Glamping rental Epe - 1 glamping

Epe: The Veluwe's Best-Kept Secret for Your Next Holiday Rental

Tucked away on the edge of one of the most impressive nature reserves in northwestern Europe, Epe is a destination that surprises even seasoned travelers. This municipality in the province of Gelderland, in the eastern Netherlands, sits roughly 16 km north of Apeldoorn and 21 km south of Zwolle, placing it squarely at the doorstep of the Veluwe. With a population of just over 33,000, Epe has the rare combination of village warmth and access to truly vast landscapes. Book a rental in Epe and experience a holiday that takes you far from the crowds and deep into the Dutch countryside.

Where Exactly Is Epe, and Why Does That Matter?

Epe is located at approximately 52.35 degrees north latitude and 5.98 degrees east longitude, in the heart of Gelderland. The municipality includes several charming villages and hamlets, including Vaassen, Emst, Oene, and Wissel. Gelderland is one of the largest provinces in the Netherlands, famous for its diverse landscapes of rivers, forests, and rolling heathlands. Epe itself rests on the northeastern flank of the Veluwe, which spans over 1,000 square kilometres and is the largest contiguous nature area in the Netherlands. The Veluwe was shaped by glacial activity during the Pleistocene epoch, with its push moraine complex stretching 60 km from north to south and reaching heights of up to 110 metres. This geological history has created a remarkable range of terrain, from dense forests and open heathlands to sand drifts and stream valleys. The climate is temperate, with mild summers and cool winters, making outdoor activities pleasant throughout the year.

Why a Rental in Epe Beats the Usual Holiday Formula

Many holidaymakers default to beach towns or busy cities. Epe offers a completely different rhythm. Here is why it deserves a spot at the top of your list:

• You are on the edge of the Veluwe, with immediate access to forests, heathlands, and cycling paths that stretch for hundreds of kilometres in every direction.
• Epe is free of mass tourism. Unlike Amsterdam or the coastal resorts, you will not be navigating through tourist crowds. Instead, expect authentic Dutch village life, local markets, and genuine tranquillity.
• It is surprisingly well-connected. Nearby train stations in Apeldoorn and Zwolle provide easy access from Schiphol Airport and other major cities. For guests driving from Germany, Belgium, or France, the A50 motorway runs nearby.
• The area is ideal year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer is perfect for cycling and swimming in forest lakes, autumn delivers dramatic foliage across the Veluwe, and winter offers peaceful walks through frost-dusted woodlands.
• Epe is a wonderful base for exploring multiple attractions without having to relocate, keeping your rental as a calm home base while day-tripping to castles, medieval towns, and national parks.

Highlights of Epe You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Wisselse Veen: A Natura 2000 Wetland Gem

Just southwest of Epe lies the Wisselse Veen, a protected wetland area that is part of the European Natura 2000 network. This former marshland on the eastern flank of the Veluwe is fed by mineral-rich groundwater that bubbles up from the glacial moraine. In the early 20th century, it was considered one of the last treasure troves of wild Dutch flora, home to rare orchid species, bog-bean, and marsh violet. After decades of drainage reduced its ecological value, a major restoration project has been underway for over 30 years to bring back the original wetland habitat. Today, visitors can spot rare dragonfly species, kingfishers nesting along the Tongerense Beek, and butterflies like the silver-washed fritillary. Well-marked trails and observation points make this a remarkable spot for nature-loving guests.

Medieval Churches Across the Municipality

Epe, Vaassen, and the village of Oene each have a medieval church, with roots stretching back centuries. Epe's Grote Kerk dates to the 14th century and offers a serene atmosphere within the village centre. These are not major tourist attractions, but rather quietly beautiful reminders of the region's deep history, perfect for a contemplative morning visit.

The Gortelse Heide and the Het Loo Crown Estate

The Gortelse Heide covers 108 hectares of rolling purple heathland and is part of the Het Loo Crown Estate, the largest contiguous private estate in the Netherlands. Connected to the House of Orange for centuries, this area features long avenues, game trails, and quiet forest sections. In late summer, the heather blooms in a vivid purple carpet that stretches to the horizon. It is one of the most photogenic landscapes in all of the Netherlands, yet remains remarkably uncrowded.

Pyramids in the Heathland

Near the village of Vierhouten, which falls within the municipality, three pyramids made of boulders stand on the Noorderheide heathland: the Daniel George Pyramid, the Miesje Pyramid, and the Peter Paul Pyramid. These curious structures were part of an ingenious waterworks system built in 1935 by Daniel George van Beuningen, and have since been restored by volunteers. They are a quirky, unexpected landmark in the middle of the Veluwe landscape.

