At the beginning of 2026, Paleispark Het Loo in Apeldoorn was unexpectedly transformed into a beautiful winter landscape. Whereas the traces of autumn are usually still visible in early January, the park was suddenly covered by a soft blanket of snow. The park wasn't quite "ready" for winter yet, and perhaps that was exactly what made it so special: autumn and winter briefly overlapped. Here and there, leaves were still visible beneath the snow, a reminder of the season that had only just come to an end.
It was still early, and the park was almost silent. The blanket of snow gave Paleispark Het Loo a fairy-tale atmosphere. The tall trees stood quietly and proudly, their branches weighed down by the snow. The long, straight avenues that I know so well seemed to stretch endlessly into the white landscape. Every step made a soft crunching sound, and apart from that, there was hardly a sound to be heard. It was as if the snow had claimed the park for itself. I found myself walking much more slowly than usual, not because the paths were slippery, but because I didn't want to miss a single moment. Whether I looked to my left, to my right, ahead or behind me, every view was picture-perfect and transformed by the fresh layer of snow. The park somehow seemed even more serene, its clean lines, simple shapes and peaceful atmosphere standing out more than ever.
Bridges, benches and wooden cottages all looked beautiful beneath the snow. The ponds in the park were particularly breathtaking, and I couldn't resist walking all the way around them. The water was frozen solid, covered by a thin layer of snow. Reeds and grasses still poked through the ice here and there, locked in place by the cold. On the shore of one of the ponds, my attention was immediately drawn to the blue Boathouse. It was impossible to miss. Its deep blue colour created a stunning contrast against the white snow, making it appear even more vibrant than usual.
On my way back to the car park, I couldn't resist making one final stop at the Willemshuisje. Surrounded by snow, it stood out even more than usual. With its green stained-glass windows, it looked absolutely perfect through the viewfinder of my camera.
When Paleispark Het Loo is transformed like this, with snow covering the ground and the trees, frozen ponds, and the striking contrast of the blue Boathouse and the Willemshuisje against the white landscape, it truly becomes a dream location for any landscape photographer. The light, the tranquillity and the compositions are simply everywhere you look. I captured so many photographs that I personally treasure, each with its own charm and, of course, a few personal favourites. I simply couldn't resist dedicating this blog to such a magical winter morning and sharing the entire collection with you.
My portfolio also includes a dedicated category featuring Paleispark Het Loo. There you'll find a selection of photographs from this series, together with beautiful images of the park captured throughout the other seasons of the year.
Paleispark Het Loo
