Summary
A mid-sized city within the Utrecht Province, Veenendaal emerged in the 16th century as a peat-cutting settlement established by the Antwerp entrepreneur Gilbert van Schoonbeke.
The peat industry suffered a significant setback due to a flood in 1855, prompting Veenendaal to shift its focus towards the cigar-making and woollen sectors for economic sustenance.
Veenendaal experienced substantial growth in the later decades of the 20th century, characterized by the development of new urban districts, and can thus be characterized as a youthful city, not only due to its modern architecture but also because approximately one-third of its population is below the age of 25. The city center boasts various major retail brands while Veenendaal’s plentiful green spaces and exceptional cycling facilities have garnered significant recognition.
1. The Maxx
Inaugurated in December 2016, The Maxx is an expansive indoor facility offering an array of engaging activities for individuals of all ages.
This center has been exceptionally successful, having been recognized as the Family Entertainment Centre (FEC) for 2017. The Maxx features laser tag, a karting track, an indoor “Glowgolf” mini-golf course, escape rooms, a remarkable trampoline park, as well as pool, air hockey tables, and dartboards.
An on-site bar/restaurant serves a variety of items including burgers, ribs, salads, pasta, and chicken satay.
Visitors can easily spend several hours exploring all the offerings at The Maxx without ever stepping outside.
2. Grebbelinie Bezoekerscentrum
Veenendaal is located along the Grebbe line, a strategic network of forts, sluices, and flooded plains utilizing water as a defense mechanism between Rhenen to the south and the IJsselmeer (formerly the Zuiderzee). Established in the mid-18th century, this formed part of the New Dutch Waterline, oriented roughly north to south through Utrecht.
The Grebbe line, situated 30 kilometers to the east, contains a visitor center at the northern edge of Veenendaal, offering insights into the extensive measures taken to defend the Netherlands from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
This center elucidates the intricacies of the Grebbe line through a timeline, artifacts, a reconstructed trench, and numerous informative panels.
Guests can view a film that explores the historical context of the line and utilize an interactive map to appreciate how flooding could render the terrain inaccessible.
3. Castle Amerongen
One of the most beautiful residences in the Netherlands is located just ten kilometers from Veenendaal and is worth every moment of the journey.
Castle Amerongen, situated near the Rhine, boasts a history that dates back to 1286. The present Baroque structure was constructed in 1680 following the destruction of the previous building by French troops during the Franco-Dutch War.
This magnificent estate has been enhanced by generations of inhabitants, resulting in collections of art, porcelain, furniture, and musical instruments.
The esteemed architect Pierre Cuypers contributed to the interior design at the turn of the 20th century.
On November 28, 1919, this was the location where Wilhelm II, the German Emperor, formally abdicated his throne while in exile.
Among its treasures is an exquisite library with luxurious 17th-century cabinets crafted by the renowned cabinet maker Jan van Mekeren.
4. Museum Veenendaal
Operated by a dedicated team of 80 volunteers, Museum Veenendaal provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s historical narrative.
The permanent collection covers various themes including the numerous conflicts endured by the city due to its geographic position within the Gelderse Vallei, nestled between Gelderland and Utrecht.
Exhibits feature artifacts related to local peat harvesting, the Second World War, and the rise of Veenendaal’s 19th-century wool and cigar manufacturing industries.
Additionally, visitors can learn about a lesser-known disaster: the 1855 flood that devastated the Gelderse Vallei and resulted in 13 fatalities.
In early 2019, an exhibition marked the 500th anniversary of the Antwerp entrepreneur Gilbert van Schoonbeke, who established Veenendaal as a peat-cutting colony in the 16th century.
5. Oude Kerk
A striking presence on Veenendaal’s marketplace, the whitewashed Oude Kerk stands as one of the few historical structures in the city.
Originally built in the mid-16th century, it underwent expansions in 1753, 1835, and 1906. The oldest part of the edifice is the late-Gothic choir, featuring stone vaulting in contrast to the wooden beams in the rest of the building.
Notable interior features include a delicately carved wooden pulpit, a silver baptismal font, and vintage collection bags suspended from the walls.
6. De Nieuwe Molen
This towering windmill, located near the center of Veenendaal, was established in 1911, replacing an earlier post mill known as the New Mill, which had been constructed in 1623. The mill remains operational and has undergone five restorations since 1954, with the most recent in 2010. Notably, De Nieuwe Molen was constructed using components from a much older water mill from North Holland.
Currently, volunteer millers process grain here for various purposes, and the Ten Veen Bakery in nearby Bennekom utilizes its organic flour.
