Nothing beats spending hours exploring vast forests, purple heathlands and impressive sand drifts with your dog. The Veluwe is one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands for a dog-friendly holiday.
Because we regularly walk on the Veluwe ourselves and welcome many guests with dogs to our holiday homes every year, we know both the well-known hotspots and the quieter hidden gems. In this guide, we share our favourite walking areas, off-leash areas and practical tips for a successful holiday with your dog on the Veluwe.
Looking for a dog-friendly holiday home on the Veluwe?
Our StayatSas dog-friendly holiday homes on the Veluwe are located close to beautiful walking areas such as De Haere, the Renderklippen, Leuvenumse Bos and Gortelse Heide. Julia and Pippa also feature a fully enclosed private garden.
Where Are the Walking and Off-Leash Areas?
On the map below, you can see where the best walking areas, off-leash areas and our StayatSas holiday homes on the Veluwe are located. This makes it easy to choose the places that best suit your stay. Most walking areas are within a 10 to 20-minute drive of our holiday homes in Epe and Doornspijk.
Why Is the Veluwe Ideal for Walking with Your Dog?
The Veluwe offers a unique combination of nature and open space that is hard to find elsewhere in the Netherlands. You’ll find vast forests, open heathlands, sand drifts and peaceful trails where you can truly enjoy the outdoors together with your dog.
The Veluwe is also easily accessible from almost anywhere in the Netherlands, making it a popular destination for a weekend away with your dog.
01
Zandverstuiving De Haere, Our Personal Favourite
Seit 2024 gilt auf De Haere Leinenpflicht und das frühere Freilaufgebiet besteht nicht mehr. Hunde sind weiterhin willkommen, müssen aber angeleint bleiben. Prüfe vor deinem Spaziergang immer die aktuellen Regeln auf den Informationstafeln im Gebiet.Since 2024, dogs must be kept on a leash at De Haere and the former off-leash area is no longer in use. Dogs are still welcome, but must remain leashed. Always check the current rules on the information signs in the area before setting off.
When guests ask us which nature area they absolutely shouldn’t miss, we almost always recommend De Haere. This impressive natural area lies right next to StayatSas Pippa. From the garden, you can walk to the sand drift in around 10 minutes. De Haere lies between Epe and Doornspijk and is far less well known than places such as Kootwijkerzand. That is exactly why you often find more peace and space here.
Why De Haere is special
- Vast sandy expanses
- A varied landscape of forest, heathland and drifting sand
- Abwechslungsreiche Landschaft aus Wald, Heide und Flugsand
- Beautiful walking routes with your dog
- Photogenic sunrises and sunsets
AStaying at StayatSas Pippa? De Haere is just 900 metres away and can be reached on foot from the holiday home. This means you can step straight out from the garden and explore one of the most beautiful nature areas on the Veluwe.
TipVisit De Haere early in the morning or around sunset. The light over the drifting sand creates an almost otherworldly landscape.
02
Hulshorsterzand
The first time you walk onto the Hulshorsterzand, it is easy to see why this area is so popular with nature lovers. Vast sandy plains, heathland and woodland create a landscape that is constantly shaped by wind and weather. It is a wonderful place to explore with your dog. Thanks to the size of the area, every walk feels different, and even on busier days you can often still find peaceful stretches of nature.
Why we recommend Hulshorsterzand
- A completely different landscape from most woods on the Veluwe
- Plenty of open space and beautiful views
- A varied mix of sand, heathland and pine forest
- Ideal for a longer walk with your dog
- Especially photogenic at sunrise and sunset
TipVisit Hulshorsterzand early in the morning or towards the end of the afternoon. The low sunlight gives the sand a beautiful warm glow.
03
Renderklippen
The Renderklippen show a completely different side of the Veluwe. This rolling heathland near Epe is known for its beautiful views and open landscape. During the heather bloom, usually from mid-August to early September, the area turns into a sea of purple. Outside the flowering season, it is still a beautiful place to walk thanks to the mix of heathland, sandy paths and forest edges.
Why Walk the Golden Mile?
- One of the most beautiful heathland areas on the Veluwe
- Beautiful views over rolling heathlands
- Varied walking routes through heathland and forest
- Spectacular during the heather bloom
- Peaceful walking trails with plenty of space
TipVisit the Renderklippen during the heather bloom in August or September. Go early in the morning or just before sunset for the best light.
04
Leuvenumse Bos
While the Veluwe is best known for heathlands and sand drifts, Leuvenumse Bos reveals a different side of the landscape. Here you can walk along winding forest paths beside streams, ancient trees and dense woodland. At the heart of the area is the Leuvenumse Beek. The flowing water, wooden footbridges and lush surroundings create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Why Walk the Golden Mile?
- One of the oldest and most varied forests on the Veluwe
- Walking along the Leuvenumse Beek
- Plenty of shaded paths, ideal on warm days
- A varied mix of deciduous woodland, pine forest and open clearings
- Good chance of spotting wildlife
TipVisit Leuvenumse Bos on a warm summer day. Thanks to the shaded paths and the stream, it often feels cooler here than on the open heathlands.
