Kootwijkerzand brings the area’s natural and settlement history to life: the remains of the former medieval village of Kootwijk were found beneath its sand. Radio Kootwijk offers a different perspective: a monumental former broadcasting building with Art Deco architecture. This means the options for a stay range from landscape and outdoor activities to architectural and local history.
Sand Landscape and Nature
Kootwijkerzand is the largest active sand-drift area in Western Europe. During the breeding season, part of the area is temporarily closed to protect ground-nesting birds. Kootwijkerzand remains accessible via the open paths; closed areas are signposted. Follow the current signs on site.
Kootwijkerveen lies north of Kootwijk. This special area features a fen lake and raised bog. Red deer, roe deer and wild boar are regularly spotted there. You can also explore extensive forests and walk across heathland around Kootwijk. These offer different ways to experience the landscape: as a habitat where wildlife is regularly spotted, or along paths through forest and heathland.
On Foot and by Bike
The Kootwijkerzand walking route passes through Boswachterij Kootwijk in the Veluwe to a 13.5-metre-high observation tower. From there, you can see across Kootwijkerzand and the Veluwe. The route therefore has a clearly identified viewpoint as its destination. Check the latest route conditions before setting off.
For cycling, Rondje Kootwijk is another option: this cycle route follows numbered junctions through varied, often hilly landscapes and leads to Kootwijk through forest and heathland. When choosing between the two routes, you can use the differences described as a guide: on foot, the observation tower is the draw; by bike, the changing, often hilly landscape and the forest and heathland along the route take centre stage.
Architecture and Local History
Radio Kootwijk is a monumental former broadcasting building with a distinctive history and striking Art Deco architecture. The buildings are accessible only as part of excursions and events. Find out about the available arrangements before travelling and plan your visit accordingly.
Its technical history dates back to 1923, when PTT put Radio Kootwijk into operation as a longwave radiotelegraph station. It switched to shortwave radio soon afterwards. This sequence provides a technical and historical context for the architecture, without implying that the site’s former function is still in use today.
The Hervormde kerk in Kootwijk is also a testament to the area’s architectural history. This simple brick church dates from the early 16th century and has a three-sided closed choir. Another defining feature of the village is its character as a brink village: Kootwijk developed around a central brink, where livestock was once gathered. The church and the village layout thus offer two different ways to explore Kootwijk’s history: through a building and through the former use of the central village area.
Culture on Kootwijkerzand
Theater op ’t Zand is a free theatre festival on Kootwijkerzand. It combines theatre, dance, music, cabaret and variety with art installations, acrobatics and mime in a natural setting. If you want to plan your visit around it, check the event dates in advance.
When planning your trip, the different highlights can help you choose the right themes for your stay: landscapes and outdoor trails, the architecture of Radio Kootwijk, or local history. Keep in mind that part of Kootwijkerzand is closed seasonally and access to Radio Kootwijk is restricted; check the arrangements in advance for excursions and events.
Discover more destinations: Kootwijkerbroek, Esveld, Voorthuizen, Garderen, Terschuur, Barneveld.
Go to the main travel overview: Barneveld.
