Nijkerk, Voorthuizen

Voorthuizen is also known as the 'Gateway to the Veluwe'. From this village in Gelderland, you cycle straight into the woods and onto the heaths. To the north, the wooded Veluwe slowly changes into meadows, arable fields and polders, ending with vast stretches of water. This cycle route leads you via the Appelse Heide, the Wilbrinkbos, beautiful country estates and farmland to the Nijkerkernauw.

On the way, you cross the centre of Nijkerk. This village is loved by those looking for peace and quiet, but has a lot to offer. The cosy shopping centre has nice shops and fine restaurants. From the centre of Nijkerk, you cycle along the Arkervaart canal to the marina on the water. You ride along the lake and enjoy the view of the rippling water and the Flevopolder. Get a breath of fresh air! This area is also known as Nijkerk aan Zee. At Strand Nulde you will find a sandy beach and sunbathing meadows, nice places to take a break on a summer day.

On the waterfront, you will also come across two steam pumping stations. For the Stoomgemaal Arkemheen in Nijkerk, you need to deviate a little bit from the route, at junction 52. The visitor centre gives you a good idea of the history of this steam pumping station and why it is still of cultural-historical and ecological value. If you like birds, these polders are a must. Various water and meadow birds find their home here to breed or just to hibernate.

Between junctions 67 and 38 is the Putter Steam Pumping Station. This is one of eight pumping stations still working in the Netherlands. In fact, the steam engine is still the same as when the pumping station was built in 1885. This pumping station also has great historical value and is a special industrial heritage site.

Discover the polder landscapes of the Veluwe with this cycle route and enjoy the peace, space and water.

Parking is available near junction 25 near Zeumeren recreation area (for a fee) or in the centre of Voorthuizen around junction 21.