Estates and country estates This cycle route through the municipality of Renkum shows that the southern Veluwezoom has traditionally been a popular area to live. There are many traces from the pre-history of habitation, the earliest in what is now the Netherlands. The rugged dry soils of the moraines, the moist fertile stream valleys and the wide fishing and hunting area of the Rhine valley provided for the daily needs. Dozens of burial mounds from the 'funnel cup' culture (ca. 6000 years ago) have been found on moraines such as the Wageningse Berg and the Keijenberg. In the last century, many country estates and estates were founded by nobility and wealthy citizens.
The cycle route takes you past the most beautiful places and on the app you will find short descriptions of these estates and country estates per location. On the website of 'Renkum Leeft' you will find an overview and more detailed descriptions.
In the Second World War, the region suffered the heavy fighting of the Airborne operation 'Market Garden', which turned out to be 'a bridge too far'. Many characteristic buildings were lost, including some villas in the Heerlijkheid Doorwerth. In the late Middle Ages, Doorwerth Castle was the center of power of the southern Veluwezoom between Wageningen and Arnhem. The Lords of the Heerlijkheid Doorwerth built various hunting houses and country estates in the 17th and 18th centuries, but other noble families also founded estates and built beautiful villas on them.
On the route you will experience the height differences in the region and enjoy surprising views over the Rhine valley and the various stream valleys. At the estates and other places of interest along the way, you can take a short trip to learn more or to enjoy the various exhibitions.
You will also encounter plenty of opportunities along the way for a snack or drink, sometimes on an estate where you pass or otherwise in the attractive villages through which you cycle.
Lots of fun.
offered by Renkum Leeft.