Tour around Laren

The De Graafschap National Landscape extends around Lochem, near Laren. It is a beautiful small-scale landscape characterized by fairytale vistas in a semi-open area. The interplay of hedgerows, hedges, farms, fields and streams gives the area something exciting. The scenic landscape also has many estates and castles that are typical of the area and the forests near the Ampsense Veld are full of beautiful conifers and deciduous trees, bordering an extensive heathland area. Deer, mouflons and wild sheep live in this beautiful, peaceful nature reserve. Protect yourself against mosquitoes, especially if the weather has been nice for a few days, there are many to be found in the damp heathland. The route starts at Landhotel De Hoofdige Boer. Country hotel De Hoofdige Boer is located in an authentic nineteenth-century building, in the middle of the village next to the church. Yet the attractive hotel is surrounded by lots of greenery: a beautiful tea garden has been laid out at the front and meadows and the Berkel valley stretch out at the back. It is the ideal place to relax, so book an overnight stay at the hotel and take advantage of our cycling package. Route 121356 also starts and ends at the hotel. From the hotel it is not far to cycle to the Museum of Old Book Printing. Here you can see how the art of printing has developed over the years. Take a journey through time in this beautiful museum before cycling on to the Dorth estate. The Dorth estate and former castle are located on the Dortherbeek. The oldest mention dates from 1311, when the site was still owned by the Van Heeckeren knight family. Because part of the Van Heeckerens branch started calling itself Van Dorth, fights broke out, which caused a lot of damage to the house. The castle was demolished in 1833 and a country house was built on the same site, which was demolished again in 1927. The house thus made way for the stately country house that still dominates the estate. Another beautiful building is Huis Verwolde, which is located on the estate of the same name. The earliest mention of the castle dates back to 1346. Around 1500 the castle became involved in a political struggle and was conquered in 1505 by Duke Charles of Guelders, who had it thoroughly fortified. In 1510 the castle was captured by an enemy and demolished. Later, the current castle was rebuilt in a simple form. The castle is open to the public and serves as a museum. The history of Huis Ampsen dates back to 1105. The first castle and both houses on the estate were destroyed by the Spanish in 1605. The current house was rebuilt in the first half of the seventeenth century. Over time, a wing has been added on the right side, giving the building a U-shape. The castle and estate are privately owned and not accessible. After returning to Landhotel De Hoofdige Boer, you can enjoy the sun on the terrace or enjoy a delicious dinner in the restaurant to end the day. Then you can retire to your hotel room, take a nice hot shower and rest in the freshly made bed for the next day's bike ride.