Apeldoorn Travel Guide
City City in Gelderland, known for its parks
Beyond Amsterdam, Apeldoorn attracts cyclists and museum-goers with Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Kröller-Müller Van Gogh collection, Het Loo palace gardens and miles of beech-lined cycling paths.
Why Visit Apeldoorn? #
Apeldoorn appeals to travelers who want a mix of green space and refined history, anchored by Het Loo Palace and its formal gardens. Outdoor lovers come for the nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park and its cycling routes, while families often plan a day at Apenheul monkey park. There is a calm, accessible charm here-good museums, leafy boulevards and a cycling culture that makes exploration easy and pleasant.
Who's Apeldoorn For?
Apeldoorn is a gateway to De Hoge Veluwe National Park with expansive heathland, cycling trails and the Kröller‑Müller’s sculpture garden. Rent a free white bicycle and explore forests around Hoenderloo and Otterlo for classic Dutch outdoors experiences.
Great family pick: Paleis Het Loo’s gardens, Apenheul primate park, and expansive playgrounds in the city. The compact centre and good cycling infrastructure make it easy to manage kids; family hotels cluster near Stationsplein and the palace.
Couples enjoy romantic walks in the palace gardens, cozy cafés in the city centre and quieter Veluwe bike routes. Dinner options around Hoofdstraat and boutique stays near Park Berg & Bos suit low‑stress, nature‑focused getaways.
Apeldoorn’s dining scene focuses on quality regional fare, farm‑to‑table spots and market cafés around the city centre. Try local cheeses, seasonal menus in Hoofdstraat and nearby village eateries for hearty Dutch dishes.
Reliable Dutch broadband, quiet cafés and short drives to Veluwe trails make Apeldoorn viable for remote work. Coworking options are smaller than big cities, but affordable long‑stay rentals and easy train links to Arnhem/Amersfoort help balance work and nature.
Good base for cycling, trail running and mountain‑biking in the Veluwe. Day trips include horseback riding and guided nature tours; organized outdoor outfitters operate from the park’s towns for equipment hire and maps.
Top Things to Do in Apeldoorn
All Attractions ›
- Paleis Het Loo - Former royal palace with formal gardens, period rooms, and changing temporary exhibitions.
- Apenheul Primate Park - Wooded park where many monkeys roam free among visitors on forested paths.
- CODA Museum - Contemporary art, design and applied arts museum with notable jewelry and archive collections.
- Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe - Large protected heath and forest offering cycling, wildlife watching, and the Museonder.
- Radio Kootwijk - Isolated Art Deco transmitter building ideal for photography, walks, and evening light.
- Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij (Beekbergen) - Heritage steam railway out of Beekbergen running vintage trains along scenic Veluwe tracks.
- Veluwse Bron - Spa complex in nearby Emst with thermal pools, saunas, and relaxed local atmosphere.
- Julianatoren - Compact family amusement park featuring gentle rides and regular shows for young children.
- Park Berg & Bos - Hilly forest park with walking trails, picnic spots, and views from lookout points.
- Kröller-Müller Museum - Van Gogh masterpieces and large outdoor sculpture park within Hoge Veluwe grounds.
- Deventer - Hanseatic riverside town with narrow streets, medieval architecture, and a popular book market.
- Zwolle - Historic city centered on the Sassenpoort gate, museums, and lively cafés to explore.
- Giethoorn - Car-free canal village known for boat rentals, reed-thatched houses, and peaceful waterways.
- Burgers' Zoo - Large zoological park in Arnhem featuring immersive biomes, conservation exhibits, and accessible trails.
Where to Go in Apeldoorn #
Centrum
Apeldoorn’s Centrum is compact and walkable, full of cafés, bakeries and the main shopping streets. It’s an easy base for first-time visitors - close to CODA Museum and the theatre, with regular markets and good train links. Suits families and people who want city comforts within easy reach of nearby parks.
Top Spots
- CODA Museum - modern art, design and a useful intro to Apeldoorn’s culture.
- Theater Orpheus - main performing-arts venue for concerts and plays.
- Marktplein - regular market with cafés and weekend bustle.
- Apeldoorn Station - hub for trains to Amsterdam and the Veluwe.
Het Loo
Paleis Het Loo is the main draw: a restored royal residence with extensive formal gardens and seasonal exhibitions. The neighbourhood around the palace is calm, photogenic and lined with parkland. It’s ideal for history fans and anyone wanting a measured, scenic visit away from the town centre.
