- Spot red deer in the wild
- Free wildlife viewing screen & observation points
- On a covered wagon safari with a forest ranger
Wildlife Spotting at Planken Wambuis
Right next to EuroParcs De Wije Werelt lies the Planken Wambuis nature reserve: kilometers of forest, purple heather, and drifting sand. With a little luck, you might come face to face with the Veluwe’s Big Five. Set out on your own to explore the lookout points, or hop aboard a covered wagon and let a forest ranger take you to the most beautiful spots. Every walk here is an adventure: you never know who you’ll run into.
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How to Spot the Veluwe’s Big Five
The Veluwe’s Big Five call the Planken Wambuis nature reserve home: the red deer with its impressive antlers, the rooting wild boar, the shy roe deer, and the Sayaguesa cattle and New Forest ponies roaming freely. You’ll have the best chance of spotting them early in the morning or just before sunset, when the animals are out foraging. Scattered throughout the area, you’ll find six observation points—including those at Valenberg, Mossel, and Nieuw Reemst—as well as an observation hut. All viewing points are free and accessible at any time. Visiting in late summer? That’s when the heath turns a beautiful shade of purple, and your chances of catching a glimpse of red deer and wild boars are especially high.
Nature and Wildlife Observation Points at Planken Wambuis
Bring your binoculars to one of the six nature and wildlife observation posts at Planken Wambuis and Reijerscamp. The map below shows the best vantage points and wildlife viewing screens, including nearby parking lots.
Tips for a Successful Nature Scavenger Hunt
The tips below will increase your chances of spotting wildlife. If you suddenly find yourself close to an animal, keep at least 25 meters away, stay calm, and walk slowly backward. Never walk through a herd, and do not feed or pet the animals. This way, you’ll protect their habitat and stay at a safe distance.
- Wear dark, subdued clothing
- Stay still and move slowly
- Avoid perfume or other strong scents
- Bring a pair of binoculars
- Look for signs: paw prints, droppings, and scuff marks on trees
Biking and Hiking Trails Through Planken Wambuis
Around Planken Wambuis, there are beautiful hiking and biking trails that wind through centuries-old forests, purple heathland, and adjacent nature reserves. Below, we’ve listed the most scenic routes for you. Be sure to check out our overview of all the biking and hiking trails in the area.
On this historic walking route (4.4 km, approx. 1.5 hours), discover traces of the past: old beech-lined avenues and ditches tell the story of Planken Wambuis. Highly recommended for lovers of cultural history. The route starts in Wolfheze. View the walking route.
Treat yourself to a challenging 91-km bike ride through four nature reserves, from Planken Wambuis to Veluwezoom National Park. Hear red deer bellowing in the fall and finish your ride with a cup of coffee at the Veluwezoom Visitor Center. View the bike route.
On a Safari with the Forest Ranger
Want the best chance to catch a glimpse of the Big Five, and interested in hearing the stories behind the landscape? Then hop aboard the covered wagon and set off with a Natuurmonumenten forest ranger. This approximately two-hour tour departs from the parking lot at Oud Reemst in Otterlo and takes you to the Planken Wambuis wildlife sanctuary. This area is normally off-limits to visitors. Along the way, the ranger will regale you with stories about the animals and the history of the area. The tour is suitable for up to 20 people (wheelchair accessible) and runs from mid-July through mid-March. It’s also a great activity to do with kids. Reservations must be made in advance through Natuurmonumenten.