Ulft, Terborg, Gaanderen, Doetinchem

Ulft is the cradle of the iron industry in the Netherlands. As early as 1753, there was an iron foundry here because a lot of iron ore was found in the soil. By then, the moated castle Slot Ulft had already disappeared after years of decay. Not so with Wisch Castle in Terborg, whose first predecessor was known as early as 1285. The current building dates from 1644. As early as 1150, the Lords of Wisch are mentioned in documents; they were one of the most powerful families in the region.

Gaanderen unfortunately has to make do without a castle; like Ulft, it owes its existence to the presence of iron in the ground. Gaanderen was once a hamlet of Doetinchem. As more and more farmers settled here, the hamlet of Gander eventually became the village of Gaanderen.

Doetinchem does have another castle: Slangenburg. An impressive castle with long lanes, beautiful flowers and imposing building. Add this Pit stop to your route and discover it by bike.

The hamlets around Doetinchem sometimes have rather strange names, for example, during this route you cycle through the hamlets Warm and Ziek.