Vijver Beekhuizen, Kluizenaarsberg, Pinkenberg and Koningsberg Loop

Nestled in the lush Veluwezoom National Park near Velp, Gelderland, this 5 km (about 3.1 miles) loop offers a gentle introduction to the region’s rolling woodlands and historic estates, with an elevation gain of approximately 100 metres (328 feet). The trailhead is conveniently located near the entrance to Park Beekhuizen, just a short walk from the Beekhuizenlaan parking area and close to the well-known Landgoed Beekhuizen hotel and restaurant.

Getting There
For those arriving by public transport, take the train to Arnhem Centraal and transfer to bus 8 towards Velp, alighting at the “Velp, Beekhuizen” stop. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the park entrance. Drivers can park at the Beekhuizenlaan car park, which is well signposted from the main road through Velp.

Woodland Trails and Historic Estates
The loop begins with a stroll through the serene Vijver Beekhuizen, a picturesque pond surrounded by mature beech and oak trees. Early morning or late afternoon, the water often reflects the forest canopy, and you may spot herons or kingfishers darting along the banks. The path gently ascends toward Kluizenaarsberg, a low wooded hill whose name—Hermit’s Mountain—hints at the area’s past as a retreat for monks and hermits. The forest here is dense, with mossy trunks and a carpet of ferns, and in spring, wildflowers line the trail.

At roughly 1.5 km (0.9 miles), you’ll reach the Pinkenberg, a sandy ridge that offers glimpses through the trees toward the open heathlands beyond. This section is particularly scenic in late summer when the heather blooms in purple swathes. Keep an eye out for roe deer and, if you’re lucky, the rare black woodpecker. The trail undulates gently, with short climbs and descents that add up to the total elevation gain.

Koningsberg and Panoramic Views
Approaching the halfway point, the path leads up to Koningsberg, the highest point on the loop. At about 2.5 km (1.5 miles), you’ll find a small clearing with benches—an ideal spot for a break. On clear days, you can see across the Veluwezoom’s rolling hills and forests, a landscape shaped by centuries of land management and grazing. The area is steeped in history, with evidence of ancient burial mounds and remnants of 19th-century estates that once belonged to Dutch nobility.

Wildlife and Navigation
Throughout the hike, listen for the calls of songbirds and watch for squirrels leaping between branches. The mixed woodland is home to badgers, foxes, and a variety of butterflies in summer. The trail is well-marked, but for added confidence, use HiiKER to follow the route and check your progress at junctions.

Returning to Beekhuizen
The final stretch descends gently back toward the pond, passing through a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. In autumn, the forest floor is a mosaic of fallen leaves, and the air is rich with the scent of pine and earth. The loop ends where it began, near the tranquil waters of Vijver Beekhuizen, with easy access back to the car park or bus stop.