Tonden: Discover heathland, nature and trails

In Tonden, the open Empese en Tondense Heide, the Hiemberg nature area and various trails take centre stage. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether you mainly want to explore landscapes, go hiking or take a cycling tour. The areas and routes described offer different points of interest for each option.

Heathland, wetlands and Natura 2000

The Empese en Tondense Heide is a vast, open area. Its landscape includes dry and wet heathland, mat-grass grassland, wet nutrient-poor grassland and pools. The different landscape types lie side by side here and shape the character of the area. If you are interested in open heathland, you will find a different kind of landscape here than in the Hiemberg nature area, which comprises fields, pools, small woods and scrub.

In a vision dated 26 November 2025, a local environmental organisation describes Tonden as having become a significant part of the Landgoederen Brummen Natura 2000 area. The date belongs to this vision and places the statement in its temporal context.

Hiking in Tonden and the surrounding area

The Mestweg runs through the Empese en Tondense Heide. This raised path was once used to transport manure and heath sods. Its historical function connects the landscape with its former use: manure and heath sods were the materials carried along this path. The name and documented use thus give the path its own historical significance, in addition to the heathland landscape.

Hiemberg is another nature area. It lies in Tonden, between the Hoevesteeg and Haarweg, and comprises fields, pools, small woods and scrub. Walking is possible on public roads within the area. Hiemberg can therefore be described as a hiking option with a varied landscape, while the Empese en Tondense Heide is characterised above all by its expansive open spaces and the mix of dry and wet habitats.

Comparing a walking route and a cycling tour

The 16-kilometre “Stationswandeling” runs mostly through Tonden. The route alternates between paved roads and wide and narrow sandy paths. Its length and varied surfaces give you concrete details to consider when planning a hike. It also runs mainly through Tonden, giving the route a clear connection to the village.

For a cycling tour, “Een route door het Gelderse landschap rond Tonden” is another option described here. It heads west through the Empese en Tondense Heide and returns to Tonden. Along the way, the route offers views across heathland, marshland, woodland and grassland. While the Stationswandeling stands out for its length and varied surfaces, this cycling route is notable for its return to Tonden and changing landscapes. You can therefore compare the tours by activity and the features described for each.

Find a hotel for your stay in Tonden

If you are looking for a hotel in Tonden, your planned focus can help narrow down the options: are you mainly interested in open heathland, a walk through the countryside or a longer hiking route? Or would you like to plan a cycling tour that returns to Tonden? The options mentioned differ in activity, route length and landscape. You can assess a hotel’s specific features based on its individual listing.

Discover more destinations: Brummen, Eerbeek, Hall

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