Laren: Dikke Boom and Walking Routes

You can plan a stay in Laren around specific nature and route-related attractions. The Dikke Boom is a destination in its own right; the Laorns Enkenpad and the Laren–Vorden stage of the Pieterpad offer different landscapes. Other options include TBL’s summer Pannenkoekenrit and the new routes mapped out each year for the Fietsvierdaagse De Achterhoek. If you are looking for a hotel in Laren, these themes can help structure your trip planning: would you mainly like to go hiking, visit a tree or take part in a cycling event? The differences below can help you choose what to focus on and distinguish between the various routes and occasions.

Dikke Boom and a marked route

The Dikke Boom in Laren is an English oak estimated to be around 450 to 500 years old. In 2018, it was named the Tree of Gelderland (Boom van Gelderland). The paved Dikke Boompad leads to it and is marked in yellow and black, making it more accessible for people with reduced mobility. If you choose the tree as your main destination, the route description takes you directly there. Check the current condition of the path before your visit, as conditions may change.

Walking routes with different characteristics

The Laorns Enkenpad has a different focus. It passes through fields and pastures, alongside centuries-old ash trees and over old and new estates. A blue clog symbol marks the route in both directions; check the current signs before setting out, as markings can change. The Dikke Boompad focuses on the tree as a destination, while the Laorns Enkenpad focuses on a sequence of landscape features. You can therefore choose between a specific destination and a route through fields, pastures, ash trees and estates.

Woodland and landscape profiles

The Laren–Vorden stage of the Pieterpad passes through heavily wooded surroundings. This sets it apart from the fields, pastures, ash trees and estates along the Laorns Enkenpad. When weighing up the two routes, consider whether you prefer a wooded stage or a sequence of open spaces and other landscape features.

Cycling events and routes

Cyclists can choose between two different event formats. The Fietsvierdaagse De Achterhoek offers new routes of 30, 45 and 60 kilometres each year. These distances make it easy to compare the stated route lengths; as the routes change annually, check the details of the edition you plan to attend. The Pannenkoekenrit is a summer tradition organised by TBL (Toeristenbelang Laren), featuring cycling and driving routes followed by pancakes. The cycling and driving routes for the Pannenkoekenrit start and finish at the Woestenenk family’s home on Marsmansteeg; check the event logistics for each edition. Your choice therefore depends on whether you want to plan around new routes with stated distances or a summer tradition that includes cycling and driving routes.

Choose hotels in Laren to suit your plans

If you are travelling for an event, check its dates and the details of the relevant edition. If you plan to go walking, current route markings and path conditions are useful things to check when preparing. First decide whether walking, the Dikke Boom or a cycling event will be the main focus of your stay. You can then search for a hotel based on your specific travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Barchem, Eefde, Almen, Kring Van Dorth, Gorssel

Go to the broader travel overview: Lochem.