Zuiderzee route Harderwijk Ermelo

Nature and culture go hand in hand in the Veluwe. On the north side of the Veluwe, the former Zuiderzee was friend and enemy of the residents in this area. Fishing revenues were accompanied by flood losses. This route shows you how the past lives on in the present. You can start the route at the De Hortus visitor center in Harderwijk, where you will also find more information about the Veluws past. It is also possible to start the route at one of the nodes mentioned. The route can be cycled in two directions. Starting point with information about Veluws Past: De Hortus, Academiestraat 7, Harderwijk. Harderwijk has a rich history and cultural heritage. The Vischpoort had a multifunctional character. The gate served to keep out unwanted guests, but also to stop the intrusive water of the Zuiderzee. In the Fisheries Museum Gebr. Foppen you can see how fishing was done in the past. And on the boulevard, past the Dolfinarium, you can see the old Botterwerf. One of the sights you visit during this route is the Staverden estate. In early times, the liege lord of Staverden was obliged to supply white peacock feathers for the helmet of the Duke of Guelders. Today, white peacocks still roam the estate, which is freely accessible to walkers. Staverden Castle is not open to the public. In the Staverden Visitor Centre-landscape shop (in the former barn opposite De Molen farm) the visitor receives information about the Staverden estate through posters, interactive computer programs and film. From the Ermelosche Heide Visitor Center and accompanying sheepfold you have access to a Roman marching camp dating from 170 AD. The contours of the rampart that surrounded the Roman encampment are still clearly visible. There are also some prehistoric burial mounds to visit. Further on you pass the Oud Groevenbeek estate and vineyard. This estate used to be completely self-sufficient, complete with a grape greenhouse to make your own wine. The buildings can be admired from the paths. At the edge of the forest paths are old burial mounds. © This cycle route is offered to you by the Veluws Bureau for Tourism. For more information about this region, visit www.develuwe.nl