Kootwijk: Landscape, History and Architecture

Hiking and cycling routes also pass through varied natural landscapes. The sights and trails offer different highlights—from views across the Veluwe to church architecture and settlement history.

Sand landscapes and seasonal trails

Kootwijkerzand is the largest active drift-sand area in Western Europe. Its landscape also tells the story of earlier settlement: the remains of the medieval village of Kootwijk were found beneath the sand. Here, a distinctive natural area and traces of village history sit side by side.

During the breeding season, part of Kootwijkerzand is temporarily closed to protect ground-nesting birds. The area remains accessible via open trails; closed areas are marked with signs. Follow the current signs on site during your visit.

Hiking or cycling

The Kootwijkerzand walking route leads through Boswachterij Kootwijk on the Veluwe to a 13.5-metre-high observation tower. From there, you can see across Kootwijkerzand and the Veluwe. Check the latest trail conditions before setting out, as access arrangements can change.

Rondje Kootwijk offers a different perspective: this cycle route, following the numbered junction network, passes through varied, often hilly landscapes of woodland and heathland on its way to Kootwijk. If you prefer to explore on foot, you can wander through extensive forests and walk across heathland around Kootwijk. Your choice therefore mainly depends on your preferred activity: a hike with an observation tower or a cycle ride through woodland and heathland.

Radio Kootwijk: architecture and the history of technology

Radio Kootwijk is a monumental former broadcasting building with unique Art Deco architecture. Its history links a striking building with the development of radio communications: in 1923, PTT put Radio Kootwijk into operation as a longwave radiotelegraph station. It switched to shortwave radio soon afterwards.

The buildings of the former transmitter station are accessible only as part of guided tours and events. Before travelling, check which visiting options are available for your date. This makes a visit to Radio Kootwijk different from a trip along the open trails of Kootwijkerzand: access here is limited to guided tours or events.

Village history and churches

Kootwijk is a characteristic brink village. It developed around a central brink, where livestock was once gathered. The Hervormde kerk in Kootwijk is also part of the local architectural history: the simple brick church dates from the early 16th century and has a three-sided closed chancel.

Another historical detail can be found in the Kerkje op de Heuvel. There, you can see a stained-glass window dated 1886, the year of the Doleantie. The congregation of the Kerkje op de Heuvel is the oldest Doleantie congregation within the PKN. The village layout, church architecture and congregation history offer different ways to explore Kootwijk’s cultural history.

Moorland and theatre

Kootwijkerveen, an area with a moor lake and raised bog, lies north of Kootwijk. Red deer, roe deer and wild boar are regularly spotted there. Around Kootwijk, you can also explore extensive forests and walk across heathland. Views of moorland, forest and heath extend the landscape beyond the drift-sand area.

On Kootwijkerzand, the free Theater op ’t Zand theatre festival brings together a natural setting and performing arts. The programme includes theatre, dance, music, cabaret, variety acts, art installations, acrobatics and mime. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the latest event dates.

Discover more destinations: Voorthuizen, Terschuur, Barneveld, Esveld, Garderen, Kootwijkerbroek.

Go to the main travel overview: Barneveld.