A day trip to the Veluwe is now even easier. From Arnhem Central station, you can walk to the Molenplaats and the Watermuseum in five minutes, where you can rent a bike or e-bike right away. From there, you can cycle directly into the Veluwe. Alderman for economy, tourism, and sustainable mobility Nermina Kundić launched a trial on September 5 to make the Veluwe more accessible by public transport and bicycle for visitors and to relieve the pressure on nature.

Spreading Visitors

Arnhem is located on the edge of the Veluwe and attracts many visitors every year. However, it can sometimes get quite busy, which puts more pressure on nature. Alderman Kundić stated, ‘That’s why we are working together with municipalities in the region to spread visitors and offer new ways to experience nature. We are bringing together three things: hospitality, nature conservation, and sustainable mobility.’

Green Walking Route and Facilities

Visitors will soon walk along a green, marked route from Arnhem Central station, Sonsbeek side, to the Molenplaats Sonsbeek. The outdoor area at the Molenplaats and the Dutch Watermuseum will also be renovated. An inclusive water play area will be created, and additional facilities will be added. The Molenplaats will become the visitor center for nature, estates, and culture in the region. New is that visitors can rent a bike or e-bike directly at the Molenplaats and at the Watermuseum via VeluweActief. ‘Regular’ bikes, as well as bikes with child seats, a parent-child tandem, or children’s bikes, so the whole family can go out together.

Welcoming Arnhem

‘Arnhem is a welcoming city,’ says Kundić. ‘With this pilot, you can even more easily travel to the Veluwe by public transport and bicycle. This way, everyone can continue to enjoy, now and in the future.’ The pilot will run until the end of October this year; the intention is for the trial to continue throughout the entire tourist season in 2026 (April 1 – October 31). Naturally, an evaluation will follow: is there sufficient demand, what works well, and what can be improved? Kundić: ‘We have one clear goal: to ensure that future generations can also enjoy the unique nature and culture in our region.’