Back in time in De Graafschap

A picturesque landscape emerges between Vorden and Lochum: De Graafschap National Landscape. In the 20,000-hectare, highly agricultural area, you will find ash and meadows, beautiful country houses, babbling brooks, romantic unpaved paths and picturesque hamlets and villages. It is a beautiful small-scale landscape that is characterized by the fairytale vistas in a semi-open area. The interplay of wooded banks, hedges, farms, fields and rivers gives the area something exciting. The idyllic bocage landscape also has many estates and castles that are typical for the area. You cycle over the't Waliën estate, among other things. The grounds are planted with trees such as larch, Douglas fir, Norway spruce and American oak. Hidden between the trees are four pools, where reptiles feel right at home. The small newt, crested newt, toad and common frog like to dive under the drumming of the black woodpecker. A pine marten has also been spotted on the estate. Nature lovers who like to explore the area by bike should book an overnight stay at Hotel Bakker. From the hotel, this, but also another beautiful route (123769) leads you through the green surroundings and you can relax in your comfortable hotel room from the exertion of the day. In the cozy dining room of the hotel you can enjoy a nice dinner and it is wonderful to end your day with a drink in the taproom. You can park your car in the parking lot of Hotel Bakker. Just before halfway through the tour, the first attraction presents itself. The history of Huis Ampsen dates back to 1105. The first castle and both houses on the estate were destroyed by the Spaniards in 1605. The current house was rebuilt in the first half of the seventeenth century. A wing has been added to the right side over time, giving the building a U-shape. The castle and estate is privately owned and not accessible. From Huis Ampsen, the cycle route leads you to the Zwiepse Molen, which can be visited six kilometers further. The octagonal windmill was placed in 1851 on the Zwiepse Berg near Barchem. Due to the poor wind, the tower mill was moved several times, until it got its current destination in 1880. The mill is equipped for grinding grain and a volunteer miller still uses his expertise to do this. Before you relax in the hotel, you can visit the beautiful Vorden estate. An old agricultural landscape makes you feel like you have gone back in time. The castle of Vorden is located in a fairytale park forest with streams. Behind the coach house is a beautiful vegetable garden called the Hof van Hackfort. This beautiful estate is open weekly on Wednesdays between 10 am and 4 pm.