Your Epe To-Do List: Skip the Obvious, Try These Instead

1. Explore Cannenburch Castle in Vaassen

   Just a short trip from Epe's centre, Kasteel De Cannenburgh in Vaassen is a 16th-century moated castle built by the Guelderian field marshal Maarten van Rossum in 1543 on the ruins of a medieval stronghold. The castle stayed in the same family for over 300 years and is now open to the public. It is furnished as an 18th-century nobleman's house with original paintings and porcelain. The surrounding 24-hectare park includes forests, meadows, flower gardens, ponds, and cascades. A 15th-century watermill stands northeast of the castle, and the former coach house now operates as a restaurant called 't Koetshuis.

2. Day Trip to the Hanseatic Town of Elburg

   A short drive north from Epe, the former Hanseatic fishing town of Elburg is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Netherlands. Rebuilt between 1392 and 1396 to a unique rectangular street plan based on the golden ratio, it measures just 350 by 250 metres within its canals. Enter through the 15th-century Vischpoort (Fish Gate), walk the intact ramparts, and visit the Agnietenkloster, a former convent from 1418 that now houses the Elburg Museum. The town still has a working eel smokehouse and the oldest operational ropewalk in the Netherlands, where the Deetman family has been making rope since the early 18th century. The harbour is home to Elburg botters, traditional wooden fishing boats with their distinctive brown sails.

3. Cycle the Stream Valleys from Veluwe to IJssel

   Epe sits at a fascinating transition zone where the high, dry Veluwe descends to the low, wet lands near the IJssel river. The cycling routes through this area follow historic stream valleys (beekdalen), passing through varied terrain of forest, open farmland, and country estates. The region's numbered junction cycling network makes navigation easy even for first-time visitors. Look out for the ancient avenues and stately lanes that connect the area's historic estates.

4. Visit Staverden Castle and Its Brewery

   Staverden Castle, located near Epe, has roots dating back to the Middle Ages, with the current structure partly built in 1853 and expanded in 1905. The estate is surrounded by a beautiful park with ancient trees. What makes it especially appealing is the presence of beer brewery De Uddelaer in the Koetshuis, where you can enjoy a tour and tasting. Brasserie Staverden on the grounds is a perfect stop for lunch during a cycling or hiking day.

5. Spot the Veluwe's 'Big Five' at Dawn

   The Veluwe is home to its own 'Big Five': red deer, wild boar, roe deer, badgers, and foxes. Since 2019, wolves have also returned to the northern Veluwe, and European bison have been reintroduced in a pilot area. Early morning is the best time for wildlife observation. Several areas near Epe, including the Tongeren estate and the edges of the Wisselse Veen, offer good chances for sightings. In autumn, the red deer rutting season transforms the forest into a natural amphitheatre of sound.

Practical Details for International Guests

Epe is easy to reach from multiple directions. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is approximately 100 km to the west, and the drive takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. Guests arriving by train can travel to Apeldoorn or Zwolle station and take a bus connection to Epe. For visitors driving from Germany, the A1 and A50 motorways provide straightforward access. From Belgium or France, the route typically runs via Utrecht and then east toward Gelderland.

The town of Epe itself has shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes along its main street (Hoofdstraat). Local markets offer regional specialties including cheese, honey, and fresh produce from the surrounding farms. Several restaurants serve traditional Dutch cuisine alongside international options. The surrounding countryside is dotted with traditional farms, adding to the area's rural character.

For museum enthusiasts, Epe and its surroundings offer more than you might expect. The Veluws Museum Hagedoorns Plaatse showcases the history and culture of the Veluwe region. Within a short drive, the world-renowned Kroller-Muller Museum inside De Hoge Veluwe National Park holds 278 works by Vincent van Gogh along with an extraordinary sculpture garden of over 160 works spread across 25 hectares. You can explore the national park by free white bicycles provided inside its gates.

A Destination That Rewards the Curious Traveller

Epe is not a place that shouts for attention. It does not have a flashy waterfront promenade or a world-famous landmark on every postcard. What it offers is something increasingly rare: genuine space, deep nature, layers of history, and the kind of quiet that lets you actually hear the wind through the forest canopy. Whether you are coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, Ireland, or Australia, a rental in Epe places you at the centre of one of the most beautiful and least-hyped regions of the Netherlands. Book a rental now and let the Veluwe surprise you.