Putten: Nature Between Forest, Heath and Polders

Putten is surrounded by heathland, forests, fringe lakes and polders. If you are looking for a destination for a stay that combines nature and activity, you will find a range of options for walks and cycling tours, as well as individual cultural attractions and places to visit. The landscapes provide a varied backdrop for longer excursions. There are also viewpoints and activities that can be included as separate items in your itinerary.

Walking trails through forests, heathland and open countryside

There are numerous walking routes in and around Putten, including forest trails and Klompenpaden (clog paths). The 8 km Oldenallerpad leads through castle woodland, across farmland, along hedgerows and over heathland. The route therefore passes through a variety of different landscapes. The Veluws Verleden walking route offers a different focus: it passes through forests and heathland and by several prehistoric remains.

The Putterbos trail also passes through a wooded area with many cultural and natural features. The route runs through the Speulderbos in the Veluwe. The forest features old beech trees and burial mounds, as well as larches, oaks and Douglas firs; its cultural history is also part of its distinctive character. Comparing the trails lets you choose different focuses: varied scenery on the Oldenallerpad, traces of prehistory on Veluws Verleden, or forest history and tree species on the Putterbos route.

Castle and viewpoints

A castle dating from 1655 stands on the Oldenaller estate. Its interiors are not open to visitors, but the castle can be admired from the outside. This distinction between viewing the building and visiting its interior is useful when planning your outing.

The Bostoren Schovenhorst offers a different view of the surrounding area: the tower is 40 metres high and has 235 steps. From there, the view extends across Amersfoort, the Veluwe and the wind turbines in the polder. Its height and number of steps are useful points of reference when deciding whether to include this viewpoint in your plans.

Cycling and other outdoor activities

The varied natural areas in and around Putten provide a varied backdrop for longer cycling tours. The routes pass through extensive polder areas or varied forests. This gives you a different landscape to choose from when cycling than on the walking trails: open polders and forest routes offer distinct route experiences.

The Delta Schuitenbeek nature reserve is another possible nature destination and can be viewed from the Zeedijk. At Pluktuin het Platteland, visitors can pick their own vegetables and fruit, as well as flowers. Bosbad Putten has an outdoor swimming pool with a slide and diving boards. Putten’s options therefore range from walking and cycling trails to a viewing tower and nature watching, as well as activities in the garden and outdoor pool.

For your planning, you can group these options by the kind of experience you want: a route through changing landscapes, forests and historic traces; a view across the surrounding area; or time outdoors cycling, picking produce, picking flowers and swimming. These destinations offer different ways to experience the natural and cultural landscape around Putten.

For the overarching travel overview: Putten.