Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Region: Gelderland
Geographic Coordinates: 52.216700, 5.966700
Temperature Range: -5.0°C to 25.0°C (23°F to 77°F)
Climate: Cold winters and mild summers with rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 161156
Language: Dutch
Apeldoorn is a charming city located in the heart of the Netherlands, Known for its beautiful parks, Rich history, And cultural heritage. It has a population of approximately 160, 000 people and is situated in the province of Gelderland. One of Apeldoorn’s most prominent attractions is Paleis Het Loo. This magnificent palace was once the summer residence of Dutch royalty and features stunning gardens that are open to visitors all year round. The palace itself has been converted into a museum where visitors can learn about Dutch royal life throughout history.
Another popular attraction in Apeldoorn is Apenheul Primate Park which features over 300 primates from around the world living in their natural habitats. Visitors can observe these amazing animals up close as they roam freely through their enclosures. Apeldoorn also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, Cycling or horseback riding through its many nature reserves like Veluwe National Park which surrounds Apeldoorn on three sides. This national park boasts an extensive network of trails that take you through forests and heathlands with wildlife like deer or wild boar roaming free.
In addition to its natural beauty, Apeldoorn also has a thriving cultural scene with several museums dedicated to art and history such as CODA Museum or Museum MORE which houses one of Europe’s largest collections of modern realism art by artists like Carel Willink or Pyke Koch. For those interested in shopping or dining out, There are plenty of options available throughout Apeldoorn’s historic downtown area where you can find everything from trendy boutiques to cozy cafes serving traditional Dutch cuisine like bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs) or stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles).
Overall, Apeldoorn offers something for everyone making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore all that this beautiful part of the Netherlands has to offer.
Important Landmarks
- Het Loo Palace
- Apenheul Primate Park
- CODA Museum
- Julianatoren Amusement Park
- Veluwe National Park
- Paleis Het Loo Gardens and Estate
- Klimbos Veluwe Adventure Park
- Berg en Bos Nature Reserve
- Orpheus Theatre
- Kinderparadijs Malkenschoten (Children’s Farm)
Primary Industries
- Manufacturing: Apeldoorn is home to a number of manufacturing companies that produce a wide range of products including machinery, electronics and food.
- Financial services: The city serves as a hub for financial services with many banks and insurance companies having their headquarters or offices located here.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and medical facilities in Apeldoorn providing healthcare services to the local population.
- Retail: The city boasts a vibrant retail sector with numerous shops, supermarkets and malls catering to the needs of its residents.
- Tourism: Apeldoorn is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage which attracts tourists from all over the world.
- Education: There are various schools, colleges and universities in Apeldoorn offering quality education to students from different parts of the globe.
- Agriculture: The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms producing crops such as potatoes, vegetables and fruits that make significant contributions to the local economy.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Apeldoorn in 1629 was a significant event during the Dutch Republic’s fight for independence from Spain. Spanish troops besieged the city, but the Dutch eventually drove them out after two weeks.
- Queen Wilhelmina holds the record for being the longest-reigning monarch in Dutch history, ruling from 1898 to 1948. During World War II, she spent much of her time at Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn.
- Het Loo Palace was originally built as a hunting lodge for William III and Mary II of England in the 17th century but is now a museum and popular tourist destination.
- Julianatoren is a well-known amusement park located just outside Apeldoorn, named after Princess Juliana who opened it back in 1910.
- Apenheul Primate Park is an animal zoo located on the outskirts of Apeldoorn that specializes in primates and houses over 300 animals representing more than thirty different species.
- Before moving to Amsterdam and going into hiding during World War II, Anne Frank’s family briefly lived in Apeldoorn where their family home still stands today as a historical landmark.
- Johan Cruijff, one of Holland’s most famous football players, was born and raised near Apeldoorn before rising to fame on an international level.
- Paleis het Loo National Museum is home to an extensive collection belonging to House Orange-Nassau including furniture, paintings, textiles and silverware from various periods ranging from Louis XIV style pieces to contemporary art works with something for everyone to enjoy!
Museums and Things To See
- Het Loo Palace is a former royal palace that boasts beautiful gardens and exhibitions.
- CODA Museum is an art museum with contemporary art, design, and jewelry collections on display.
- Apenheul Primate Park is a unique zoo where primates roam free in the forest.
- Paleis Het Loo Stables is an equestrian museum showcasing the history of horses and carriages used by Dutch royalty.
