From Hierden across the Veluwe

This route takes you from picturesque Hierden (near Harderwijk) through the Veluwe and the Gelderse Vallei. A wonderfully varied route in which you also see sights such as Kasteel De Essenburgh.

Nice picnic
In Hierden you can see some beautiful centuries-old regional farms on the Zuiderzeestraatweg. A nice start to your route. A little later you drive onto the Veluwe. You drive through the Leuvenumse Bos where you can immerse yourself in the silence and the fresh forest air. In Ermelo you cycle past De Koe, a thatched flour mill from 1863.

Speulderbos
In Putten you pass the corn mill Het Hert from 1899. Just outside the village you pass Landgoed Schovenhorst that was founded in 1848. You can visit some special gardens here, including the oldest coniferous garden in the Netherlands. There is also a forest tower over forty meters high that offers you a beautiful view. On your way back through the Veluwe you drive through the well-known Speulderbos, a true experience.

Castle De Essenburgh
At the end of your route you will pass De Essenburgh castle and estate. The castle was built in the seventeenth century by order of Johan Coolwagen. This noble gentleman wanted to acquire a place within the Ridderschap van Veluwe with this prestigious status symbol. When this failed, he had to sell the castle to his creditors.