farmer's market, engaging with vendors and sampling fresh produce. Discover unique Dutch specialties, from cheeses to baked goods, while chatting with local farmers. This foodie adventure is a perfect way to immerse yourself in local flavors.

afternoon
:

After the market, take part in a cooking class focused on traditional Dutch cuisine. Learn how to create dishes using local ingredients and enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. This experience will deepen your appreciation for Dutch culinary traditions.

evening
:

Conclude the day with a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant specializing in seasonal and organic ingredients. Indulge in a multi-course meal paired with local wines, celebrating the best of Dutch cuisine. Share your culinary journey with your fellow diners, making connections over your shared love for food.

day 8
Relaxation and Wellness
morning
:

Begin your day with a soothing yoga session in one of the parks or at a local wellness center. Enjoy the calming setting as you stretch and unwind, surrounded by nature. Follow this with a healthy breakfast at a café focusing on wellness foods.

afternoon
:

Treat yourself to a spa experience where you can indulge in massages, facials, and relaxation therapies that let you unwind completely. Spend time enjoying the wellness facilities, including saunas and thermal baths. Afterward, savor a nutritious lunch at the spa's café, designed to nurture both body and soul.

evening
:

As the day comes to a close, take advantage of the evening by enjoying a gentle stroll through the community or along designated walking paths. Consider joining a meditation session offered at the wellness center to reflect on your day and focus on relaxation. Finish with a light dinner, emphasizing healthy eating to maintain your wellness theme.

day 9
Art and Music
morning
:

Devote your morning to appreciating local art at galleries and studios featuring the works of regional artists. Engage with artists and gain insight into their creative process and inspirations. This will add a personal touch to your experience of the local art scene.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, participate in an art workshop where you can create your own masterpiece under the guidance of professional artists. Experiment with various mediums and techniques while enjoying the process. Take your creation with you as a memento of your artistic endeavor.

evening
:

Experience the vibrant music scene in Heerde by attending a local concert or open mic night. Enjoy performances from local musicians while mingling with fellow music enthusiasts. End your night by sharing your thoughts about the performances over drinks at a lively bar.

day 10
Shopping and Local Crafts
morning
:

Kick off your day with a visit to local shops and boutiques in Heerde, specializing in handmade crafts and regional products. Spend your morning exploring unique offerings, from pottery to textiles, which showcase the talent of local artisans. Pick up some one-of-a-kind souvenirs to remember your visit.

afternoon
:

Continue your shopping experience at a nearby vintage market or craft fair, where you can hunt for hidden treasures and pre-loved items. Engage with vendors who often have fascinating stories behind their merchandise. After shopping, enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery famous for their local gastronomy.

evening
:

As your day wraps up, enjoy an evening stroll through the town, where you can appreciate the beautifully lit streets. Reflect on your day of shopping and creativity as you sample some local snacks at an outdoor festival or market. Consider ending your night at a trendy café, sipping a cup of hot chocolate or wine.

Discover Heerde

Read more in our Heerde 2025 Travel Guide.

Heerde Travel Guide