Nature & Scenic in Arnhem

Nestled within Arnhem’s vibrant landscape, Royal Burgers' Zoo unfolds as a sprawling sanctuary where nature’s most captivating ecosystems come alive. Spanning 45 hectares, this acclaimed zoo invites visitors into meticulously recreated worlds—desert, ocean, mangrove, and safari—each crafted to mirror their wild counterparts with astonishing realism. As you wander through lush, immersive environments, the sights, sounds, and scents of distant lands envelop you, transforming a typical zoo visit into an expedition through Earth's diverse habitats. Originally founded by Johan Burgers in 1913, this dynamic habitat is now a celebrated gem, drawing millions eager to experience the raw beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Sonsbeek Park, the crown jewel of Arnhem’s green spaces, stretches over 67 hectares of rolling lawns, artful gardens, and historic architecture. Named after Anna van Sonsbeeck, a prominent figure in 17th-century Arnhem, the park’s origins date back to the estate of the same name, founded by her family from Sonsbeck. Its iconic mansion, fountains, and watermill create a picturesque landscape that has welcomed artists, families, and explorers for centuries. Today, it remains a vibrant hub of outdoor activity and cultural expression, seamlessly blending history with lively recreation.

Nestled north of Sonsbeek, Zypendaal Park is a picturesque landscape estate featuring rolling hills, lush woodlands, and the historic Huis Zypendaal. Designed in the English landscape style by Eduard Petzold in 1864, it is home to ten Rijksmonumenten, including entrance gates and the estate itself. The park offers a peaceful retreat with walking paths, ponds, and scenic views.

Flowing gracefully through Arnhem, the Sint-Jansbeek is a historic stream that begins in the Zypendaal estate and meanders through Sonsbeek park and the city center before joining the Rhine. Once an open waterway, it now flows beneath the city streets in parts, preserving its timeless charm and natural beauty.

Mariëndaal, a storied estate nestled between Oosterbeek and Arnhem, offers a tranquil escape into history. Its sprawling grounds, partly within Arnhem and partly in Renkum, were once part of the land belonging to the Augustinian monastery Mariënborn. Today, it is a protected heritage site, with fields, woodlands, and the historic main building inviting visitors to stroll through a landscape that has witnessed centuries of pastoral life and spiritual reflection.

Nestled on Arnhem’s northern edge, Gulden Bodem—also known as the Grave Women’s Forest—unfolds as a serene refuge where history and nature intertwine. This park, designated a national monument since 2006, whispers stories through its tranquil groves and lush grounds, serving as the historic garden of the nearby Zypendaal estate. Here, the air is filled with the scent of age-old trees and the quiet dignity of a place that has witnessed centuries of change.

Discover the tranquility of an outdoor oasis nestled within Park Klarenbeek, where a beautifully maintained open-air swimming pool offers a refined escape for those seeking leisure and relaxation amid nature's serenity.

Just a ten-minute walk from Presikhaaf Station, Angerenstein Park offers a charming landscape rich in history. Once home to a monastery, today it features a 17th-century estate and revitalized grounds since 2004/2005. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil scenery and explore the historic estate at their leisure, free of charge.

Westerveld Park, a verdant sanctuary in the southern reaches of Arnhem, traces its roots back to the 18th century when it was first laid out by the Tulleken family. Once a grand estate, today it is a protected municipal monument, bounded by the Drielsedijk to the north and a modern neighborhood to the south. Its peaceful pathways, historic trees, and quiet ponds invite exploration and reflection, preserving a piece of Arnhem’s rich pastoral past.

Jubileumpark, a gift from Arnhem’s citizens in 1983 to mark the city’s 750th anniversary, lies nestled between De Laar Oost and the A325 highway. This historic park, once part of a defensive dike from the IJssellinie, now blossoms as a lush space of leisure and remembrance. A striking sculpture by Gerard Walraeven stands at its southern edge, while trees and open fields offer a peaceful retreat. Recent plantings serve as memorials, honoring both history and life amid the park’s tranquil landscape.

Explore Warnsborn, a scenic estate in northwest Arnhem, nestled between the N224, Schelmseweg, Bakenbergseweg, and Harderwijkerweg. Once part of larger landholdings, it now belongs to Het Geldersch Landschap, offering peaceful natural surroundings, walking trails, and a taste of historic estate life in the Netherlands.

Immerloo Park, established between 1969 and 1972 on the southern banks of the Immerlooplas, was Arnhem’s first city park in the south. Its diverse landscape features lush meadows, winding paths, and water bodies that once served as quarry sites for brick production. Today, it’s a haven for outdoor recreation, birdwatching, and community gatherings. Highlights include the striking ‘Villa Vola’ sculpture in the northern pond and the ‘Poort van de Zon’—a mythologically inspired granite gateway aligned with the sun’s position—adding layers of natural and artistic allure to this vibrant park.

Nestled opposite the Presikhaaf shopping mall, the surrounding park is a favorite spot for students from the nearby University of Applied Sciences HAN. It’s an inviting green space for relaxing, socializing, or enjoying a leisurely walk in the heart of Arnhem’s vibrant campus scene.

Venture beyond the usual tourist spots to discover Groene Bedstee, a distinctive site that captures Arnhem's creative spirit. This hidden gem invites curious travelers to explore its unique architecture and cultural charm, offering a memorable glimpse into local innovation.

Discover Gelderse Poort, a rugged and dynamic river landscape straddling the Dutch-German border. Wander through dunes, grassy plains, and ponds, where beavers, badgers, and ospreys have made their homes, offering a wild and authentic outdoor experience.