The Veluwe is buzzing with autumn fun!

During the autumn holidays, the Veluwe comes alive with fun events and activities. From creative workshops and children’s activities to atmospheric markets, there is something enjoyable for everyone. Enjoy delicious food, culture, music and outdoor adventures together, and turn the autumn holidays into an unforgettable time for the whole family.

Autumn Market Apeldoorn – Saturday 24 October 2026

Enjoy a late-summer autumn atmosphere at the Autumn Market at StadsAkkers in Apeldoorn. Browse the many stalls offering local products and delicious treats, and soak up the warm and welcoming atmosphere with sunshine, cookies and coffee.

Location: Nationaal Hippisch Centrum, Ermelo
Date & time: Friday 16 & Saturday 17 October 2026, 20:00 – 02:00
Admission: Free. More information: Autumn Market at StadsAkkers

Veluwe Rockt – 16 & 17 October 2026

On Friday and Saturday evening, the Nationaal Hippisch Centrum is transformed into one big music festival! At Veluwe Rockt, you can enjoy an entertaining evening filled with live music, well-known artists and a fantastic atmosphere. The perfect night out if you are looking for music and entertainment.

Location: Nationaal Hippisch Centrum, Ermelo
Date & time: Friday 16 & Saturday 17 October 2026, 18:00 – 00:00
Admission:

• Friday 16 October: €37.50
• Saturday 17 October: €45.00
• Combined Friday & Saturday ticket: €65.00
• Saturday group ticket (15 people): €412.50
• More information: Veluwe Rockt

Veluwe Fair – 17 & 18 October 2026

For two days, you can enjoy everything this beautiful region has to offer, right in the middle of nature. During the day, the grounds host the Veluwe Fair, an atmospheric event for young and old where outdoor living, lifestyle, regional products, food, crafts and entertainment all come together.

Stroll past the many different exhibitors and enjoy delicious food and drinks.

Don’t miss it! Experience one of the Veluwe’s signature events together with family and friends.

Location: Nationaal Hippisch Centrum, Ermelo
Date & time: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2026, 11:00 – 18:00
Admission:

• Adults: €12.50
• Seniors 65+: €7.50
• Children aged 4–12: €5.00
• Group ticket (4 people): €30.00
• More information: Veluwe Fair

Guided Tour “Cannenburch Comes to Life!” – Autumn Holidays 2026

A unique guided tour through Cannenburch Castle in Vaassen, where you experience how the castle “awakens”. The shutters are opened, daylight streams inside and the guide takes you back in time with stories from the 18th century.

After the tour, coffee or tea awaits you in the castle café, with lemonade for the children.

Dates & times:

• Tuesday 20 October 2026, 09:30 – 11:00
• Thursday 22 October 2026, 09:30 – 11:00

Location: Cannenburch Castle, Vaassen
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours (maximum 14 people per tour, reservation required)
Admission:

• Adults: €18.50
• Children aged 4–18: €8.50
• Children aged 3 and under: Free
• Museum Card holders & donors: €7.50
• More information: Geldersch Landschap & Kastelen

Wildlife Excursions on the Veluwe – October 2026

Head out into nature with a guide and look out for roaring red deer, wild boar and other wildlife.

1. Wild Weeks – De Hoge Veluwe National Park

Dates & times: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and the first Sunday (13–22 October), 15:00 – 17:00
Location: De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Admission: Adults €5, children aged 6–13 €2.50 (excluding park admission). More information: Wild Weeks

2. E-Safari – Wildwise

Dates & times:

• Saturday 10 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Friday 16 October, 16:45 – 18:45
• Friday 23 October, 16:00 – 18:00
• Saturday 24 October, 10:00 – 12:00

Location: Discover the Veluwe during an e-Safari through vast forests, along glacial ridges and through extraordinary natural landscapes. Spot wildlife, discover animal tracks and listen to stories about the nature and history of this beautiful region.

Admission: Approx. €32.50 per person. More information: Wildwise

3. Private/Group Excursions – Wildpraat

Dates & times: By appointment (morning or evening)
Location: Around Apeldoorn, Brummen and Hulshorst
Admission: From €235 per excursion (including a guide for 6 people, excluding extras). More information: Wildpraat

Autumn Holiday Programme at De Hoge Veluwe National Park

Morning: Start at the Museonder, pick up a booklet or map and set off on a White Bicycle.

Afternoon: Combine route 2 (26 km) with route 1 (10 km). Take a break at the Kröller-Müller Museum or Jachthuis Sint Hubertus.