Visitors can stop by on Saturdays to purchase flour or specialty baking mixes from the shop (open from 10:00 to 13:00), while observing the millers at work from 10:00 to 16:00.
7. Landgoed Prattenburg
This historic estate, located a few minutes southwest of Veenendaal, has belonged to the Van Asch van Wijck family since 1694. The current eclectic architecture was completed in 1890, replacing the original structure built in the late 16th century.
Although the mansion on the estate is privately owned, visitors are welcome to explore the extensive parkland.
You can visit from dawn to dusk to stroll through heathland and forests, and along majestic avenues that were planted centuries ago.
During the late summer season, visitors are often permitted to gather blueberries that grow along the forest paths.
8. Hoofdstraat
Veenendaal’s car-free center is a regional retail hub featuring over 300 unique shops, which is considerable for a town of its size.
A large portion of these retail spaces are situated between two covered shopping centers: Corridor and Scheepjeshof.
The primary shopping thoroughfare, Hoofdstraat, commences adjacent to the Scheepjeshof and continues towards the marketplace near Corridor.
This elegant pedestrian street showcases numerous Dutch and international brands, including HEMA, Zara, and Esprit, along with many locally-owned boutiques and an abundance of dining and café options.
9. Kwintelooyen
Located midway between Veenendaal and the city of Rhenen, this nature reserve encompasses 74 hectares of uniquely hilly terrain.
Kwintelooyen was the site of sand extraction during the 1970s, and since 1989, nature has been allowed to reclaim the area.
For those interested in botany, this is a worthwhile destination, especially during the spring and summer months.
The variety of elevations and moisture levels in the soil fosters a range of ecosystems, including fens in lower areas and moors at higher elevations.
Approximately 300 different plant species have been identified in Kwintelooyen, highlighting notable finds such as southern marsh orchids, coral necklaces, and centauriums.
During excavation activities, remains of prehistoric creatures including giant deer, mammoths, and three species of rhinoceroses were discovered, contributing valuable insights into Ice Age history.
Currently, Highland cattle graze across the moors, playing an essential role in maintaining plant biodiversity.
10. Zwembad de Vallei
For those seeking an enjoyable family outing at a reasonable price, the principal public swimming facility in Veenendaal is an excellent choice.
Zwembad de Vallei, which opened in 2007, features four swimming pools.
Among them is a family pool where children can play freely, while a 25-meter competition pool caters to those looking for rigorous exercise.
However, the highlight during summer is the fantastic outdoor pool that operates from May to September.
Around the pool area, visitors can find sun loungers, as well as a beach volleyball court, a mini-golf course, a bouncy castle, and a beach soccer field.
11. Groene Grens
At the eastern boundary of the Veenendaal municipality, adjacent to Ede, a lush expanse of countryside has been deliberately preserved from development.
The Groene Grens (Green Boundary) exists within the Binnenveld region, formed between several towns at the lower end of the Gelderse Vallei to facilitate natural pasture and promote diverse birdlife.
This green area is interconnected by walking trails leading through peat bogs, wet woodlands, ponds, and herbaceous grasslands adorned with wildflowers during summer.
A boardwalk traverses the swampy regions, where visitors may observe individuals kayaking or fishing along the picturesque ponds.
12. Ouwehands Dierenpark
Located just a convenient 15-minute drive from Veenendaal, this zoo in Rhenen has been welcoming visitors since its inception in 1932. Over the years, the attraction has expanded to encompass 22 hectares and features numerous species, including African lions, Western Lowland gorillas, and giant toucans.
Ouwehands Zoo gained significant attention in 2017, when it opened Pandasia after receiving a pair of giant pandas from China.
Children will be delighted by the Safari Umkhosi, an area where they can traverse rope bridges to reach tree houses and observe various animals such as African lions, zebras, warthogs, meerkats, and mandrils.
The zoo also hosts a busy schedule of shows and presentations, allowing guests to witness Californian sea lions in action or attend feeding sessions for the pandas and Humboldt penguins.
13. Cycling
Within the pedestrian-only center, the most efficient means of transportation is by bicycle.
Veenendaal has received considerable acclaim for its commitment to cycling, earning the Fietsstad (Bicycle City) award in the year 2000 for its cycling-friendly environment.
While it is easy to navigate the city center by bike, numerous paved trails lead out into the surrounding countryside.
Most attractions on this list can be accessed by bike, and for those with an extended timeframe, a spectacular 72-kilometer circular route traverses the Gelderse Vallei and leads to the stunning castle at Amerongen.
