Eco Check-In: Guest-Friendly Habits that Complement Caitwickerzand’s Green Key Silver Commitment
Looking for a relaxing stay that protects the very nature you came to enjoy? Caitwickerzand’s visible Green Key Silver commitment sets the tone—and your daily choices can make that promise even stronger. Nestled on the Veluwe between Kootwijk and Garderen, this small, family-run holiday park borders one of the most beautiful Staatsbosbeheer nature areas. Here’s how to match that spirit with simple, guest-friendly habits from the moment you arrive.
Why Green Key Silver matters during your stay
Green Key Silver is a recognized sustainability label in the hospitality world. At Caitwickerzand, its presence signals a practical, ongoing commitment to responsible operations. As a guest, your actions amplify those efforts in a sensitive forest environment where walking, cycling and riding routes start right outside the park.
- Caitwickerzand is intentionally small and family-run, with a personal welcome from Bert and Yvonne Lenderink.
- The park lies in the woods on the Veluwe and directly borders a protected area, so mindful behavior has an immediate, positive impact.
- Dogs and horses are welcome, and horses can overnight on the on-site pasture—another reason to keep nature etiquette top of mind.
Travel light, move light on the Veluwe
Arrivals and daily movement are big opportunities to support a Green Key Silver approach.
- Choose low-impact mobility when you can. The park connects with the regional cycle route network (Fietsnetwerk) and offers direct access to beautiful forest cycling and walking routes.
- Explore on foot or by bike right from your pitch, trekkers’ hut, bungalow or chalet—no car required for many adventures.
- Riding with your horse? Stick to established routes, including the renowned Veluwe Trail (300 km across the Veluwe), to protect sensitive ground and vegetation.
- Pack light and reusable: a refillable bottle, a compact shopping bag and a small set of reusables (cup, cutlery) help cut single-use waste.
Tip: Use the downloadable park map under "Plattegrond" to plan low-impact outings and stay on marked paths.
Easy energy savers in every stay type
Small steps add up across all accommodations—spacious camping pitches, four types of trekkers’ huts (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +), the Bungalow Veluwe, the chalet and the rental caravan.
In trekkers’ huts, the bungalow or the chalet
- Switch off lights when leaving a room—even for a short time.
- Unplug chargers and small appliances when not in use; many draw standby power.
- Make the most of natural daylight by opening curtains during daytime.
- Close doors and windows when you want to retain warmth.
On camping pitches or in the rental caravan
- Bring an efficient LED camping light and switch it off before bed.
- Charge devices in one go during the day and unplug after.
- Keep exterior lighting minimal at night to protect the forest's dark skies and reduce wildlife disturbance.
Water-wise habits that add up
- Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth.
- Use a basin for dishwashing rather than running water continuously.
- Refill a durable water bottle to reduce packaging and extra rinsing.
- Report any dripping taps or leaks promptly so they can be fixed quickly.
Waste less, enjoy more
- Follow on-site instructions for sorting waste and recycling. Use the right bin for the right material when provided.
- Minimize packaging by buying only what you need for your stay.
- Keep trails and picnic spots pristine—pack out everything you brought in.
- Never feed wildlife. Human food disrupts animal behavior and scatters waste.
Ride, walk and watch wildlife responsibly
Caitwickerzand’s forest setting is a haven for walkers, cyclists, riders and nature lovers. Respect for wildlife keeps it that way.
- Stay on marked routes to protect plants and nesting areas.
- Keep a respectful distance from animals; observe quietly without flash or loud sounds.
- Time your nature watching for early morning or late afternoon for great sightings with less disturbance.
- With dogs welcome at Caitwickerzand, keep them close and under control near wildlife.
- Horseback riders: prefer established sandy tracks and avoid saturated ground after heavy rain to reduce trail damage. Overnight your horse on the on-site pasture as arranged.
Make the most of your eco-stay
Choosing the right base helps you live your values comfortably while supporting the Green Key Silver spirit.
- Prefer simple, compact stays? Explore our Trekkershutten—Standard, Plus, Comfort and Comfort +—ideal for hikers and cyclists.
- Love the outdoors? Our spacious Kampeerplaatsen offer a quiet forest setting to relax close to nature.
- Need more room? Consider the Bungalow Veluwe or the Chalet for a comfortable home base on the Veluwe.
- Traveling with a horse? Check the "Vakantie met paard" information and plan rides along established horse routes, including the Veluwe Trail.
International guests can find practical details under "English information" and "Deutsche Informationen."
Nearby day-trip ideas when you fancy a change of scene include Apenheul, Julianatoren and Paleis Het Loo.
Quick reference: eco-friendly choices by stay type
| Stay type | Simple eco actions |
|---|---|
| Camping pitches | Use LED lights; switch off exterior lighting at night; minimize water use when washing up; sort waste correctly. |
| Trekkers’ huts (Standard, Plus, Comfort, Comfort +) | Turn off lights; unplug chargers; use daylight; close windows/doors to retain warmth; follow waste sorting guidance. |
| Bungalow Veluwe | Manage lighting thoughtfully; unplug devices; take shorter showers; plan car-free outings from the door. |
| Chalet | Use rooms you need and switch off unused lights; report maintenance issues; reduce packaging waste. |
| Rental caravan | Charge devices efficiently; keep lighting minimal at night; use basins for washing up; pack out all litter on day trips. |
Practical takeaways you can use today
- Pack a reusable bottle, bag and cup to cut single-use items.
- Walk and cycle from the park—routes start right outside.
- Ride established horse trails and use the on-site pasture for overnight stays.
- Switch off lights and unplug chargers when not in use.
- Take shorter showers and turn off taps while brushing teeth.
- Sort waste correctly and never feed wildlife.
- Keep noise low at night to respect the forest’s quiet character and fellow guests.
Quick answer: How can guests support Green Key Silver at Caitwickerzand?
- Prefer low-impact travel on the Veluwe—walk, cycle and ride marked routes.
- Save energy: switch off lights, unplug chargers and use daylight.
- Save water: take shorter showers and turn off taps.
- Sort waste correctly and leave no trace on trails.
- Respect wildlife and the forest setting—observe quietly and keep dogs under control.
Conclusion: Small actions, big difference—right here on the Veluwe
At Vakantieoord Caitwickerzand—often called the best-kept secret of the Veluwe—every considerate choice helps protect the forest you came to enjoy. The park’s Green Key Silver commitment is your invitation to travel lighter, tread gentler and leave nature just as beautiful for the next guest.
Ready to plan an eco-friendly getaway? Book directly via the "Reserveren" or "Boek je vakantie" buttons, or contact us:
- Phone: +31 (0)577-456295
- Email: info@caitwickerzand.nl
We look forward to personally welcoming you to our quiet, forested park at Hennepstede 50, 3888 NT Uddel (Nieuw-Milligen)—and to sharing the Veluwe’s walking, cycling and riding routes right outside your door.