Ascension Day Early Entrance
Praktical information
Date: Check the calender for available dates
Time: 6 am to 8 am
Location: Otterlo, Hoenderloo or Schaarsbergen
Price: free entrance (only on foot, bicycle or horse)
Note: cars are not allowed in the Park until 8 am
On Ascension Day, it’s tradition for the Dutch to take a very early morning walk, when the grass is still wet with dew. We call this “dauwtrappen”. Walkers, cyclists and riders do not pay admission to the Park between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Cars are only welcome from 8 am at the regular rate.
Traditionally, people would go out in the fields barefoot just before sunrise. It is said that the dew was supposed to have special healing and purifying properties on Ascension Day. In line with this tradition, De Hoge Veluwe National Park will be open at 6 am on Ascension Day. This gives you the wonderful opportunity to see the Park awaken at a time when the gates of the Park are normally still closed.
The Park Restaurant opens at 7 am, so after your early morning walk you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee.
Note: between 6 and 8 am the Park is only accessible on foot, horse or bicycle. Cars are not allowed until 8 am at the regular rate.