"National Park the "Hoge Veluwe", art of nature" Top 5 Page for this destination Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe by Pavlik_NL

Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe Travel Guide: 67 reviews and 164 photos

Saint Hubertus huntinglodge - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe

A exquisit heritage in both art and nature

Just North of Arnhem is the largest National Park (in land mass, as the Waddensea is even bigger, but contains mainly water) in the Netherlands. It's also the oldest national park in my country and part of the Veluwe-area. But it's more then just a National Park (naturereserve). This hilly part of the province of Gelderland, roughly stretches out between Arnhem (South) and Kampen (North) and Nijkerk (West) and Zutphen (East). It consists of a large forest that is mixed with large rough grounds (heatherfields, steppe-like plains and the unique drift sands). A natural environment that doesn't have an equal in Europe ... I'ld also say the world.

How the Krollers and the Mullers did it

In the collection the largest group of Van Gogh's

About a century ago, a very rich industrial Dutch family married into an equally rich German family and together had a very special way of looking at the world. Misses Kroller-Muller had an exquisit view on art and collected masterpieces as well as items from that time, for example Van Gogh and Picasso. The collection as it is now shows an great visionary view on art.
Mister Kroller-Muller was crazy about nature and hunting (then still not in conflict in the eyes of the masses). Both they decided to find their home on a large terrain just North of Arnhem, where they also built (one of) their home(s). Here is where they created a wildlife-reserve, without knowing or ... (did they knew exactly what they were doing). In the middle of the large forest and rough grounds they built a modern huntinglodge, representing the form of a cross, within the horns of a deer. This following the ancient legend of Saint Hubertus. As only hunting took place on their grounds, the forest evolved into a place that had more nature then anywhere within the always so orderly Netherlands.

From privat property to National Park

Art of nature, the most beautiful painting of all

However, what they for sure were aware of was the value of art and they collected an big collection of paintings (Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Cezanne and many more of great fame). As leaving no hears to their wealth, the last will was that their land became State Property, with the condition that it would become a National Park and their art would be exposed to the public in a museum in this park. Thanks to the family Kroller-Muller on the Veluwe now is a amazing place where art meets nature ... or should I say nature meets art.

Intro Updated Jul 6, 2005
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Reviews (21)

Wide landscapes are waiting for you - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe

Three entrances to the park Favorites (2)

The national park "Hoge Veluwe" can be entered through three entrance gates. 1. Schaarsbergen, North flanks of the town... more travel advice

Three totem-shapes in natural surroundings - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe

The three unity in the middle of nature Off The Beaten Path (3)

Along the road from Schaarsbergen to the Kroller-Muller museum one will pass a strange sculpture along the road. It is a... more travel advice

Fundaments of the initial museum, memories of time - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe

Fundaments and wall of the first museum Off The Beaten Path (3)

In 1921 the Kroller-Muller wanted to built a museum themselves for the huge collection of art that they gatheed... more travel advice

Deer is one of the rough wild living in the park - Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe

When all people are still asleep Nightlife (1)

The national park Hoge Veluwe organises often very early in the morning "ochtend wandelingen" (daybreak walks). You have... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Overview map of the national park
Restaurants (2)
See All Enjoy some food in the middle of the...
Things to Do (8)
See All The Huntinglodge "Saint Hubertus"

Travelogues (4)

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Comments (7)

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Nathalie_B May 7, 2004 at 5:46 AM

Well, since I'll get pancake anyway, how about lunch at "De Rijzenburg"? ;-)
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Carmela71 Jul 3, 2003 at 1:54 AM

How can i missed the Museunder???? lol ... Thsi aprk was one of my favorite excursions while on Nederlands, great tips
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XenoHumph Jun 23, 2003 at 10:47 AM

Looks like a very interesting place to go! thanks for the virtual visit!
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blaird Mar 4, 2003 at 7:40 AM

interesting..the sandplates are something i don't know about.
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diamonddog Feb 25, 2003 at 2:24 AM

Biking the hoge veluwe ...yes have to put it on "to do list". well done !!
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nighthawk Feb 18, 2003 at 12:09 AM

good page on de hoge veluwe...brings back otterloo memories..now where s those pics...
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cadzand Feb 9, 2003 at 1:05 PM

Mmmm I love pancakes too. And Ilja ? Very informative page. Nice pictures.