geklaard

Geklaard is a small village situated in the eastern part of the Dutch province of Gelderland, within the administrative municipality of Renkum. The settlement lies on the eastern edge of the Veluwe forest and is surrounded by low, gently rolling agricultural land. Historically, the area was part of the medieval heerlijkheid of Renkum, with the first documented mention of Geklaard appearing in a 13th‑century land register under the name “Gekard”.

The village’s development was largely tied to the cultivation of hay and the raising of cattle, which benefited from the fertile soil of the upper reaches of the IJssel valley. In the 19th century, a small dairy factory was established, and in 1904 a railway link was opened from Renkum to Maarssen, though it was closed in 1959 when passenger traffic declined. Today, Geklaard has a population of about 1,200 residents and retains a strong rural character, with many inhabitants commuting to Utrecht or Arnhem for work.

Culturally, Geklaard hosts an annual “Geklaard Kermis” (fair) that draws visitors from surrounding towns, featuring traditional Dutch music, local food stalls, and a carnival parade. The village is also known for its picturesque Dutch farmhouses, many of which have been preserved as historical monuments and are listed in the national register of heritage sites. The local church, built in 1885 and dedicated to Saint Peter, is a focal point of community life. Geklaard is part of the broader Renkum conservation area, which aims to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable tourism.