An autumn break by bicycle in the Netherlands' Veluwe: forest, deer and Van Gogh

Broad meadows in autumn sunshine, dunes in the distance, winding paths through pine forest, and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot. Now and then a deer appears, or a woodpecker, or a wild boar. The Veluwe region of the Netherlands offers exactly this kind of time close to nature, explored by bicycle through forest, a national park, a historic palace and an art centre.

The Veluwe, in the province of Gelderland, is known for its woodland, sloping hills, sand drifts and wide natural landscapes. About an hour and a half from Amsterdam lies the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

The park covers some 5,400 hectares and contains around 40 kilometres of cycling paths. Roughly 2,000 white bicycles are kept there for visitors, and they can be used free of charge.

One of the Veluwe's chief attractions is its wildlife. Walking through woods of oak, pine and birch, visitors may spot deer, woodpeckers, wild boar and beavers. Wolves can also be seen in these forests. After an absence of around 150 years, wolves returned to the Netherlands in 2015 — though their presence worries local farmers.

To learn about the area's wildlife, visitors can stop at the De Ginkel nature centre, where nature guides explain the forest environment and how its animals live. There are also special observation posts for watching wildlife.

A Veluwe trip offers history and art as well as forest. Near the city of Apeldoorn stands the 17th-century royal palace Paleis Het Loo. It was once the summer residence and hunting lodge of William III of Orange and his wife Mary II Stuart. Its ornate rooms, grand staircase, formal gardens and underground museum draw visitors.

The historic town of Harderwijk is also worth a visit. Its narrow cobbled streets, medieval town walls and old town hall carry the marks of its past.

For art lovers, the Kröller-Müller Museum sits inside the Hoge Veluwe National Park and holds 88 paintings by Vincent van Gogh. The sculpture garden beside it is one of the largest in Europe, with around 200 works of art spread across green lawns and woodland. A short bicycle ride away is Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, once the residence of the Kröller-Müller family.

For overnight stays, the Veluwe has cabins in the forest, hotels and holiday parks. Alongside the quiet, leafy surroundings, visitors can taste food made with local ingredients. In the autumn season, with visitor numbers comparatively low, many of the national park's paths are peaceful and empty.

The costs are set out in the report as well. Adult entry to the Hoge Veluwe National Park costs 13.85 euros, roughly 1,950 Bangladeshi taka. A cabin at the forest's edge starts from 110 euros, about 15,500 taka. There are also various camping and hotel options.

Cycling close to nature, watching wildlife, visiting historic buildings or enjoying Van Gogh's art — taken together, the Veluwe in the Netherlands could be a different kind of destination for an autumn break.