View castles in De Graafschap

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. With so many monuments in the area, Den Bramel Castle presents itself quite quickly. In fact it is a country estate in the heart of the Achterhoek. The current building dates from 1725, where an old wall of an earlier house was 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. You can visit the estate, but the castle itself and the surrounding gardens are private. Huis't Velde is a stately white country house whose history dates back to at least 1326. The former manor house is located on a wooded estate and has been used by the School for Police Leadership as a study center since 1976. Then we continue to Hackfort castle and the associated water mill. Two sturdy towers 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. The Hackfortermolen is an undershot water mill dating from 1700 and was used as a flour mill. The Baakse Beek used to power the water mill, but between 1952 and 1997 the mill stood still because the stream did not flow strongly enough. Since the Rijn en IJssel Water Board improved the situation in 1997, the Hackforter mill has been restored and can grind grain again. It is also used as a hydroelectric power station. The route then takes you past the beautiful Vorden Castle, which was originally a military structure. For centuries it has been owned by various noble families. Since the Second World War it fell into disrepair and it was not until 2004 that the house was restored to its former glory. Today it is a beautiful wedding location and can be visited with a guide. The last viewing can be done at De Wildenborch Castle. The house was first mentioned in 1372, when it was owned by robber baron Sweder Rodebaert van Wisch. Due to the plundering raids he conducted with his lords, the citizens revolted. However, the castle walls survived for another two centuries, until the duke who lived in the castle had the defenses demolished to place a permanent occupation on the castle.