Past castles and estates west

The Veluwezoom is known for 'Gelders Arcadia', the landscape of vast estates, country estates and castles. For example, you will find Middachten Estate, Rosendael Park and Castle, Zypendaal House, Doorwerth Castle and Villa Sanoer. The hilly landscape has always been attractive to wealthy families, who built their country houses there and created the most beautiful gardens and parks. With the arrival of train connections in the 19th century, more and more wealthy Westerners came to the Gelders Arcadia estate zone to enjoy this unique landscape and to build their 'country estates' there. And we can still enjoy the many outdoors in this area. The two cycling routes past various castles and estates give you a special glimpse into life then and now.

With this route you visit the western part of the area where you cycle through the municipality of Wageningen, the municipality of Renkum and the municipality of Arnhem. This is a beautiful area located between De Hoge Veluwe National Park on the north side and the Nederrijn river on the south side. The location provides a particularly varied landscape and many beautiful panoramas during the cycle route. Along the way you will pass various castles and estates such as Doorwerth Castle in Doorwerth, Belmonte Estate in Wageningen and Huis Zypendaal in Arnhem. Get off your bike at the Belmonte Estate, now the Belmonte Arboretum botanical garden. Due to its unique location on top of a moraine, you can enjoy surprising views over the Lower Rhine and the characteristic landscape of the Betuwe. The impressive Doorwerth Castle was completely destroyed during the Second World War and left in ruins. After almost 40 years of renovation, the castle and outer bailey have been restored to their former glory and can be visited all year round. Huis Zypendaal is open to visitors on all Sundays during the summer months. The interior of this 18th century country house largely dates from that time.