Top Spots
- Paleis Het Loo - a baroque palace with interiors and gardens to explore.
- Het Loo Gardens - formal beds and paths perfect for a slow stroll.
- Park Paleis Het Loo - surrounding parkland with bike routes.
Berg & Bos
Berg & Bos is a patch of pine forest and rolling paths on Apeldoorn’s edge, great for hiking and family days out. Apenheul and the little Julianatoren amusement park sit on the park fringe, so it’s popular with kids. Bring walking shoes - this is the gateway to the Veluwe’s woodlands.
Top Spots
- Apenheul - a primate park where many monkeys roam free among visitors.
- Park Berg & Bos - woodland trails, viewpoints and picnic clearings.
- Julianatoren - a small family theme park with rides and shows.
De Maten
De Maten is a quieter residential quarter with parks, a handful of chain hotels and straightforward roads heading into the countryside. It’s practical rather than pretty - a sensible spot for budget stays when your aim is exploring the Veluwe. There’s little nightlife; people sleep here and head out to nature in the morning.
Top Spots
- Veluwe Access Points - easy routes out to hiking and cycling trails.
- Local Sports Parks - community fields and playgrounds.
- Budget Hotels - family-run and chain options for overnight stays.
Plan Your Visit to Apeldoorn #
Best Time to Visit Apeldoorn #
Visit Apeldoorn from late spring through early autumn (May-September) for the mild, drier weather, long daylight and excellent cycling and park access. Shoulder months like May and September offer fewer tourists and very comfortable temperatures.
Best Time to Visit Apeldoorn #
Apeldoorn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (903 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 94 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn is best reached by train via Apeldoorn Centraal; the town has good Intercity connections to Amsterdam, Zwolle and Arnhem. For air travellers the nearest major airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS); Eindhoven Airport (EIN) is a secondary option with longer rail connections.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): Schiphol is the main international gateway for Apeldoorn. NS Intercity trains run from Schiphol to Apeldoorn (usually with a change at Amsterdam Centraal or Amersfoort); journey times are typically about 1h15-1h30 and single fares are roughly €15-€25 depending on time and route. Taxis from Schiphol to Apeldoorn take ~1h15 and cost around €110-€150.
Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Eindhoven is a secondary option for some low-cost and regional flights. A frequent bus (bus 400) connects Eindhoven Airport with Eindhoven Centraal in about 20-25 minutes (fare ~€3-€4); from Eindhoven Centraal trains to Apeldoorn take about 1h30-1h50 with at least one change, total travel typically ~2h and fares around €15-€25. Taxi transfers from Eindhoven Airport to Apeldoorn cost roughly €120-€160 and take about 1h30.
Train: Apeldoorn Centraal is the city’s main station with regular NS Intercity and regional services. Direct and one-change routes connect Apeldoorn with Zwolle (~25-30 min), Amersfoort (~20-30 min), Arnhem (~20-30 min) and Amsterdam (typically ~1h10-1h30). Short regional journeys often cost €3-€6; longer intercity trips to Amsterdam or onward destinations commonly fall in the €12-€20 range.
Bus: Local and regional buses (operated by companies such as Keolis/Syntus and regional coach operators) serve neighbourhoods and nearby towns; single fares within the region are typically €2-€4. Long-distance coaches (FlixBus and others) occasionally call at Apeldoorn or nearby stops - these can be cheaper than trains for some routes but are slower. Buses accept OV-chipkaart or contactless payment on many services.
How to Get Around Apeldoorn
The train is the best overall way to get to and from Apeldoorn and to reach nearby cities quickly; Apeldoorn Centraal has frequent Intercity and Sprinter services. For moving around locally, combine cycling and short bus rides - taxis are handy for luggage or late hours, and the city centre is compact enough to walk for most visits.
- Train (NS) (€3-€20) - Apeldoorn Centraal is the hub for getting around and for onward travel. Frequent Intercity trains link the city to Zwolle, Amersfoort, Arnhem and Amsterdam; regional Sprinter services cover local stops. Trains are generally the fastest and most reliable option for intercity travel - buy an OV-chipkaart or a paper ticket from machines and check the NS planner for platform changes.
- Bus (local & regional) (€2-€4) - Local buses cover neighbourhoods and nearby villages; regional operators (Keolis/Syntus and others) run routes to towns that trains don't serve directly. Fares are typically low and you can tap in with an OV-chipkaart or many contactless bank cards. Buses are useful for short hops and late-evening connections when some train frequencies drop, but they can be slower.