05
Gortelse Heide
In our view, Gortelse Heide is one of the most beautiful and peaceful nature areas on the Veluwe. Unlike some of the better-known heathlands, you will often encounter relatively few other walkers here. The area consists of vast heathlands, forest edges and sandy paths. In August and September, the landscape turns into an impressive sea of purple.
Why Walk the Golden Mile?
- Die Gortelse Heide gehört für uns zu den schönsten und ruhigsten Naturgebieten auf der Veluwe. Im Gegensatz zu einigen bekannteren Heidegebieten triffst du hier oft auf deutlich weniger andere Wanderer. Das Gebiet besteht aus weitläufigen Heideflächen, Waldrändern und Sandwegen. Besonders im August und September verwandelt sich die Landschaft in ein beeindruckendes violettes Blütenmeer.
- Vast heathlands with stunning views
- Varied walking routes through heathland and forest
- Good chance of spotting wildlife
- Especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset
Want to stay close to the best walking areas on the Veluwe?
After a day of walking across heathlands, through forests or over sand drifts, it’s wonderful to return to a comfortable holiday home surrounded by nature.
TipVisit Gortelse Heide early in the morning for the most peaceful experience and the best chance of spotting wildlife.
06
Elspeetse Heide
Elspeetse Heide is one of the largest continuous nature areas in the northern Veluwe. Compared with some of the better-known walking areas, it often feels wonderfully peaceful. The landscape combines heathland, sandy paths, forest edges and open plains. During a walk, you can enjoy wide views with hardly any houses or busy roads in sight.
Why Walk the Golden Mile?
- Vast heathlands and open sandy areas
- Peaceful walking routes with very little development
- Good chance of spotting wildlife
- Varied mix of heathland, forest and drifting sand
- Beautiful views across the Veluwe landscape
TipSet out early in the morning for the best chance of spotting wildlife. Bring binoculars and pause regularly along the way.
07
Landgoed Tongeren
Landgoed Tongeren is a hidden gem on the Veluwe that is still relatively undiscovered. Instead of large car parks and busy walking routes, you’ll find a peaceful landscape where nature and history come together. During a walk across the estate, you pass centuries-old trees, stately beech avenues, open meadows and traditional farmhouses. The mix of woodland and open countryside makes every walk feel different.
Why Walk the Golden Mile?
- One of the most beautiful and peaceful estates on the Veluwe
- Varied walking routes through woods, meadows and historic avenues
- Plenty of peace and relatively few visitors
- Beautiful old farmhouses and a distinctive estate landscape
- Ideal for a relaxing walk with your dog
TipCombine a walk at Landgoed Tongeren with a visit to the nearby Renderklippen. The two areas are close to each other but show completely different sides of the Veluwe.
The Best Off-Leash Areas on the Veluwe
Besides the beautiful walking areas, there are also several places on the Veluwe where dogs are allowed off leash. Always check the current rules and information signs on site before letting your dog off leash.
Belvedere Forest West
A large woodland area with wide paths, open stretches and plenty of space. Ideal for active dogs that enjoy exploring off leash.
- Large forest area
- Plenty of unpaved walking trails
- Popular with dog owners
TipVisit outside weekends and school holidays for the most peaceful experience.
Zandenbos
A very popular walking area for local dog owners. Ideal for both a short walk and a longer hike in nature.
- Woodland walking routes
- Plenty of space to move around freely
- Close to Nunspeet
TipBeautiful in the morning or in the late afternoon.
Vierhouterbos
The area around Vierhouten is known for its extensive forests and peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for longer walks
- Vast forests
- Lots of shade on hot days
- Sense of space and freedom
TipCombine your walk with a visit to the charming village of Vierhouten.
Sprielderbos
One of the most distinctive forests on the Veluwe, famous for its impressive ‘dancing trees’.
- Remarkable old beech trees
- Shady walking routes
- Suitable for long walks
TipVisit the forest early in the morning, when the sunlight filters beautifully through the trees.
ImportantOff-leash rules can change due to nature management, breeding seasons, wolf-related measures or updated regulations from land managers. Always check the latest information signs at the entrance to the area before letting your dog off leash.
Which StayatSas Holiday Home Suits You Best
After a day of walking across heathlands, through ancient forests or over the vast sand drifts of the Veluwe, it is wonderful to return to a comfortable holiday home surrounded by nature.
StayatSas Julia
Ideal for families and guests looking for comfort, a spacious enclosed garden and a fully equipped holiday home.
StayatSas Sam
A cosy and affordable base for couples, families and dog owners who want to explore the Veluwe.
StayatSas Pippa
Eine gemütliche und preisgünstige Unterkunft für Paare, Familien und Hundebesitzer, die die Veluwe entdecken möchten.
StayatSas Tiny Houses Julia and Pippa have fully enclosed gardens where your dog can relax safely after a long walk.
Find the holiday home that suits you best
Discover our dog-friendly StayatSas holiday homes on the Veluwe.
