Dancing Trees

The Speulder and Sprielderbos are among the oldest and most enchanting forests in the Netherlands, located in the province of Gelderland between the villages Putten, Ermelo and Garderen. These adjacent woodlands are renowned for their unique, twisted oak and beech trees, often referred to as "Dancing Trees" due to their unusual shapes. In dense fog, the trees seem to dance.

Archaeological evidence indicates that these forests have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Numerous burial mounds, some dating back to around 2800 BCE, are scattered throughout the area. These mounds, typically round or elliptical and up to two meters high, served as ancient burial sites, reflecting the early human presence and cultural practices in the region.

The forests are steeped in local folklore. One notable legend centers around the Solse Gat, a mysterious depression within the Sprielderbos. According to myth, a monastery once stood at this site, whose monks engaged in sinful behavior. As a divine punishment, the monastery was swallowed by the earth, creating the Solse Gat. Even today, some believe that the bells of the sunken monastery can be heard ringing at midnight.