Things to do in Gelderland

Take a 75 minutes cruise along the Waal River to enjoy the beautiful views over the city and the nature reserve of the Ooijpolder. Relax as you glide over the water and admire the many bridges of Nijmegen.  Then tuck into the all-you-can-eat pancake buffet and savor freshly baked plain, apple, and bacon pancakes. Top your pancakes with all sorts of delights, like cheese, ham, fruits, jams, and eggs.  Join in for a family-friendly cruise suitable for young guests, who will be delighted to play in the large playroom filled with balls in the hold of the boat.

Palace Stories Visitors can choose from three different stories during their time at the palace (audio via an app or paid audio device for €2,50 in Dutch, English and German). Different characters take you back in time when the royal residents lived in the palace. The new underground foyer welcomes the visitor underneath the glass bottom fountain and gives access to the palace and museum galleries. Willem and Marry: Meet the first occupants of Paleis Het Loo. The story of Willem III and Mary is a dramatic mix of power, family and religion. When the young couple became king and queen of England, Paleis Het Loo became the centre of power in Europe. Count Hans Willem Bentinck – Willem III’s best friend – will tell you all about 17th-century politics and the secrets of the palace. Wilhelmina’s Home: Wilhelmina, King Willem-Alexander’s great-grandmother, lived here at Paleis Het Loo, her favourite palace. Guides Ziarah and Mark will take you into her world, with stories about life at the palace in the 19th and 20th centuries. Get to know them a little better in the place they called home. At Home with the Royals: A palace is just like your home. What does home feel like? It’s not just a house to live in, or – if you’re king or queen – to work in. The palace is full of expensive furniture and old paintings. But is it also nice and cosy? Palace Roof This is where Queen Mary drank her tea. From the roof of the castle you have a wide view of the park. You can also see the symmetry and the patterns of the baroque gardens very well from above. Exhibition The House of Orange-Nassau The collection of works of art, objects and photos of the royal family will take you on a journey through the history of the Dutch monarchy and gives an insight into the private life of the House of Orange-Nassau. Palace Gardens Willem and Mary created a large baroque garden. It shows their power and wealth in full glory, with high fountains, impressive statues and fragrant flowers and plants. The garden is exactly as the first inhabitants of Paleis Het Loo had it laid out. Please note that the photo’s used on this page are owned by Paleis Het Loo.

Come face to face with the magical creatures of our natural world with your entry ticket to the Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen. Meet the unique giant panda (cub) and koalas, and learn about protecting natural habitats. Make your way to the zoo entrance and step into a world of wonder as you check the map and decide who you want to visit first. Take the chance to discover one of the most beautiful panda enclosures in the world, the only one in the Netherlands, and watch them chomping on bamboo. Make sure you say hello to the African elephant named Bumi too. Watch the monkeys swinging around and enjoy refreshments at the Maki lounge. Observe the majestic polar bears and learn about their natural habitat, including what they eat and how they hunt. See if you can spot the clouded leapords before you leave the zoo.

Visit the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum, set inside a stunning national park just a 20-minute drive from Arnhem. Discover the world’s second largest Van Gogh collection and stroll through the beautiful sculpture garden. Besides many well-known Van Gogh paintings, the museum houses acclaimed works by Renoir, Picasso, Monet, Mondriaan, and others. As well as its permanent collection, the museum offers temporary exhibits, making every visit different.

Visit De Hoge Veluwe National Park, the largest privately owned and actively managed nature reserve in the Netherlands. Discover exotic plant species and ride on paved cycle paths with free white bicycles with a variety of walking routes. Start your day in the center of the park, where you can start with a visit to the Museonder, where you can admire everything that lives and has lived beneath the earth's surface. After visiting the Museonder you can explore the different landscapes of the park on foot or on a white bike. Our 7 game reserves and 4 bird watching areas are well worth a visit. With a bit of luck, you will be able to observe wild animals or rare bird species.

