Uddel: Uddelermeer, History and Hiking Trails

In Uddel, natural history, archaeological traces, and hiking trails of varying lengths come together. The Uddelermeer, the Hunneschans, and routes through forests, heathland, and open landscapes offer different options when planning a stay.

Uddelermeer and Hunneschans

The Uddelermeer is almost circular, formed during the Ice Age, and is one of the oldest natural lakes in the Netherlands. The lake formed from the remains of a pingo, an Ice Age frost mound, as the ground gradually thawed at the end of the Ice Age. The lake also plays a mysterious role in the legends of the Veluwe.

The Uddel – Hofweg/Hunneschans/Uddelermeer area includes the Uddelermeer pingo remnant, settlement traces and burial mounds from the late Stone Age, and the medieval ring-fort of Hunneschans. It is horseshoe-shaped and was probably built between 850 and 950. The structure included a rampart and a surrounding moat. Natural and settlement history thus sit alongside medieval remains at this site.

Another historical stop is Uddel’s Liberation Monument on Uttilochweg. It was unveiled on May 4, 1995. The stone benches at the monument invite visitors to pause and reflect.

Compare hiking trails by length and landscape

The “Uddelsche Buurtveld” is 8.7 kilometers long and runs through Kroondomein Het Loo over the Veluwe’s eastern ridge. At 8.3 kilometers, the “Ronde Uddelermeer” is slightly shorter and circles the lake. The routes are similar in length, but their landscape features differ: one focuses on the ridge, while the other takes you around the Uddelermeer.

For a longer circular hike, the “Trage Tocht Uddel” is another option: it is 16 kilometers long, starts at De Zandsteeg in Uddel, and follows unpaved paths for 95 percent of its route. Check the current route description before setting out. The Kwiekrouten trail is shorter: this approximately two-kilometer outdoor route starts near the Wilhelminahof and has signposted exercise stations.

The landscapes also vary from route to route. The Uddelermeerpad passes through the forests and heathland of Kroondomein Het Loo, along the Uddelermeer, and past a medieval defensive structure. On the “Uddel – De Hoge Duvel” route, forests alternate with former clay pits; the traces suggest that there is plenty of wildlife. The “Rabbit Hill – Nieuw Milligse Zand” route leads to the Kootwijkerveen and then through former drift-sand areas. It offers wide views across a gently rolling landscape.

Those looking to experience further changes in scenery can also take the “West-Veluwse variatie” route, which passes through forests, heathland, pastures, village centers, and hamlets. The “Groene Wissel 300: Uddel” passes through quiet forests to the Hoog Soerense Veld, a rolling, grassy heathland and a refuge for red deer and roe deer. The “Rondom Uddel en Meerveld” route passes through the surroundings of both villages; the Staverdense beek runs through the valley, and the route takes in the important natural areas in the vicinity in detail.

Access and seasonal planning

The Uddelermeerpad is accessible by public transport via the “Café Uddel, Uddelermeer” bus stop on Garderenseweg in Uddel. Buitenplaats Het Loo is also listed as a starting point, where hikers can park their cars. Check parking availability locally before your visit, and review the current route description before setting out.

For the “Groene Wissel 300: Uddel,” the seasonal closure is especially important: the state and royal estates used by the hike are closed every year from September 15 to December 25. Check current restrictions before setting out. The Bleeke Meer, another lake formed by melting ice, is also on the Uddelermeerpad. Kingfishers are regularly seen around both lakes.

Find a hotel in Uddel to suit your travel plans

Compare these interests with the details of the respective hotel offers when planning your stay.

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