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Tourism and recreation

The North-eastern Veluwe region in The Netherlands is one of the finest recreational areas in the country with unsurpassed natural beauty. Epe is a much-loved holiday destination offering wide-ranging attractions and recreational opportunities for young and older visitors both.

Holidaymakers have literally thousand of acres through forests and moors at their disposal. The local tourist association offers a diverse choice of bridle-ways for horse riders and hikers alike, including countless cycling-tracks. The municipality also designed special routes for horse-drawn carts. All these tracks take the visitors through breathtaking natural expanses. The well-organised shopping district and state-of-the-art shopping arcade provides for everyone's tastes. You will be able to indulge yourself in various convivial restaurants, hotels and public houses, especially when the annual 'Jazz Comes to Town' music festival makes everyone swing in Epe.

The local tourist association in Epe is open throughout the whole year to offer you all the essential information. Whether you want a complete holiday or just go on a short break… don't hesitate to enquire about the extensive possibilities. The tourist association is there to provide information about hotels and recreation centres, but it can also enlighten you about all the tourist attractions. For additional information, visit the following site: www.vvvepe.nl.

Local places of interest

The flocks of sheep on the Renderklippen (vast area of moors) never fail to attract plenty of attention and it is not uncommon to happen upon deer, hinds and wild boars whilst hiking through the forests of Epe. Another characteristic of the area is the breathtaking IJssel scenery. The dike along the IJssel is easily accessible through Oene, and once at the dike, you can either continue towards Zwolle or go the other way towards Deventer. Water sports amateurs not only benefit from the IJssel, but also from the Randmeren, which are only a stones' throw away.

In Emst there is a vast recreational lake, called the Kievitsveld. Emst is also famous with fishermen for its trout nursery in the lakes. Children too are more than welcome, as a profusion of activities is provided for them around the lakes. An additional appealing feature of Emst is the local candle-maker's workshop flanking the candle museum, and the recently totally modernised and expanded Wissel Animal Park.

In Vaassen the major attraction is castle Cannenburch, which is surrounded by woods and serene lakes. The castle was transformed into a museum and the interior is set up in such a way that people still appear to inhabit the place. Another local attraction is the mill, which was completely refurbished in 1990. Both are well worth a visit.

The municipality of Oene too features a splendid mill where one can enjoy delectable pancakes made with home-grinded flour. A stroll around the centre of Oene offers a wide-ranging assortment of monumental houses and farmhouses, and whilst meandering, you should not forget to pay a visit to the village clogmaker. The little ones are also in for a treat, as the village contains a deer site and a children's farm. The farm museum and the costumes museum situated in the former town hall of Epe will certainly catch their attention. At the Wissel Animal Park, which is open throughout the whole year, you will be able to observe many uncommon animals.

Overnight accommodations

The municipality of Epe offers an abundant choice of places to spend the night. Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, boarding houses, several camping and caravan sites, bungalows, holiday cottages or group accommodations, the choice is vast. For further information regarding overnight accommodations in Epe, please visit: www.vvvepe.nl.

Shops

A modern and diversified shopping area in a pleasant environment can also be found in Epe, with shops ranging from the modest "corner shop" to the renowned supermarkets. The shopping areas are easily accessible and parking is still free of charge.

Markets/Shop closing times Epe

The general market is on every Wednesday morning from 9am till 12am, sales evening is on Friday, from 7pm till 9pm. During the summer months there is a street fair every Friday evening. The vegetable, fruit, fish and flowers market is on every Saturday between 9am and 5pm. Some businesses are closed on Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

Markets/Shop closing times Vaassen

The general market is on every Saturday from 8am till 4pm, sales evening is on Friday, from 7pm till 9pm. Some businesses are closed on Monday morning and Wednesday afternoon.

Businesses

A 'living, space and businesses' account manager has been appointed to provide the Epe entrepreneurs with a better service. The account manager offers customised advice and assistance. Following are a few of the services offered by the account manager:

• Information regarding mandatory licences for new establishments or the takeover of existing businesses
• Assisting with, and if necessary, expediting the legal procedures
• Central contact point for local businesses
• Referring to, or contacting the involved administrator
• Drawing attention to subvention opportunities
• Data regarding park management and sustaining business sites
• Contact person for external organisations and business associations
• Visiting businesses
• Information regarding available business plots

You can get in touch with our account manager as follows:

Telephone: +31 (0)578 67 87 87
Epe Municipality
Postbus 600
8160 AP Epe

Entrepreneurial and legislative rules can be found on www.kvk.nl.  

Setting up a business

Many questions arise when setting up a new business. The best place to supply preliminary information is the Chamber of Commerce. They can offer you the most comprehensive data to set you on your way.

Chamber of Commerce Oost Nederland
Christiaan Geurtsweg 8d
7335 JV Apeldoorn/The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)55 - 57 96 111
Fax: +31 (0)55 - 52 25 503
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kvk.nl