Dive into 8 million liters of water, go on an adventure in the indoor jungle, and admire the vultures in the desert at Burgers’ Zoo. Experience 45 hectares of zoo with eco-displays, where large-scale natural habitats are recreated in which animals, nature, and visitors roam together. In 1988, one and a half hectares of tropical rainforest (the Bush) was opened to the public. Step inside and experience the humidity, dense vegetation, smells, and sounds of a real jungle. Continue your journey through the Mexican-American rock desert (the Desert), the coral reef in the Indian Pacific Ocean (the Ocean), the plains of the savannah where the giraffes and rhinos wander (the Safari), and the Malay rainforest (the Rimba). The youngest eco-display, the largest indoor mangrove in the world, is inspired by the nature area in Belize, which has been managed for almost 30 years. In the mangrove, discover butterflies, manatees, and many different species of crabs.

Discover the enchanting Dolfinarium, where leaping dolphins, colossal walruses, and roaring sea lions create a mesmerizing underwater spectacle. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean's finest creatures. Delight the kids with four exciting play areas designed just for them, ensuring an unforgettable family experience. The park prioritizes safety and responsibility, implementing new measures for a secure visit. Navigate through the detailed information provided to seamlessly plan your visit, making every moment worthwhile.

In September 1944, Villa Hartenstein was the headquarters of British General Urquhart. Now you can discover the story of the Battle of Arnhem like never before. In the museum you go through the Battle of Arnhem step by step and meet British, Polish and German soldiers. Citizens also play a prominent role; our eyewitnesses tell you what it was like to experience the war as a child. Battle of Arnhem The Battle of Arnhem had a major impact on the further course of the Second World War and the formation of current Europe. The story of the Airborne Museum is an important part of our Dutch history.

Walk through history as stunning sand sculptures bring Amsterdam’s past to life. From its origins as a fishing village to a thriving trade hub, witness the grandeur of the Golden Age, the construction of the iconic canals, and the city’s resilience through wartime. Marvel at detailed scenes of daily life, famous landmarks, and key historical moments. As you explore, immerse yourself in interactive displays and learn fascinating facts about the city’s evolution. The exhibition, set in the beautiful Beeldentuin Garderen, offers a unique mix of art and history, making it an unforgettable experience for all ages. Whether you’re discovering Amsterdam’s past for the first time or reliving its rich heritage, this journey through time will leave you inspired.

Embark on a journey through time at Slot Loevestein, a 14th-century fortress with tales of knights, strategic battles, an infamous prison, and extraordinary escapes. Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, Loevestein Castle isn't just a testament to medieval architecture; it's a chapter in the story of Dutch identity and democracy. From its early days as a knight's stronghold to a state prison that witnessed one of the most ingenious escapes in history, every stone of Loevestein has a story to tell. Surround yourself with nature, history, and the legacy of one of the Netherlands' greatest scholars, Hugo de Groot. From Knight's Stronghold to State Prison Slot Loevestein's journey began in 1358 by Knight Dirc Loef van Horne. This fortress, initially a single tower, expanded over time into the magnificent castle we see today. In the 16th century, during the tumultuous Eighty Years War, Loevestein's strategic location made it a coveted price, changing hands between the Dutch and Spaniards. When finally secured by the Dutch, it transformed into a state prison, setting the stage for one of the most daring escapes in Dutch history. The Great Escape of Hugo de Groot The 17th century brought new fame to Loevestein as the prison of Hugo de Groot, a renowned lawyer and theologian. His escape in 1621 from a life sentence, ingeniously concealed in a book chest, has become legendary. Despite the tight security, his wife's plan led to one of the most talked-about prison breaks. A Bastion in the Hollandse Waterlinie Loevestein's significance was further solidified as part of the Oude & Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, an ingenious defense system of the 17th century. This network of forts and inundations was designed to protect key Dutch cities. In 2021, its historical and strategic importance was recognized globally when it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s this fascinating history that makes a visit to Loevestein Castle absolutely worthwhile. For kids Loevestein has a lot to offer for kids as well. They can discover the history and stories of the castle and the fortress. Learn how to shoot a musket, mix the right ingredients for gunpowder to shake the tower to its foundations, and make sure the fortress doesn't flood when the water starts to rise! Wander through the wall stairs, stroll along the ramparts and test your strenght on the challenging climbing course!