Discover Wolfheze: Nature, Walking Trails and History

Wolfheze can be considered from two perspectives when planning a trip: nature and cultural history. The Wolfheze nature reserve lies just south of the village and includes one of the oldest forests in the Netherlands. Alongside the natural landscape, walking trails and historic sites are among the themes to explore during a stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Wolfheze, these interests can shape the focus of your trip.

Nature Reserve and Wildlife

Six of the seven reptile species found in the Netherlands occur in the Wolfheze nature reserve. Species populations can change over time. The Wolfhezerheide ecoduct is also part of the nature experience: it is accessible to wildlife and hikers. On either side of the ecoduct are ponds where frogs, toads and salamanders can breed. Please observe local path restrictions.

Walking Trails and Their Highlights

A historic walking route near Wolfheze passes through varied natural surroundings, by the Wodanseiken and Bronze Age burial mounds. The “Laag Wolfheze” route is marked with a blue arrow. The Wolfheze circular walk passes through the Wolfheze woods and along the Wodanseiken, ancient pine trees, rolling heathland and the Heelsumse Beek. It is marked in part with yellow and yellow-red arrows.

The routes have different highlights: the historic walking route takes in burial mounds and old oaks as well as the landscape; the circular walk also features pine trees, heathland and the stream. You can choose a route based on the landscape and historical themes described, without assuming a particular distance or walking time. Check the route markers and trail conditions before setting out.

Wodanseiken and Earlier History

The five Wodanseiken at the start of the historic walking route are around 450 years old. Around 1850, they were popular with landscape painters from the Oosterbeek School, who gave the trees their name. This links the oaks’ natural history with their role in local art history.

Twenty burial mounds have been found around Wolfheze, mainly along the stream. Another historical period is represented by old Wolfheze, also known as Wolvenbos: it was destroyed by the Spanish in 1585 during the Eighty Years’ War. The burial mounds and this account represent different chapters in the history of the area.

Museum and Historic Buildings

The Glider Museum presents gliders and the courageous people involved in Operation Market Garden, which took place around and in Arnhem from 17 to 25 September 1944. The museum is located at Camping & Chaletpark “Lindenhof”, Wolfhezerweg 111–113, 6874 AD Wolfheze, Netherlands. If you are planning a visit, check current visitor arrangements in advance.

The railway buildings are also part of the area's history: Wolfheze station building and its associated storage building are municipal monuments. The surviving station building is the only preserved station building in this series.

Planning Your Stay

The starting point of the nature reserve is just over one kilometre from Wolfheze NS railway station. This distance gives you a practical reference point for planning your arrival. For the rest of your itinerary, you can decide whether walking trails, nature and wildlife, or Wolfheze's cultural history should take priority.

Discover more destinations: Heelsum, Oosterbeek, Doorwerth.

Return to the main travel overview: Renkum.