Veluwe and Posbank route: 60 km of forest, heath and views
The Veluwe and Posbank route is 60 kilometres of forest, heathland and views, from Ede to Arnhem. Route #2 in our 4x4 route series, and one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the Netherlands.
In this article: the route in five steps, the GPS points, two stops you do not want to skip and an honest answer to the question of what you can and cannot drive here.
Read this first: what is and isn't allowed
The Veluwe is the largest continuous nature area in the Netherlands, and you notice that in the rules. By far most of the sand roads and tracks in the nature areas are closed to motorised traffic by a sign. A 4x4 has no extra rights there whatsoever: the law makes no distinction between an off-road vehicle and an ordinary passenger car.
And pay attention to the Posbank itself. Since 1 July 2024 the through road over the Posbank has been closed to cars and motorbikes every weekend and on public holidays, and every day in July and August. So plan this route on a weekday outside those two months. Drive it anyway and you will get a fine.
This route is therefore a scenic route over public roads, not an off-road drive. Always follow the signs on site.
The Veluwe and Posbank route in 5 steps
- Start in Ede and drive to Otterlo, along the edge of Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe. Forest on both sides, and every now and then a wildlife crossing.
- From Otterlo to Hoenderloo over forest and heathland roads. In August and September the heather here turns purple.
- From Hoenderloo to Loenen along the Loenermark. The nature area itself is for walkers, cyclists and horse riders; you drive around it on the roads that are open to traffic.
- From Loenen to the Posbank and take in the viewpoint. On a weekday outside July and August, and early in the morning, you will have it almost to yourself.
- Descend to Arnhem for coffee, fuel or the way home.
Follow the route in Google Maps: full route with all waypoints. The map is indicative only, drive on your own navigation and follow the signs on site.
Prefer your own navigation? Download the free GPX of this route here and load it into your navigation system or app.
Practical details
| Distance | ± 60 km |
| Driving time | ± 2 hours without stops |
| Road surface | paved public roads |
| Highest point | ± 90 m (Posbank) |
| Best time | weekdays, outside July and August |
| Start GPS | 52.0450 N · 5.6650 E (Ede) |
Extra tips along the route
Radio Kootwijk (52.1745 N · 5.8118 E): a cathedral of concrete in the middle of the heath. The old transmitter station from 1923 is one of the strangest and most beautiful buildings in the Netherlands, and a classic photo spot with your car in the foreground.
Jachthuis Sint Hubertus (52.1112 N · 5.8266 E): the hunting lodge of the Kröller-Müller couple, in the middle of Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe. Note: it is ínside the park, so you pay admission if you want to go there. You can also do that by car.
Coffee and food along the way
On top of the Posbank you will find Paviljoen de Posbank, the sustainable pavilion of Natuurmonumenten with a view over the hills. The pavilion and the car park remain accessible during the closures via the Schietbergseweg.
Staying overnight?
Around the Veluwe there is a long line of campsites and nature campsites, from Otterlo to Rheden. With a hardshell rooftop tent you are set up in about a minute, so your pitch is sorted while the rest are still unpacking. The Oasis with side opening works well here: ladder on the side, so you can park more easily between the trees.
Overnighting freely along the road or in the forest is not allowed in the Netherlands, not on the Veluwe either. Just book a pitch, there are plenty.
Not sure whether a rooftop tent fits on your car? Do the roof load check first. The result is always indicative only: what your vehicle documents say is decisive. And which of our three tents suits you, you can see in the comparison of our models.
Frequently asked questions about the Veluwe and Posbank route
Can you drive over the Posbank by car?
Not always. The through road over the Posbank is closed to cars and motorbikes every weekend and on public holidays, and every day in July and August. On the other days it is allowed. The pavilion and the car park remain accessible via the Schietbergseweg.
Are you allowed on the sand roads of the Veluwe with a 4x4?
No, no more than with an ordinary car. An off-road vehicle has no extra rights. Most sand roads and tracks in the Veluwe nature areas are closed to motorised traffic, and driving off the road is not allowed anywhere. Follow the signs.
Where can you drive off-road in the Netherlands?
Only on private grounds designated for it, such as a 4x4 terrain or an organised event. In open nature it is prohibited in the Netherlands.
When is the heather purple?
Roughly from mid August to mid September. That is when the stretch between Otterlo and Hoenderloo is at its most beautiful, and also at its busiest. Bear in mind that in August the Posbank is closed to cars every day.
How long does the route take?
About 2 hours of pure driving time. With a stop at Radio Kootwijk and the viewpoint on the Posbank you will be on the road for half a day.
Next route in the series: the 4x4 route through the Ardennes, a loop of just over 150 kilometres past Durbuy, La Roche-en-Ardenne and Bastogne, with a free GPX.
This article is part of our 4x4 route series: a new route through the Netherlands and Europe every two weeks, on Instagram and Facebook. Save it or pass it on!
