Castles

The Veluwe is the largest forested upland in the Netherlands, a landscape of heathland, woods and sandy hills that stretches between Apeldoorn, Arnhem and the IJssel valley. Alongside its nature, it holds a scattering of castles, manor houses and country estates, built by noble families and rich merchants who chose the wooded slopes as a setting for their homes. Together they make a good theme for exploration, with Apeldoorn as a convenient base.

The best-known building in Apeldoorn itself is Paleis Het Loo, the royal palace built in the seventeenth century for Stadtholder William III and his wife Mary, and now a museum with formal Baroque gardens. It is not a medieval castle, but it is the grandest of the region's historic residences and gives a good picture of how the court used the Veluwe. Around Apeldoorn there are further royal and aristocratic estates that tell a related story of hunting grounds, parks and country retreats.

Further afield, the edges of the Veluwe have castles that reflect the long history of the Gelderland region. Kasteel Cannenburch near Vaassen is a moated castle with a tradition of use that goes back many centuries, while Rosendael, near Arnhem, is known for its gardens and fountains. Many such castles have grounds that are open to the public even when the house is not, and some host exhibitions or concerts. The details of visiting vary by site, so check opening times in advance.

The pleasure of this theme lies in combining architecture with landscape. A day might include a morning at a palace garden, an afternoon walk among Veluwe heath and pines, and a stop at a village cafe. The region is excellent for cycling, with well-signposted routes that connect estates, forests and villages, and its wildlife includes red deer, roe deer and wild boar, so keep your eyes open on quiet paths.

Nearby attractions in Apeldoorn include the Apenheul primate park, the Julianatoren amusement park and the CODA cultural centre. The area suits families, couples and history lovers who want to mix heritage with fresh air, and it works in every season, with autumn colour and winter frost particularly atmospheric. One more option for a longer trip is the Hoge Veluwe National Park near Otterlo, with its Kröller-Müller Museum, which makes a natural companion to a Dutch castle tour, and a pleasant Park for cycling on the white bicycles available there.