Things To Do
in Nunspeet

Nunspeet sits on the southeastern edge of the Veluwe, surrounded by forests, lakes, and open heathland. The town blends rural Gelderland charm with easy access to nature reserves and well-marked cycling routes. Its market squares, cozy cafés, and family-friendly attractions reflect a relaxed, welcoming Dutch vibe.

Throughout the year, Nunspeet serves as a peaceful base for outdoor adventures and countryside exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Local Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Nunspeet and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets to get acquainted with the town. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Dutch breakfast of bread, cheese, and coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the Nunspeet Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the scenic park nearby, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. Spend the afternoon browsing local shops and art galleries for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy restaurant serving authentic Dutch cuisine. Enjoy the local ambiance while trying dishes like stamppot or poffertjes. Conclude your night with a walk along the Veluwemeer lake, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Nature Walks and Cycling
morning
:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading out to explore the beautiful surroundings of Nunspeet. Rent a bicycle and ride through the expansive Veluwe National Park, taking in the breathtaking views of heathlands and forests. Stop along the way to capture photographs of the stunning landscapes.

afternoon
:

Pause for lunch at a scenic spot within the park, enjoying packed snacks or refreshments from a local shop. After lunch, continue your adventure by hiking along one of the many trails, possibly spotting deer or diverse bird life. Discover hidden gems of nature, such as picturesque lakes and streams.

evening
:

Return to Nunspeet for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner at a local eatery, savoring fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Wind down with a calming evening walk under the stars, appreciating the serene environment.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in cafe$3-5
🚆One-way local transport ticket$2-4
🛏️Budget hotel/hostel per night$40-90
🍽️Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful nature access (Veluwe), relaxed pace, family-friendly
  • Good cycling routes and safe, scenic towns
  • Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
  • Some services fewer on Sundays and holidays
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is de dichtstbijzijnde supermarkt?" - Where is the nearest supermarket?
  • "Mag ik de menukaart alstublieft?" - Could I have the menu, please?
  • "Ik ben vegetariër" - I am vegetarian
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Nunspeet

Visit one of these nice places.

Speulderbos (Speulder Forest)

Iconic birch and beech trees with sculptural shapes; best photographed at dawn or during mist and golden-hour lighting.

Veluwemeer Shoreline

Expansive lake views with reflections on calm water; ideal for sunset and panoramic shots.

Market Square & Grote Kerk, Nunspeet

Historic town center with a tall church spire and quaint storefronts—great for architectural and street photography.

Vierhouten Heath and Pines

Open heathland and pine forests with wide horizons and seasonal color shifts; great for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nunspeet

Veluwe region cuisine centers on hearty, seasonal Dutch fare with strong farm-to-table influences. Expect wholesome dishes, locally produced cheese and dairy, and simple, comforting flavors that pair well with the region’s outdoor lifestyle.

Nunspeet Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Stamppot met rookworst

A classic Dutch dish: mashed potatoes with greens and smoked sausage. Pair with pickled vegetables and gravy for a hearty meal.

Must-Try!

Appeltaart

Traditional Dutch apple pie, often served with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream; a perfect cafe treat.

Veluwse kaasplank

A selection of local cheeses from Gelderland producers, served with bread, honey, and fruit.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Market Square Market (Vrije Markt)

Weekly market stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and light snacks; a good place to try local bites like stroopwafels.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nunspeet experiences a temperate maritime climate with moderate seasonal variation. Winters are cool with occasional snowfall, while summers are warm but not hot. Spring and autumn bring pleasant temperatures and changing colors, with rain showers typical year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Bicycle etiquette

Give way to cyclists on bike paths; ring a bell when passing; follow local traffic signals and lane rules.

Greetings

A polite greeting such as 'Goedemorgen' or 'Hallo' is appreciated; use formal 'u' in unfamiliar settings and switch to 'jij' with familiarity.

Dining etiquette

Casual dining culture; say thank you with 'dank u wel' and wait to be seated in many places.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally very safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: safeguard valuables, stay aware of cyclists on shared paths, and call emergency services (112) for urgent help. If you’re venturing into forests, check weather conditions and wear appropriate gear.

Tipping in Nunspeet

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted; cash is still used in smaller venues. Contactless payment is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with blooming wildflowers; excellent for cycling and forest walks.

Summer

Warm, long days with plenty of outdoor dining and lake activities; stay hydrated on outdoor explorations.

Autumn

Vibrant foliage and misty mornings create atmospheric photography and tranquil walks.

Winter

Cool weather and possible snow; cozy cafés and quieter nature trails, with shorter daylight hours.

Nightlife Guide

Nunspeet at Night

Nunspeet offers a low-key nightlife focused on cozy pubs and canal-side cafés. On weekends, some venues host live music or small events. For more bars and clubs, nearby towns such as Harderwijk, Zwolle, or Apeldoorn provide a broader nightlife scene within easy reach by car or public transport.

Hiking in Nunspeet

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Speulderbos Hiking Trails

Forested loops with dramatic trunks and mossy roots; easy to moderate difficulty.

Hoge Veluwe National Park trails (near Otterlo)

Extensive loop trails through diverse landscapes; connects to cultural sites and the Kröller-Möller Museum.

Vierhouten Heath Walks

Popular heathland routes with sweeping horizons and seasonal wildflowers.

Airports

How to reach Nunspeet by plane.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Major international hub about 70-90 minutes by car or train from Nunspeet with frequent connections and direct rail links to the region.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Smaller international airport about 1.5-2 hours away by train or car; good for European destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

Nunspeet has a compact town center that is very walkable, with most amenities reachable within 15-20 minutes on foot. The surrounding Veluwe area is best explored by bike or car, with extensive cycle paths and well-marked hiking trails. In town, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly streets and frequent pauses in residential areas.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly Dutch locals with families and retirees; community-oriented and outdoors-focused.

Visitors

Tourists drawn to Veluwe forests, lakes, and cycling routes; seasonal peak in summer.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

A staple activity across the Veluwe; extensive road and leisure cycling routes.

Football (soccer)

Common in local clubs and school leagues; community events often centered around local teams.

Hiking

Many forest and heathland trails with varying difficulty, suitable for all ages.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Nunspeet is generally light and pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. The town has reliable bus connections to Apeldoorn, Zwolle, and nearby municipalities. Weekend trips to popular nature spots can increase road traffic; plan for modest delays. Rural roads are well-signed and easy to navigate by car.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nunspeet.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for daily specials or vegetable-forward dishes, cheese plates, and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local general practitioners and clinics serve everyday health needs; for hospital care, Zwolle and Amersfoort host the nearest larger facilities. The Netherlands provides universal healthcare through basic insurance; EU residents should carry the appropriate health card. For emergencies, dial 112; for non-urgent medical information, contact a local huisarts or regional health center.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide