County Route South

This route takes you through the Graafschap, the most northwestern part of the Achterhoek. The route takes you past beautiful castles, via De Doolhof in Ruurlo, through vast forests to Hengelo and Vorden in Gelderland. From Vorden the journey continues to Ruurlo. The Ruurlo Maze Not far from Ruurlo castle, along the road to Hengelo, there is a maze from 1891. In terms of surface area, this is the largest maze in the Netherlands. The length of the paths is no less than 1188 meters! The maze is open every day from April to October. Hackfort Castle and Hackfortermolen Hackfort Castle is a castle in Vorden that is in good condition, and the surrounding area is freely accessible, thanks to the current owner, the Association for the Preservation of Natural Monuments. In 1392, a house called "Hacforden" with outer bailey and canals is mentioned in the loan register of the lords of Bronckhorst. It started as a residential tower. It was largely destroyed by Spanish troops in 1586 during the Eighty Years' War. It was rebuilt in 1598 by Borchard van Westerholt. This is stated on a facade stone, as well as that the castle was extensively renovated in 1788 by Borchard Frederic Willem van Westerholt. It became a sleeker facade with large windows, instead of a facade with excellent toilets and cross windows with window shutters at the bottom as before. The gatehouse was demolished, so that the view of the now symmetrical facade and the landing became available. The canals were also filled in. The castle is in good condition and is beautifully situated in the middle of forests and meadows. The Hackfort Watermill is also located near the castle. This mill is used as a hydroelectric power station and grain is milled on a voluntary basis. Gardens of Huis de Wiersse Huis de Wiersse is first mentioned in 1482. The current house is early 18th century. Huis de Wiersee has 16 hectares of gardens within a 32 hectare landscape park. The gardens have been managed by the same family since 1678; the landscape park is inspired by Irish ancestors. Ferns, bulbs and native plants near ponds and stream form a surprising contrast with the colorful borders in the sunken garden. The gardens can be visited every year during the flowering of the rhododendrons (May), roses, pergola, borders (July) and with the autumn colors (October). Information at Vorden Tourist Information, telephone number 0575 - 553222. Starting point: Hotel Avenarius, Dorpsstraat 2, Ruurlo