In the Netherlands, you can find numerous lakes and beaches, serving various purposes such as swimming or providing habitats for birds. Some lakes have been formed through sand extraction, primarily for road construction or residential developments. An example is the beautiful Heerderstrand, which originated from sand extraction for the construction of the A50 highway. This practice of creating lakes through sand extraction is not uncommon and demonstrates the dynamic interplay between infrastructure development and environmental changes in the region. The resulting lakes often contribute to the overall landscape and may serve multiple functions, including recreational activities and ecological preservation.
Heerderstrand is a Lake, Beaches, and breathtaking Art
On the edge of the Veluwe, near Heerde is a beautiful recreation area the Heerderstrand | Heerder beach. Heerderstrand has a large water plan with a fine sandy beach and sunbathing areas. The pond is surrounded by a beautiful varied forest. If you want to relax and unwind in a wooded area, Heerderstrand is the perfect place for a relaxing beach day. The water is very clean and has a breathtakingly beautiful color. When I saw this place I immediately fell in love with this beautiful lake. You would think this photo was photo-shopped but no this photo was taken with an iPhone and these are the real colors, so beautiful!
Heerderstrand is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during the warmer months. Additionally, the surrounding natural areas offer opportunities for hiking and cycling, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of the Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Bird-watching at Heerderstrand
In the forest around Heerderstrand, the green woodpecker, tawny owl, and raven can be heard regularly. With a bit of luck, you will find wild boars and deer in the early morning or evening twilight.
Dept of the Heerde Lake water
The Heerderstrand is a lake of more than 20 hectares, the bottom of which is sloping. The shallow end is marked with ropes. Behind the rope, it quickly becomes deeper up to 5 meters. This large deep pool was created during the sand extraction for the construction of the nearby highway.
Outdoor activities at Heerderstrand | Heerde Lake and Beach
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy a sporty game of beach volleyball, supping, or canoeing with your inflatable SUP board or canoe. If you don’t feel like being very active, sit down on the terrace of the beach pavilion for a drink or snack. Freshly made ice cream is served in the beach pavilion.
Walking the woods around Heerde Lake and Beach
n addition to water sports, you can also enjoy walking and cycling around the Heerderstrand. There’s a hiking trail and bike path around the lake. In about 45 minutes you can walk around the Heerderstrand. Blueberry bushes grow along the hiking trail. If you are lucky and you are there in the right season, you’ll be able to pick hands full of blueberries which are the tastiest freshly picked. I enjoyed the walk around the lake, listening to the birds and hoping for some wild boars or deer to show up. Alas, too bad, it was not a good day for spotting wildlife but the sun was shining and the forest was lovely.
Miniature golf and golf near National Parc Hoge Veluwe
PITCH & PUTT Heerderstrand also has a beautiful Pitch & Putt golf course. Pitch & Putt is golf in miniature. Just like with golf, you play the golf ball with a golf club in a hole. The difference is that the distance between the holes is shorter, it varies from 30 to 90 meters. The course is 18 holes (5 hectares) and you can play the entire course in just over two hours. But you can also choose to play the half course of 9 holes. You do not need a GVB (golf proficiency certificate) for this golf course. If you want to give golf a try, here’s your chance. The experienced golfer can practice short distances here. In addition to golf, other activities are possible such as mini golf, foot golf, and forest foot golf. I never played golf so I can’t tell you anything about it except that the golf course looks green and sloping.
Heerderstrand is a hidden treasure and well worth a visit on a nice day.
By car: The Heerderstrand recreation area is easily accessible for motorists. From the A50 take exit Heerde (exit 29) and continue in the direction of Heerde. Then follow the signs ‘Heerderstrand’.
By bicycle, foot, and public transport: For cyclists, it is easily accessible from various directions via country roads and beautiful Veluwe cycle paths. By public transport: Train stations closest to Heerderstrand: Wezep (9.3 km, 13 minutes) Olst (9.1 km, 13 minutes) Wijhe (7.4 km, 11 minutes), here you can rent an e-bike and ride to Heerderstrand.
Lake and beach near National Parc Hoge Veluwe
Heerderstrand is located on the edge of National Parc Hoge Veluwe. In addition to outdoor activities, the park is home to the Krüller-Müller Museum, which houses an impressive collection of art, including works by Vincent van Gogh. The combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes the Hoge Veluwe National Park a unique and enjoyable destination for a day out or a longer stay.
➔ National Parc Hoge Veluwe
What more is there to do in and around the village of Heerde
➔ Heerde, the best to do in and around the village of Heerde
➔ Zwolle, one of the great Dutch Hanseatic cities
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