Looking at 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, which makes 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, Castle Den Bramel soon presents itself. In fact, it is a country estate in the heart of the Achterhoek. The current building dates from 1725, remodeling an old wall from an earlier house. In 1868 the house was provided with a neo-Renaissance stepped gable and in 1881 the roof was covered 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 since 1976 by the School for Police Leadership as a study center. Then we continue to Hackfort Castle and its 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 a major renovation in 1788. The castle is nowadays in good condition and is located in the middle of beautiful forests and vast meadows. The Hackfortermolen is an undershot water mill dating from 1700 and was used as a corn 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 powerfully enough. Since the Rijn en IJssel Water Board ensured that the situation improved in 1997, the Hackforter mill has been restored and can grind grain again. It is also used as a hydroelectric power station. Then the route will lead 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. You can do the last viewing at Kasteel De Wildenborch. The house is first mentioned in 1372 and was then owned by robber baron Sweder Rodebaert van Wisch. The plundering campaigns he carried out with his lords caused the citizens to revolt. However, the castle walls lasted for another two centuries, until the duke who lived in the castle had the defenses demolished to place a permanent garrison on the castle.