Zwolle, Hoonhorst and Dalfsen

On a large sand ridge between the IJssel and the Overijsselse Vecht, a small settlement developed first into a Hanseatic city, and later into the capital of Overijssel: Zwolle. The town is first mentioned in 1040 and is growing steadily. However, the city suffered a serious setback in 1324 and burned down in a major city fire. In the following years Zwolle is slowly being repaired and restored to its former glory. Like many Dutch places, Zwolle has a nickname for its inhabitants: Blauwvingers. There used to be great rivalry between the residents of Zwolle and those of Kampen. According to a folk tale, the latter gave the people of Zwolle their nickname, after people from Zwolle got blue fingers when Kampen paid for the purchase of a carillon in four German coins and had to count this money. These copper coins had the lowest value apart from the cent and a wagon full of them was needed to meet the value of the carillon. The route starts at Profile Gait Rigter. At this bicycle specialist you will receive a discount of no less than 10 euros with your bicycle discount pass on maintenance or the costs of a repair. Before or after your bike ride is therefore an ideal time to have your bike properly checked. After about 17 kilometers, Castle Mataram looms in the distance. The current villa was built in 1935 and replaces the former house, which is just northeast of the new one. Little is left of the older house than an entrance gate, some stone remnants and a circular moat. The new house is privately owned and used as a private residence. That is why the site is not open to the public. De Molen van Fakkert (hull / remainder) is an octagonal tower mill on a brick base. The mill was built in 1868 and served as a flour mill. The mill was damaged in 1930 and then dismantled. As a result, the mill was no longer running until the restoration of 2011. The mill is now fully operational again and can usually be visited on Saturday afternoons. From the mill you cycle in the direction of the Rechterense Veld, where you will see Den Aalshorst. This country estate was an ordinary farm until the seventeenth century, but later became more and more luxurious. The country estate has often changed hands over the years and gradually grew into a large country estate with beautiful gardens and buildings. Since 1908 the estate has been owned by an operating company and the estate is open to the public. In the beautiful natural environment between Dalsen and Ommen you will then come across Huis Den Berg. The estate is first mentioned in 1483, but the current house dates from 1703. The striking thing about the house is that it has been in the possession of the same family since that year. Although the house serves as a residence, it sometimes hosts small receptions or dinners. The estate is freely accessible and if you want to see how the house is furnished, you can make an appointment for a tour. You have only just cycled into the built-up area of Dalfsen, when the Westermolen presents itself. This beautiful octagonal tower mill was built in 1818 as a flour mill. He held his position for many years, until, for the first time, it came to a standstill between 1951 and 1956 after the rod was broken off. A major restoration took place in 1956, but in 1962 the hood was defective, which resulted in the Westermolen being brought to a standstill. In 1969 the mill was again restored and made ready for grinding. In 2012 the hood and hull were completely re-reed and the mill now runs on a voluntary basis. The mill can be visited every Saturday morning between 10:00 and 12:30. Finally, there are two beautiful buildings on the program. House De Leemcule is located slightly northwest of Dalfsen. The estate is first mentioned in 1434 and the house was built in the sixteenth century as a manor. This manor is demolished in 1810, to be replaced in 1824 by the current stately house. The house is completed by the construction of a canal, which should provide the house with additional reinforcement against looters. The last attraction of this cycling tour is in the outskirts of Dalfsen. The fairytale castle Rutenberg is first mentioned in 1328, but this original castle was demolished between 1821 and 1828. The current house was built in the same period for the castle in its place. Over the years, the fortified, stately home has been changed or renovated relatively little, giving you a good idea of what luxury homes looked like in the nineteenth century.