As October arrives, it heralds the autumn season—a wonderful time for scenic walks, where you can immerse yourself in nature's vibrant display of yellow, red, and brown leaves. Mushrooms begin to spring up everywhere, with the striking red-and-white fly agaric being the most iconic, despite its peculiar name. One of the best places to experience these autumn colors is in and around the National Park De Hoge Veluwe in the Netherlands.
Color the Fall
I was invited by the renowned Bilderberg hotel chain to experience their "Color the Fall" package.
With this package, you can enjoy a two-night stay at Bilderberg, complete with an extensive breakfast buffet. You'll be treated to an autumn-themed snack platter with delicious bites to enjoy with your drink. The hotel also offers various marked walking routes, and a delightful autumn surprise awaits in your room.
Under a pleasant autumn sun, we set off for Oosterbeek, located in the Gelderland province of the Netherlands. Upon arrival at the Bilderberg Hotel in Oosterbeek, we received a warm welcome and were given a wonderful walking route for the local area. You can also start a forest walk directly from the hotel's parking lot. If cycling is more your style, you can rent bikes at the hotel, but be sure to book in advance, especially if you want an electric bike.
Experience the colors of Autumn with a Forest Ranger
A special activity at Bilderberg in Oosterbeek is the opportunity to walk with forest ranger Aart. He leads walks through the Veluwe and the hotel's surrounding area, helping you experience the scents and colors of autumn through his expert eyes. Aart will tell you about the various tree species and their beautiful autumn leaves, as well as the many types of mushrooms that seem to pop up everywhere.
Tip: With the ObsIdentify app, you can take a photo to identify the mushrooms you encounter. You might also want to bring a small mirror to view the undersides of the mushrooms!
Aart will also explain how autumn affects the local wildlife. Some birds migrate south for the winter in search of insects, while species from Scandinavia come to the Netherlands to overwinter.
Roaring Deer
Autumn is the perfect time to spot red deer and roe deer. From mid-September to early October, it's mating season in the forest, and you'll often hear the distinctive roars, known as "burling," of the stags. The deer also grow their winter coats, shedding their old fur. However, some animals, such as hedgehogs and badgers, start preparing for hibernation, and you might not see them at all.
Top Walking Routes Around Bilderberg Oosterbeek
Deelerwoud Trail, Veluwe
This beautiful walking trail, located between the Hoge Veluwe National Park and Veluwezoom, offers a peaceful oasis. You’ll wander through forests, heathlands, and stunning landscape scenes.
Tip: You can park for free at the Deelerwoud parking lot along the N804. Follow the green markers for this trail.
Just a few hundred meters in, you’ll likely encounter some impressive Scottish Highland cattle, often lying right in the middle of the path. These robust cows thrive outdoors year-round and help naturally maintain the landscape.
A bit further along, you might see a glider soaring above the forest, as you’re nearing the Terlet gliding airfield. This area is also a prime spot for spotting deer grazing on the lush grass.
Don’t miss the scenic views over the Kleine Heide, and as the trail continues through Deelerwoud, you’ll pass bird-breeding areas. Keep an eye out for the Stonechat, Skylark, and birds of prey like the Hobby and Buzzard.
The walk is roughly 12 km—perfect for a morning or afternoon adventure.
Explore Autumn in Hoge Veluwe National Park
You can also opt for a walk or bike ride through the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Entry costs €13.50 per person, which includes access to the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum, named after the art-loving couple who once owned the estate. Parking outside the entrance costs €4.65 for the day, and driving your car inside the park costs an additional €9.25.
In autumn, the park is open during these hours:
October: daily from 9 AM to 7 PM
November: daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
One of the best things about the park is the free use of the famous "white bikes," which you’ll find at each park entrance. There are also child seats available. You can borrow these bikes for the duration of your visit.
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is the ultimate destination to admire the breathtaking autumn colors in the Netherlands. Its sprawling forests, heathlands, and sand drifts create a stunning landscape during this season. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides through the vibrant scenery, with the picturesque backdrop of golden leaves.
The park also offers cultural highlights, such as the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to works by Van Gogh and others. Don’t miss the chance to spot wildlife like red deer, wild boar, and roe deer, especially in the evenings.
Activities in Autumn:
Walking trails through colorful forests and heathlands
Biking with the free white bikes throughout the park
Wildlife spotting during special observation sessions
Visiting the Kröller-Müller Museum for art enthusiasts
Hoge Veluwe is perfect for a fall adventure full of nature, culture, and tranquility.
Stay at the Bilderberg Hotel
The Bilderberg Hotel is nestled in the woods and offers ample parking. The superior rooms are elegantly furnished, with separate bathrooms and showers.
There’s also an indoor pool where you can relax after a long walk, as well as a sauna and hammam.
For dinner, you can choose between the Italian restaurant Asturia or Julia’s Kitchen, both offering a selection of dishes.
Before our meal, we enjoyed the delightful autumn snack platter that was part of the special fall package, featuring tasty cheeses, game pâté, and fine meats—a perfect pairing with our aperitif.
In the morning, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast buffet with various breads, toppings, yogurt, pancakes, and much more.
Another nice touch at the hotel is the complimentary coffee, tea, and water available in the hallway for you to enjoy as much as you like.
Although we were invited to experience this package and hotel, all opinions in this article are our own and completely honest.
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This is a beautiful trip down memory lane as we have enjoyed autumn twice at the Hoge Veluwe National Park. I remember hiring bikes with a child seat and my whole family enjoying the great outdoors here. We must return. The Bilderberg Hotel looks a lovely place to stay.