Laren, Lochem and Almen

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 coniferous 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. Park your car at Camping De Vlinderhoeve. The site on which this four-star campsite is located used to belong to an estate. De Vlinderhoeve has retained that romantic appearance and it is therefore nice to pitch your tent here for an overnight stay. Route 137084 also starts and ends here, so the next day you can take that tour through the green surroundings. During your bike ride you can enjoy nice sights, such as the Havezate Oolde country estate, built in 1663. The brick house was also called Nijenhuis and originally belonged to the nearby Old Oolde castle. In the eighteenth century, the house was extensively modernized and received a completely new entrance. Even today the house still has an eighteenth-century appearance. Although you are allowed to enter the estate freely, the house and its immediate surroundings are closed to the public. 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. Before you return to the campsite, you can take a look at a real vineyard. At the Nieuwe Baankreis vineyard, all kinds of grape varieties are grown organically. What is special is that you can also admire an organic laying hen farm here and the chickens roam freely through the vineyard.