- Klimbos Veluwe offers outdoor adventure activities such as zip lines and rope bridges among the trees of the Veluwe forest.
- Radio Kootwijk is a former radio broadcasting station with impressive Art Deco architecture located in a remote heathland area.
- Veluwse Stoomtrein Maatschappij (VSM) is a steam train museum offering rides through scenic landscapes of Apeldoorn’s surroundings.
- The Netherlands War Cemetery serves as a peaceful resting place for 1,377 Allied soldiers who died during World War II near Apeldoorn.
- De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a vast nature reserve featuring diverse flora and fauna, cycling routes, hiking trails, museums, and sculptures park.
Sports Teams
- Apeldoorn is a city in the Netherlands that boasts several sports teams with rich histories.
- These teams include:
- AGOVV Apeldoorn – a football club established in 1913
- Has played in various leagues across the Netherlands
- Has won many titles such as the Dutch Amateur Championship in 1958 and 1960
- CSV Apeldoorn – a football club founded in 1930
- Has played in several leagues across the country
- Has won four Dutch Amateur Championships
- WSV Apeldoorn – an athletics club established in 1921
- The team has produced many talented athletes who have competed at national and international levels
- De Gazelle – a cycling team based out of Apeldoorn since 1924
- Over the years, it has produced some notable cyclists
- SV Dynamo – a volleyball team founded in 1989
- Quickly rose to prominence thanks to its skilled players and coaches
- Boasts numerous championships over time including multiple national titles
- Overall, these sports teams contribute to making up an impressive sporting culture within this vibrant city of sports lovers – Apeldoorn!
- Koningsdag (King’s Day) is a national holiday celebrated on April 27th, which marks the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. This day is celebrated with street parties, music, and flea markets.
- The Apeldoornse Fietsvierdaagse (Apeldoorn Four-Day Cycling Event) takes place annually in July and attracts thousands of participants who cycle through the beautiful surroundings of Apeldoorn for four days.
- The CODA Paper Art Exhibition is held every two years at the CODA Museum and showcases unique paper art from around the world.
- Roots in de Woods Festival is a three-day festival held in October that celebrates folk music, storytelling, as well as local food and drink.
- The Sinterklaas Arrival Parade takes place in November or December each year when Sinterklaas arrives in Apeldoorn with a parade featuring his helpers (Zwarte Pieten), gifts for children, and festive music.
- Midwinter Marathon is an annual marathon event held every February where runners take part in different distances ranging from 8km to a full marathon distance through picturesque landscapes surrounding Apeldoorn.
- Lepeltje Lepeltje Food Festival is an annual three-day food festival held during summer where visitors can enjoy live music while sampling local cuisine prepared by various vendors from around the region.
- The Veluwse Avondmarkt is an evening market that takes place during summer where visitors can shop for fresh produce including fruits & vegetables as well as handcrafted items made by local artisans & craftsmen.
- Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij: This restaurant is located in a historic train station and serves traditional Dutch cuisine.
- Restaurant Sizzles: This steakhouse offers a variety of grilled meats and seafood.
- De Wilde Pieters: A cozy restaurant that specializes in regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
- Brasserie Martins: A modern brasserie that serves classic French dishes with a Dutch twist.
- Klein Berlijn: A trendy bistro that offers vegetarian and vegan options, as well as craft beers and cocktails.
- Het Stadscafe Apeldoorn: A lively cafe-bar that serves pub grub, burgers, sandwiches, salads, coffee drinks & more.
- Restaurant Korenmolen de Hoop: Located in an old windmill building, this restaurant features seasonal menus with fresh ingredients from the region.
- Grand Cafe de Notaris: A stylish cafe-bar serving breakfasts, lunches & dinners along with coffees & cocktails
- Eetcafe Fijnproeverij De Bankier : This cozy eatery specializes in small plates of contemporary European cuisine along with wines & beers
- De Bon Vivant : An elegant French-style bistro serving classic dishes such as escargots, duck confit & crème brûlée
- Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe
- Apenheul Primate Park
- Paleis Het Loo gardens and park
- Oranjepark
- Berg en Bos park and wildlife reserve
- Klimbos Veluwe adventure park
- Kinderparadijs Malkenschoten playground and petting zoo
- Orderbos recreational area
- Omnisport Apeldoorn sports complex
- The Veluwse Bron wellness resort