Gelderland is stretching from the Veluwe hills to the banks of the Rhine. The province is perfect for road trips, cycling and outdoor adventures. The Veluwe is one of Europe’s largest forested areas, home to deer, wild boar and rare birds. You can hike, cycle or drive through its trails and visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Art lovers can visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to a fantastic Van Gogh collection while history lovers can explore WWII sites around Arnhem. Along the rivers, you can delve into the history of towns like Arnhem and Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Places like Doesburg and Bronkhorst showcase traditional Dutch architecture and cobbled streets. Seasonal festivals, local markets and farm-to-table dining give a taste of local life. Gelderland combines nature, history and culture in a way that makes every trip a discovery. It’s a province where you can explore quiet landscapes, charming towns, castle and even a beautiful zoo.

Gelderland highlights

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The Scenic Route

The Heritage Drive

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History of Gelderland

In the Middle Ages, Gelderland rose to power as the Duchy of Guelders, a territory that often challenged its larger neighbors. Cities like Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, thrived thanks to their strategic positions along major trade routes. During the Dutch Golden Age, Gelderland was quieter than the booming coastal provinces. It played a key role in agriculture, river trade and military defense along the eastern frontier. The landscape itself was transformed by floods, dike building and the gradual cultivation of heathlands and forests. In the 20th century, Gelderland became the stage for crucial moments of World War II. The Battle of Arnhem in 1944 left deep marks on the region and memorials today keep those stories alive. After the war, the province rebuilt its towns and focused on nature preservation, restoring forests and creating protected areas like the Veluwe.

Gelderland

Gelderland highlights

Part of these road trips

History of Gelderland

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