Duchy of Gelreroute Achterhoek

The Achterhoek has a rich medieval past, a history that has left its mark on the landscape. Gelderland has the highest castle density in the Netherlands, most of them are in the Achterhoek. In the 11th century the county of Gelre was created, which was called the Duchy of Gelre from the 14th century. Gelre was an important political power bloc in Northwestern Europe in the Late Middle Ages. It consists of four quarters with Nijmegen, Arnhem, Zutphen and Roermond as the capitals. The last duke of the 'old school' is Karel van Gelre. Not long after his death in 1538, Gelre was swallowed up by the Burgundian empire. The medieval period is therefore over. This route takes you past four monuments, namely Wisch Castle in Terborg, the Old Grafelijke Torenmolen in Zeddam, Huis Bergh Castle in's-Heerenberg and the Sint-Antonius Chapel in Sinderen. The starting point of the route is the DRU in Ulft. The DRU symbolizes the iron industry of the Achterhoek. The old industrial factory buildings have now become monuments and have been given a second life. The DRU complex contains a theater hall, library, concert hall, hotel and office. Also meeting rooms, catering and homes. The Dutch Iron Museum will soon open here. The route runs via the cycle junction system, which gives you the option at junctions 53 and 68 to reduce the route to an eastern or western route.