Vorden, Wichmond and Wildenborch

Vorden originated in the Middle Ages on one of the sand areas on the Vorensche Beek. The name probably comes from the word "voorde", which indicated a fordable place. Vorden is located on the edge of the Graafschap National Landscape and the area is therefore rich in nature and a beautiful area for nature lovers. The village has no fewer than eight castles and is therefore one of the most castle-rich villages in the Netherlands. Not only are the villages in Graafschap beautiful; the nature is also beautiful. The Het Enzerinck estate, located next to Vorden, is a beautiful area. A country house that was built in 1836 dominates the estate, but the area around the house is also magnificent. Special tulip trees bloom there and the magnolia also thrives there. Among the grasses you will find silverweed, daisies and the sharp buttercup, while horsetail, lily of the valley and small periwinkle grow under the foliage in the park forest. Accompanied by the drumming of three types of woodpeckers on the tree trunks and the song of the blackcap, robin and garden warbler, this bike tour will undoubtedly please nature lovers. You set off in a westerly direction to the Hackfortermolen. This beautiful round stone tower mill was built in 1851. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the mill fell into disrepair due to a nearby mill. In 1943, Baron Van Westerholt decided to repair the mill and in the same year, the Hackfortermolen was once again milling by wind power. The mill was also restored in 1967, 1974 and 1985. Nowadays, milling is done on a voluntary basis. Anyone who wants to view the mill from the inside can do so on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. Next to the watermill lies the fairytale Hackfort castle. The castle has two sturdy towers that characterise the castle. The fortress was originally a residential tower that was largely destroyed by Spanish troops during the Eighty Years' War. The castle was rebuilt in 1598 and underwent a major renovation in 1788. The castle is in good condition today and is located in the middle of beautiful forests and vast meadows. Then you cycle on to Huis Suideras. This castle is located on the edge of the village of Vierakker and was first mentioned in 1326. However, the current house was only put into use in 1891 and was built opposite the place where the old house stood. The original house was in such a bad state that it had to be demolished and there is nothing left of it. The estate is open to the public but the house is a private residence. Then you cycle past Wildenborch castle, of which it is not known when it was built. The house was first mentioned in 1372 and was strategically located in the middle of marshes so that it was an ideal hiding place after raids. The house is not open to the public but the estate and associated gardens are. Kasteel Den Bramel is a country estate in the heart of the Achterhoek. Little remains of the first two castles that stood here. The current building dates from 1725, when old masonry from an earlier house was rebuilt. In 1868, the house was provided with a neo-renaissance stepped gable and in 1881 the roof was provided with slate and a turret was placed. The estate is open to the public, but the castle itself and the surrounding gardens are private.