Hundreds of years ago, the Onzalige forests were known as a dangerous area due to the presence of an actual gang of robbers. Nowadays, in summer and autumn, eagle ferns create a fairy-tale atmosphere in this vast, ancient wilderness. The Onzalige forests are among the oldest forest areas on the Veluwe and feature several hilltops 100 meters above Normal Amsterdam Level (NAP). You will mainly find oak forests here; oak bark was used for a long time in leather tanning. But you will also encounter monumental beech avenues, including the arrow-straight Koningslaan. And do you want to spot wildlife? Then you're in the right place!
More stories?
But not everyone believed the story of Knight Arnoud. Therefore, there are two more explanations for the name of the forest. The name is said to be derived from the Middle Dutch word on-saelig, which means miserable. The nutrient-poor soil was indeed unsuitable for agriculture.
The second explanation is related to the Sadelhoff family. In the seventeenth century, this family owned all of Rheden, including a large part of the forests. The other part belonged to the Counts of Nassau, who used it as a hunting ground. The many mutual disputes over the hunting area between the owners led to the name On-Sadelhoffse Bossen. Where exactly the name comes from, we may never know…
Wildlife Spotting at De Elsberg
The Veluwe is inextricably linked to wildlife. A fantastic location for seeing red deer, roe deer, badgers, foxes, and wild boars is the wildlife observation point De Elsberg. You have a chance of seeing wildlife here all year round. But even if the wildlife doesn't show itself, this observation point is worth a visit. From here, you have a beautiful view of the Rheder- and Worth-Rhederheide.
The wildlife observation post is located a few hundred meters from the De Elsberg parking lot on the Lange Juffer and is marked with signs. NOTE: Accessible only via Laag-Soeren.
Do you want to take a (longer) walk? Then follow the red signs of the 5.5-kilometer-long Achterste Schaddeveld walking route. Or choose the Bronstroute of 8.4 kilometers. In September and October, you have a good chance of hearing deer bellowing in the distance.
Forest Restaurant the Carolinahoeve
About 2 kilometers from the Lappendeken parking lot, you will find the Carolinahoeve restaurant in the middle of the forest. Sit down on the lovely outdoor terrace and experience nature! Near the restaurant, Scottish Highlanders graze. Enjoy from a distance and watch how these hairy cattle keep the vegetation short and thus keep the landscape open.