Most of the landscape of the park and the Veluwe was created during the last Ice Age. The alternating sand dune areas and heathlands may have been caused by human utilization of the surrounding lands. The park forms one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands.

The Hoge Veluwe National Park enjoys a wide variety of plants and animals and provides habitats to extremely rare Red List species. Together with the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Sculpture Garden and Country-residence/Museum Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, the Park forms a unique and (inter)nationally renowned combination of nature, art and architecture.

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The Great Dune of Pyla, France by Larrousiney

Over the last hundred years, the Dune du Pyla increased at double. At present it consists of 60 million cubic meters of the finest sand with high content of essential oils that resist chemical degradation. At its peak you can get after 160 steep stairs. Until now no one is able to explain how the Dune du Pyla originated centuries ago and why it is still growing. In 1960, the first measurement was performed and found that the dune increases annually by about 5 meters. It already absorbed several paths and buildings. Dune du Pyla is also suitable especially for paragliding lovers since the conditions for this sport are ideal here. However swimming is not recommended due to lower currents.

The Great Dune of Pilat can be found about 60 km from Bordeaux.

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