Check in at Stayokay Arnhem, just outside the city, near Hoge Veluwe National Park. It is a restful place with an “English pub”, a lovely terrace, butterfly garden, insect hotel and nesting boxes. A stone's throw away is Park Sonsbeek, one of the most beautiful city parks in the Netherlands. It’s a good place for a picnic while you enjoy the views. A ten-minute bike ride from the hostel is Burgers' Zoo, well-known for its eco-displays: large-scale recreated natural habitats such as Bush, Desert, Ocean, Safari, Rimba and Mangrove.  Next to the zoo is the ever-popular Nederlands Openluchtmuseum, an open-air museum of cultural history, with characteristic homes and workplaces from all over Holland; demonstrations of traditional trades and crafts; and hands-on activities for all the family. Are you curious about the city centre? Arnhem is bustling with cosy cafes and restaurants and is a great place to shop. Historically, the city is best known for the WWII Battle of Arnhem.  

If you didn’t have time for the zoo or the open-air museum on arrival day, today you get a second chance: Both our routes (31 and 52 km) pass by these top tourist attractions. Furthermore, discover lovely country estates around Oosterbeek, tranquil woodlands and Doorwerth Castle, which is fun for all ages. If the weather is hot, you can cool off on the beaches along the Rhine or play in the streams at De Hoge Oorsprong country estate. How about a game of mini golf at Duno in Doorwerth? The 52-km tour leads via Warnsborn to the beautiful heath at Ginkelse Heide. A fun activity for the old and the young is Pitch & Putt Papendal on the grounds of the largest sports centre in the Netherlands. Furthermore, in Renkum, a walk on Quadenoord estate with its (African) sculpture garden is worthwhile. If you opt for the 31-km tour via Oosterbeek, a visit to the Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein' is interesting:  You will discover all about the Battle of Arnhem. Last but not least: there are several pancake inns on the route.  

Cycle on leafy avenues along the fringes of Veluwe nature reserve. Cross the River IJssel at a beautiful spot near the village of Dieren. In a completely different landscape, ride atop the dikes to the Bronkhorster Mill in Bronkhorst, allegedly the smallest town in the country. Soon after, you will reach the beautiful Hanseatic town of Zutphen. The historical merchant houses, warehouses, town walls and characteristic courtyards make you feel like you have gone back in time. On your way to Gorssel, pedal through De Graafschap, a protected area of idyllic rural landscapes, often on country estates.  On the way, your children can enjoy themselves at playground De Zevensprong. If you have time left, karting, climbing or an assault course at Adventure Eefde is an unforgettable experience! Finally, cycle to your Stayokay hostel in Gorssel. The beautifully renovated wooden Norwegian Hunting House will pleasantly surprise you. It has a beautiful terrace in a large garden. The longer alternative route is recommended for cyclists who are not intimidated by a climb or two. The famous ascents up Zijpenberg and to the Posbank are rewarded with views of undulating heathland, which turns a lovely shade of mauve in August and September. A true family experience! Just around the corner from the Posbank panorama bench is a Pavilion where you can enjoy a delicious and wholesome drink in the middle of wonderful natural surroundings.

If you suspect that 50 km may be too far for your family, you can easily shorten the route by taking the train from Arnhem to Rheden (45 km), Dieren (36 km), Brummen (27 km) or Zutphen (16 km).

You have several options today (31, 43 or 52 km). If you visit charming Gorssel village, don’t miss MORE, the largest Dutch museum for modern realism. Furthermore, on working days, opt to drop in on a traditional rope-maker to see how he produces rope for climbing nets and p.e. halls. Afterwards, take your children to a nearby lovely outdoor swimming pool. Or go to Adventure Eefde for go-karting, climbing or to tackle the assault course. 

We also have two nice routes that take you further afield. For the first, take a ferry across the River IJssel to Bussloo recreational area. Here, you can relax at a large lake with beaches; or play a game of pitch & putt. If you are into airplanes, make a detour to Teuge airport. A sightseeing flight is a great experience. Or just sit down at a café with an outdoor seating area and do some plane spotting. If you prefer a quiet day, skip Bussloo and Teuge and ride atop the IJssel dike directly to the beautiful Hanseatic city of Deventer. You can have plenty of fun sightseeing; but the toy museum also comes recommended.  

As mentioned above, there are several options for the tours, of course you can book an extra night in Gorssel.
Day 4 Round Tour Gorssel – Almen - Vorden 35 or 51 km
For this alternative tour, head south. The small-scale varied landscape is sure to enchant you. Woods alternate with small crop-fields, farmhouses, elegant country houses and several monumental trees. In the morning, cycle to the village of Almen. Do you feel like spending a day by the water? Your family will have a great time at open-air swimming pool De Berkel, beautifully situated in the countryside. De Berkel also boasts a bouncy jumper and pedal-boat / canoe rental on the river.  Canoeing on the meandering Berkel is so much fun! If you’re going for the 51 km cycle route, after Almen proceed through the pastoral countryside surrounding Vorden village, one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands. Opt to visit Vorden Castle, one of the few inhabited castles in the country. The 25 authentically furnished rooms are amazing. If you cannot choose between the two tours on day 4, book an extra night in Gorssel and surprise your family with an extra day full of fun! 

Today, cycle back to Arnhem, exploring the lovely landscape between the Veluwe and the IJssel river. Pass the ruins of Nijenbeek castle, a hibernaculum for bats: Daubenton’s bat, Natterer’s bat and the brown long-eared bat hibernate here. The barn owl and stone marten also visit regularly. At your half-way point in Eerbeek, De Brugkabouter Pancake Inn is a great stopover with a large playground. They also rent out canoes and pedalos for some paddling on the Apeldoorn Canal. In the woods near Dieren, "De Spelerij" is a special playground where kids find out how things work and how cooperation helps.  Continue through beautiful heathlands around the Elsberg and Posbank. The route passes close to Rozendaalse Zand, an area of drifting sands where your children can play for a while. Or take them to Rozendael Castle and Gardens. Spoiler: In the castle gardens, the unsuspecting tourist may be soaked by surprise jets of water (jeux d’eau). Return to Stayokay Arnhem, happy and contented.

You can easily shorten the route by taking the train from Zutphen, Brummen or Dieren to Arnhem.

After four long and wonderful days of cycling and other fun activities, we predict you and your children will sleep very well. After breakfast, this bike holiday will come to an end.