Eerbeek: Nature, Mills and Railway History

Eerbeek lies on the edge of Nationaal Park Veluwezoom. Traces of papermaking, a distinctive oil mill and the historic railway also shape the themes around which you can plan a stay. Visitors looking for nature and outdoor activities will find a hiking route and a mountain biking trail in the surrounding area; those interested in cultural history can explore the heritage of mills and railways. There is also a heated swimming and leisure pool.

Mills, Papermaking and Local History

The Oliemolen near Huis te Eerbeek was used to extract oil from beechnuts and flaxseed. It is also the only oil mill in the Netherlands powered by an overshot waterwheel. These two features answer different questions: the raw materials shed light on its former function, while the waterwheel is what makes the mill technically distinctive. Anyone interested in the history of technology will find a specific point of reference here, where the mill’s use and power source can be considered together.

Papermaking is another part of the town’s history: Eerbeek is associated with a 400-year tradition of this trade. This perspective differs from the history of the Oliemolen, which describes a specific former use. Coldenhove near Eerbeek adds a different historical note: it was established as a hunting lodge for a count. Alongside the history of mills and papermaking, the history of hunting is therefore another topic to explore.

Railway and Travel Planning

The VSM runs on the Apeldoorn–Dieren line and serves Eerbeek. The railway line was built in 1887 and is about 22 km long. This gives you two ways to understand the railway: Eerbeek is served by the line operated by the VSM, while its year of construction and approximate length describe its historical context. If you are planning a trip on the VSM, check the timetable for your visit.

Walking and Mountain Biking

The Eertbeeckse Beekpad runs through the area around Eerbeek, along streams and industrial heritage, and through woods and pastureland. The route thus brings together connections to water and industry with a range of landscapes. If you want to make a hike the focus of your stay, these features give you a clear idea of the route and its themes.

The Eerbeek mountain biking trail has two starting points: Eerbeek station at Stationstraat 2 and Harderwijkerweg. This gives you two specifically named places to choose from when planning your ride. If you want to set out by bike, you can choose where to start based on these location details.

Swimming and Leisure

Openluchtzwembad Eerbeek is a heated swimming and leisure pool in Eerbeek, on the edge of the Veluwe. It complements hiking, cycling and history with a swimming and leisure option. If the pool is important to your stay, check its opening hours in advance.

Discover more destinations: Brummen, Tonden, Hall.

Return to the wider travel overview: Brummen.