Gelderland

Gelderland is a province in the eastern part of the Netherlands. It is the largest province by land area, covering about 5,137 square kilometers, and is home to roughly 2.1 million people. The provincial capital is Arnhem, while Nijmegen is the largest city by population. The province includes the Veluwe, a forested highland region, and the Betuwe, a fertile river corridor along the Rhine and Waal.

Geography and key features

Gelderland is bordered by Germany to the east and by the Dutch provinces of Utrecht and South Holland to the west, North Brabant to the southwest, and Overijssel to the north. The Rhine, Waal, and IJssel rivers run through the province, shaping its urban centers and landscapes. The Veluwe reserves and national parks, including De Hoge Veluwe National Park, are notable natural assets, and the Betuwe region is known for fruit cultivation and orchard landscapes.

History

The name Gelderland derives from the medieval Duchy (or County) of Guelders, a historically important frontier territory in the Holy Roman Empire and later part of the Burgundian and Habsburg domains. In the Burgundian and Dutch Republic eras, the region played a strategic role along the eastern border. Following the formation of the modern Netherlands, Gelderland became one of the country’s twelve provinces. Its borders and institutions were further solidified in the 19th century, contributing to its current administrative structure.

Economy and institutions

Gelderland has a diverse economy that combines agriculture, industry, and services. The Betuwe supports fruit growing and horticulture, while the Veluwe hosts tourism and nature-related activities. The province hosts major research and education institutions, notably Wageningen University & Research in Wageningen and Radboud University Nijmegen. The Arnhem–Nijmegen metropolitan area serves as a regional economic hub.

Culture and identity

The province features vibrant cities, historic castles, and cultural institutions, as well as extensive natural areas that attract outdoor recreation. Gelderland’s cultural heritage blends rural traditions with urban developments, reflecting its role as a key eastern gateway in the Netherlands.