Vorden, Wichmond and Wildenborch

Vorden originated in the Middle Ages on one of the cover sand areas on the Vorensche Beek. The name probably comes from the word"voorde\\\", which indicated a ford. Vorden is located on the edge of the Graafschap National Landscape, making the area rich in nature and a beautiful area for nature lovers. The village has no fewer than eight castles, making it one of the most castle-rich villages in the Netherlands. Not only the villages in the County are beautiful; the nature is also beautiful. The Het Enzerinck estate, located next to Vorden, is a beautiful area. A country house built in 1836 dominates the estate, but the surroundings of the house are also beautiful. Special tulip trees bloom there and the magnolia also thrives there. Among the grasses you will find silverweed, daisies and the sharp buttercup, while among the foliage in the park forest, horsetail, dalwort and small periwinkle grow. Accompanied by the drumming of three species of woodpeckers on the tree trunks and the songs of the blackcap, robin and garden warbler, this cycle tour will undoubtedly please nature lovers. You leave in a westerly direction towards the Hackfortermolen. This beautiful round stone mill was built in 1851. In the early 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 Hackforter mill resumed its milling using wind power. The mill was also restored in 1967, 1974 and 1985. Nowadays, milling is done on a voluntary basis. Anyone who wants to visit the inside of the mill can go there on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning. Next to the watermill is the fairytale Hackfort castle. The castle has two sturdy towers that characterize 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 major renovations in 1788. The castle is now in good condition and is located in the middle of beautiful forests and extensive meadows. Then you cycle 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 spot where the old house stood. That original house was in such poor condition 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, which is not known when it was built. The house was first mentioned in 1372 and was strategically located in the middle of swamps, making it an ideal hiding place after raids. The house is not open to the public, but the estate and associated gardens are. Den Bramel Castle is a country estate in the heart of the Achterhoek. There is little left to see of the first two castles that stood here. The current building dates from 1725, where old walls from an earlier house were renovated. In 1868 the house was fitted with a neo-Renaissance stepped gable and in 1881 the roof was fitted with slate and a turret was installed. The estate is open to the public, but the castle itself and the surrounding gardens are private.