Apeldoorn
Apeldoorn is a medium sized city in the Dutch province of Gelderland. With a population nearing 168,000, it is the 11th largest city of the Netherlands and plays a significant role in regional economy and infrastructure. Billed as a post world war 2 "groeistad" (new town), much of the city is comprised of modern residential areas and business districts. Previous to the war, Apeldoorn was only a large village; thus much of its history, sights and attractions are concentrated in the north west quarter of the city, the original core. This area is home to the famous 17th century Palace "Het Loo", beautiful parks with stately villa neighbourhoods, Apenheul ape zoo and the eastern flank of the forestry area known as the "Veluwe". The city centre offers a relatively generic range of shopping opportunities, but caters well in terms of places to eat out. The north end of the city centre displays some picturesque Jugendstil/art-nouveau architecture and hosts the night life and entertainment/cultural venues of Apeldoorn. Apeldoorn is known for its spacious, green, family atmosphere and is at its best during the summer months. Understand[edit]Get in[edit]By Plane[edit]Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the nearest and largest airport. From there, directly under the arrivals area, regular trains can be boarded that take just over an hour to reach Apeldoorn. By car, the journey takes fractionally longer and will involve navigating the ring roads around Amsterdam before hitting the A1. Eindhoven Airport caters more to the low cost airlines, and though the train journey to Apeldoorn from Eindhoven is roughly doubled (see below), the journey by car (if hiring) via the A50 motorway is straightforward and under 1,30 hours. By car[edit]From Amsterdam, Apeldoorn can be reached via the A1 motorway in a little more than an hour, traffic permitting. The city is located at the intersection of the A1(east-west) and A50 (north-south) motorways, and is very central in relation to the rest of the country. This makes it easily accessible from anywhere. By train[edit]Direct intercity services connect Apeldoorn to both Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. In both cases the journey will take roughly one hour. Apeldoorn is situated on the main line between Berlin and Amsterdam. Twice hourly international trains in both directions can be boarded and used for national and cross border travel purposes. For international tickets, book online at the NS international website. From Eindhoven, you should head to Utrecht, changing there for either a direct train to Apeldoorn, or depending on the schedule you may find it quicker to head to Amersfoort from Utrecht, changing again for more frequent services to Apeldoorn. This journey is likely to take around 2 hours. Alight at Apeldoorn for the regional Apeldoorn-Zutphen route that stops at various smaller settlements in the picturesque countryside, terminating at the historic town of Zutphen. During the summer, a steam locomotive is operated from Apeldoorn central station, running to Dieren some 20km to the south. Get around[edit]You can rent a bicycle at the railway station. The local bus service is a very efficient way to get around. All local buses meet at the central station where you can switch buses at :16 and :46. During day time additional services run at :01 and :31 on most lines. Regional buses also run form the station out of town; however, they can be used for local transport also. Just remember that connection times will be slightly worse at the bus station for the regional lines. During tourist season an extra bus service (line 16) departs from the station towards major tourist attractions, all located in the western part of Apeldoorn. See[edit]
Do[edit]Rent yourself a bike and discover the forests just outside town (approx. 20 minutes by bike from the city center). Jazz in the woods: one of the largest festivities in town. Every year on the last friday-evening and Saturday in may, the city center is one big party with live music and entertainment. Omnisportcentrum (Velodrome): Regular national and international sport events centered around Cycling, athletics, Volleyball and Tennis. Skydiving: Teuge airport is situated on the outskirts of the city and enjoys a direct bus link (15mins) with Apeldoorn central station. It is one of the best places in the Netherlands to learn to skydive/parachute jump. Flying lessons and helicopter/airplane chartering is also available. [1] Koningin Juliana Toren [2], a popular family theme park - especially great for a children's day out. Orpheus national theater [3] For world class theater, musicals, cabaret and ballet. Buy[edit]The city's main shopping area is formed by the Hoofdstraat and adjacent streets. Being a regional shopping destination, Apeldoorn boasts a wide range of typical brand name shops and places to eat. The "Oranjerie", a modern mall, takes centre stage in Apeldoorns' retail proffer. The city is also home to a range of more unique shops (antique, bric-a-brac, art, organic), mainly located on the 'Asselsestraat' and a few of the smaller offshoots from the highstreet Eat[edit]Apeldoorn offers a wide range of good places to eat out, catering for all budgets. The main concentration is found in the city centre, but some of the priciest places are dotted around the outskirts of town. Here is a tiny selection:
Budget[edit](Apeldoorn also has 3 McDonalds, 2 Subways, a KFC, Domino's, New York Pizza and scores of dutch style chip shops, if fastfood is required)
Mid-Range[edit]
Splurge[edit]
Drink[edit]The main nightlife in Apeldoorn is focussed in the 'Caterplein' square. Many bars and restaurants, as well as the new (2012) cinema complex, can be found here. A slightly quieter area can be found a few blocks away at the 'Leienplein'. Also en route between the two squares are plenty of places to eat and drink. Here is a small selection of some of the most well known watering holes:
Sleep[edit]Apeldoorn and the surrounding area plays host to the highest concentration of campsites and bungalow/greenparks in the country. The city itself boast quite a wide range of relatively expensive hotels and B&B's. Check the local couchsurfing community for backpacking opportunities.
Stay safe[edit]Get out[edit]The city lies on the eastern fringe of the Veluwe, the country's largest and most unspoilt area of natural beauty. It has forests that are home to deer, wild boar and other wild animals, as well as large, desert-like sandy areas. Seasonal wild is prepared at various local restaurants, some of which have earned Michelin stars. The Kröller-Müller Museum, with its impressive collection of Vincent van Gogh paintings, is also located on the Veluwe. If you want a guide to show you around town and visit places even some of the locals do not know: get in touch with Apeldoorn Gidsencollectief: link Apeldoorn Cityguides [4] The picturesque old cities of Deventer and Zutphen are just 15 km from Apeldoorn and are easily reachable by road or public transport.
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