Kasteel Hackfort

Kasteel Hackfort is a country estate at Vorden, in the Achterhoek region of Gelderland, and it is one of the best known of the many castles in that area. The Achterhoek is a countryside of hedged fields, woods, small farms and streams, with a remarkable number of moated houses, and Hackfort is one of its showpieces. The house itself is private and not open to the public, but the estate around it is freely accessible and makes a lovely place for a walk, which is a rare combination in the Netherlands.

The history goes back to the fourteenth century. The estate is first mentioned in 1324 under the name Hacvorde, which refers to its position near a crossing of the Baakse Beek, the stream that runs through the area. Over time the name became Hackfort, after the family of Jacob van der Weelle took over the property, and his descendants expanded the estate. The house survived the Eighty Years' War, and in 1788 it was modernised, which gave the main building the appearance that it has today, a handsome, symmetrical house with a moat and a bridge. Later generations added outbuildings, gardens and woods.

For visitors, the experience is in the grounds. Walking paths lead through forest and past the old farms, and there is a traditional watermill on the stream, as well as a coach house from 1881, which once held the stables and an orangery. The house itself can only be admired from the outside, and visitors should respect the signs and keep away from the castle and its immediate surroundings. The landscape is gentle, with oak woods, meadows and water, and it is lovely in spring, when the woodland floor is carpeted with flowers, and in autumn.

The area is excellent for cycling. A long signposted Castle Route links the castles and country houses of the Achterhoek, running between the old town of Bronkhorst and Vorden, and in the same region there are other castles to visit, such as Kasteel Vorden and the estates around Zutphen. The villages have cafes where cyclists stop to eat, and the roads are quiet and flat.

The estate suits walkers, cyclists, families and history lovers who prefer a quiet visit to a crowded one. It is free to enter, though conditions may vary, so check the local arrangements. Allow an hour or two for a walk, and bring waterproof shoes for the paths in wet weather.