Evening (around 16:00): Watch for red deer during the rutting season near Wildbaanweg or Bosje van Staf.

Tip: Bring binoculars and remain quiet at wildlife observation areas.

Autumn Workshops

Pumpkin Carving & Workshops – Veluwe

Hollow out, carve or decorate pumpkins in an atmospheric barn with a farm shop.

Location: Boerderij ’t Geertje, Haarzuilens
Dates & times: During the autumn holidays from 17 to 25 October. Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 and Sunday 11:00 – 17:00
Admission: From €6. More information: Geertje's Hoeve

Pumpkin Workshop – De Hazeldonck

A creative workshop including hollowing out and decorating a pumpkin, plus freshly made pumpkin soup prepared over the fire.

Location: De Hazeldonck
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Admission: €32.50 per person (including refreshments; lunch or pizza optional)
More information: De Hazeldonck

White Bicycles & Exploring De Hoge Veluwe

Make use of the free White Bicycles at De Hoge Veluwe and explore the park, museums and wildlife observation areas.

There are 1,800 bicycles available at the entrances in Otterlo, Hoenderloo and Schaarsbergen, as well as at the Kröller-Müller Museum and Jachthuis Sint Hubertus.

Cycling routes: Choose route 1 (approx. 10 km, north/central area) or route 2 (approx. 26 km, southern area). Combine both routes for more than 30 km of cycling fun.

Map: A walking and cycling map is available for €2 at the park entrances or at the Museonder. It is ideal for finding wildlife observation areas, museums and cafés/restaurants.

Location: De Hoge Veluwe
Admission: Adults €13.85; children aged 6–12 €6.95. More information: De Hoge Veluwe

Cities & Atmosphere

Visit one of the charming towns and cities near Ackersate! Exploring a new city for the day is always a great idea, with plenty of opportunities for shopping, delicious food and culture.

Amersfoort – Stroll along the picturesque canals, wander through charming shopping streets and enjoy a drink on one of the cosy terraces.

Apeldoorn – Experience autumn with atmospheric markets, great shops and culinary hotspots. Perfect for a day out with family or friends.

Barneveld – Discover the charm of regional products, welcoming markets and local specialities. The perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and finding something unique.

Harderwijk – A charming historic Hanseatic city by the water. Perfect for combining shopping with a walk through the old town centre.

Adventure & Play

Klimbos Garderen – Climb and balance your way through the trees on a variety of challenging courses. An active experience for children and adults who enjoy a little excitement.

Julianatoren (Apeldoorn) – A compact amusement park with a fun Halloween theme in October. Perfect for younger children who enjoy rides and shows.

Schateiland Zeumeren – A large indoor play paradise, ideal for rainy autumn weather. Climbing, scrambling and adventurous play are guaranteed!

Animals & Nature

Apenheul (Apeldoorn) – Meet free-roaming monkeys up close. Exciting, educational and perfect for children who love seeing animals from nearby.

Burgers’ Zoo (Arnhem) – An impressive zoo featuring a variety of ecosystems and indoor environments, from tropical rainforest to desert. Ideal for an autumn visit.

Mushroom Hunting on the Veluwe – Walk through the autumn forests and discover the fascinating world of mushrooms. Guided activities are sometimes available, making it both fun and educational for the whole family.

DierenPark Amersfoort – An easy-to-explore zoo with fun playgrounds and educational activities. Ideal for families looking to combine animals, play and learning.

Nature & Relaxation

De Hoge Veluwe National Park – Cycle through the Veluwe on the famous White Bicycles or spot wildlife during the red deer rutting season. A perfect combination of being active and enjoying autumn nature.

Kootwijkerzand – A unique drifting-sand landscape with walking routes through extraordinary scenery. With plenty of peace and open space, it is ideal for an autumn walk.

Guided Wildlife Excursions – Head out with a nature guide and increase your chances of spotting roaring red deer, wild boar and other wildlife. A memorable experience for nature lovers.

Culture & History

Paleis Het Loo (Apeldoorn) – Discover the royal palace and its beautiful gardens in autumn. Culture, history and nature combined in one day out.

Cannenburch Castle (Vaassen) – Guided tours of the castle and its atmospheric autumn gardens bring history to life.

Dutch Open Air Museum (Arnhem) – Experience a nostalgic autumn atmosphere, traditional crafts and historic buildings. Fun and educational for the whole family.