- Bicycle / OV-fiets (€4-€8 per day) - Apeldoorn is very cycle-friendly with flat roads and dedicated lanes; many shorter trips are fastest by bike. OV-fiets (bike rental at Apeldoorn Centraal) is convenient for last-mile trips - hire durations are usually daily and the service is aimed at public-transport users. Bring rain gear in changeable weather and lock bikes securely.
- Taxi & Rideshare (€10-€150) - Taxis are widely available at the station and around the city; a taxi across town is cheap (short fares ~€10-€30) but airport transfers are expensive (often €100+). Rideshare apps like Uber are limited compared with many other countries, so rely on local taxi firms for guaranteed service. For groups or heavy luggage a taxi can be more convenient than public transport.
- Car / Rental (€30-€70 per day) - Driving gives flexibility for exploring the Veluwe and nearby towns; several rental companies operate from Apeldoorn and Schiphol. Parking in central Apeldoorn includes paid on-street and multi-storey car parks - expect hourly charges in the centre. Roads are well signed and easy to navigate, but consider that traffic and parking costs can make driving less convenient than the train for city-centre visits.
- Walking - Apeldoorn's central area is compact and very walkable, with major sights, shops and parks within easy strolling distance. Walking is often the fastest way to get around downtown and to enjoy green spaces like Park Berg & Bos. Leave walking last-mile when planning journeys and give yourself comfortable shoes for cobbled or park paths.
Where to Stay in Apeldoorn #
- Stayokay Apeldoorn - Hostel with dorms and private rooms
- Budget Hotel Apeldoorn (local options) - Simple rooms near station
- Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon - Park-facing, comfortable mid-range rooms
- Van der Valk Apeldoorn - De Cantharel - Larger rooms, on-site dining and spa
- Echoput - Forested setting with gourmet dining
- Fletcher Hotel Apeldoorn - Upper-tier rooms near city parks
- Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon - Central, good for sightseeing and transfers
- Van der Valk Apeldoorn - De Cantharel - Easy parking and park access
- Van der Valk Apeldoorn - De Cantharel - Family rooms and on-site activities
- Bilderberg Hotel De Keizerskroon - Rooms next to park and family facilities
- ibis Styles Apeldoorn - Reliable Wi‑Fi and work-friendly rooms
- Van der Valk Apeldoorn - De Cantharel - Spacious rooms and quiet work areas
Where to Eat in Apeldoorn #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Apeldoorn's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Apeldoorn #
Apeldoorn’s nightlife is compact and relaxed - think low‑key pubs, terraces, and a lively local music venue rather than a non‑stop club scene. The city centre around Marktplein and the station area has most of the bars and late‑night cafés. For concerts and club nights, Poppodium Gigant is the standout spot and draws most of the younger crowd. Practical tips: bars typically close around 01:00-02:00 on weekends; casual smart dress is fine. Biking or taking a short taxi from the station is the easiest way to hop between places.
Best Bets
- Poppodium Gigant - Main concert venue with gigs, club nights and cultural events.
- Apeldoorn centrum - Compact centre with terraces, pubs and evening dining options.
- Marktplein - Square lined with cafés and seasonal outdoor terraces.
- Stationsplein area - Bars and eateries clustered near the station, easy to reach.
- Apeldoorn bars & pubs (search) - Use this search to find current pub nights and openings.
- Theatre & cultural nights - Evening performances and events that pair well with bar visits.
Shopping in Apeldoorn #
Apeldoorn is a compact Dutch provincial city with a clear shopping spine and a couple of covered centres. The Hoofdstraat is where national chains, independent boutiques and cafes sit; indoor malls provide weatherproof browsing. Dutch prices are upfront - no big bargaining - but look for weekly markets and small independent shops off the main street for character.
Best Bets
- Hoofdstraat - Pedestrian main street with national brands and independent shops.
- Oranjerie Shopping Centre - Covered mall with a variety of stores and eateries.
- Marktplein / weekly market - Open-air market days for fresh produce, clothes and bargains.
- Loolaan boutiques - Smaller independent shops and Dutch design pieces off the high street.
- Local gift and specialty shops (city centre) - Independent boutiques for Dutch gifts and homewares.
- Seasonal markets and fairs - Periodic markets - good for secondhand finds and local food.
