Epe between heathland, walking trails and mills

Streams and significant changes in elevation shape the landscape of Tongerense Heide; the Nijmolensebeekpad passes De Cannenburch Castle, streams, mill sites and prehistoric burial mounds. Windmills and museums add local history to the nature experiences. Epe therefore offers a variety of themes for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, it helps to decide what matters most to you first: hiking, cultural heritage or active pursuits.

Walking trails with different highlights

The Veluwe walking trail network in the municipality of Epe brings together existing walking routes, including clog trails, long-distance hikes and local circular walks. The Routebureau Veluwe also develops and manages the municipality’s cycling junction network, equestrian trail network and walking trail network. The routes therefore cover a range of trail types and activities.

The Nijmolensebeekpad provides a specific distance: this circular walking route is 14 kilometres long and takes you through the area around Vaassen. Along the way, it passes De Cannenburch Castle, streams such as the Nijmolensebeek, mill sites and prehistoric burial mounds. There are two walking trails on Tongerense Heide, one five kilometres long and the other four. You can compare the longer circular walk, with its various stops, and the shorter heathland trails by distance.

The Eper Enkenpad starts at the Veluws Museum Hagedoorns Plaatse. It passes over high enken and through lower-lying stream valleys between the hamlets of Zuuk and Dijkhuizen near Epe. This route’s description focuses on ridges and valleys, while the Nijmolensebeekpad is defined by its length and the stops along the circular route.

Heathland, spring areas and woodland

Tongerense Heide has varied natural scenery, with streams and significant changes in elevation between the high, dry Veluwe and the lower, wet areas around Tongeren. A comparatively large number of adders still live on the heath; lizards, sand lizards and slowworms are also found there. The adder is considered an endangered species.

Wisselse Veen comprises wet meadows, pools, spring-fed streams and ditches on the edge of the Veluwe. Mineral-rich spring water contributes to its diverse flora, which attracts rare wildlife such as the marsh fritillary. You can hike, cycle and ride horses on longer routes in the Gemeentebos. Quieter areas there give animals such as wild boar, red deer and special bird species more peace and quiet.

Mills, a castle and local history

Daams' Molen in Vaassen is a wind-powered grain mill built in 1870 and open to the public. Its reconstruction began in 1989; on National Mill Day in 1990, it once again operated as a wind-powered grain mill. A 1:10 scale model of the mill stands on the grain floor. You can explore the building’s history and design in model form as well.

The castle park at Kasteel Cannenburch is open free of charge year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The castle’s Landgoedwinkel sells regional products. The Veluws Museum Hagedoorns Plaatse features a more than 300-year-old, thatched Saxon hall house with distinctive historic outbuildings. The Hagedoorns treasure hunt takes you through the museum, across the farmyard, and through the garden and orchard.

The Cultuur Historisch Museum Oene has a collection of more than 3,000 objects and documents related to Oene and the surrounding area. Its permanent exhibition features historical objects from the former Zuivelfabriek De Hoop in Oene. Korenmolen Werklust Oene also offers a connection to regional food culture: it is known for its freshly milled pancake flour.

More activities

At 't Smallert, you can fish for trout and related species every day in three fishing ponds. Fishing rods are available to rent for both the catch-and-release pond and the trout ponds. As schedules may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Since 2009, Burnside Cablepark in Emst has had an obstacle course on the water for wakeboarders. The course includes kickers, boxes and rails. Stand-up paddleboarding is also offered there as a group activity. So, alongside walking and cultural attractions, you can also enjoy activities on the water.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Epe, Wissel, Vaassen, Oene, Nijmegen, Lingewaard, Druten, West Maas En Waal.

Back to the main travel overview: Gelderland.