This relaxed town in the Veluwe region has deep military roots, with the former Maurits barracks now serving as a World War II museum and cultural center.
Ede, a city in central Netherlands' Gelderland province, lies next to Hoge Veluwe National Park. Walk among Vincent van Gogh masterpieces at the Kröller-Müller Museum, cycle on free white bicycles through pine forests, or join thousands of visitors during the August Heideweek festival when purple heather covers the Ginkelse Heide. The city's streets come alive on market days, while its location makes it an ideal base for visiting the geographical center of the Netherlands.
Getting to Ede
Two railway stations connect Ede to major Dutch cities. From the main Ede-Wageningen station, you can take intercity trains to Amsterdam (1 hour), Utrecht (25 minutes), and Arnhem. The Ede Centrum station runs regional trains. Bus lines 108 and 106 take you to Hoge Veluwe National Park. By car, take the A12 motorway from Utrecht or Arnhem.
Exploring Hoge Veluwe National Park
The 55-square-kilometer national park borders Ede's eastern edge. The Kröller-Müller Museum houses the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world. Take marked trails through pine forests, purple heathlands, and shifting sand dunes. Pick up a free white bicycle at any of the park entrances to cover more ground.
Markets and Shopping
Walk along Grotestraat and Maandereind for independent boutiques and Dutch retail chains. The Saturday market (8:00-17:00) on Molenstraat has 50 stalls with local produce, Dutch cheese varieties, fresh flowers, and clothing. A smaller market with 35 vendors sets up on Monday mornings (8:00-14:00).
Annual Heideweek Festival
During the last week of August, Heideweek transforms Ede's streets. Local residents compete for the Heather Queen and Princess titles, while Dutch music performances and food stalls line the streets. The festival coincides with the purple heather bloom on Ginkelse Heide.
World War II History
The Ginkelse Heide served as a landing zone for Allied paratroopers during Operation Market Garden in 1944. Visit the Airborne Monument at the original drop zone, and follow the Liberation Route through the city to see several war memorials marking key events.
Surrounding Villages
Eight villages form the municipality of Ede. Access Hoge Veluwe National Park through Otterlo village. Stop at the geographical center marker in Lunteren. Walk through Bennekom's university district near Wageningen University, or see military training grounds and camping areas in Harskamp.
