Apeldoorn, Vaassen, Loenen

The province of Gelderland is characterised by beautiful nature, numerous castles and their estates. Organisation Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen proudly cares for many of these castles, but only seven are open to the public. Get to know the public castles in five beautiful cycle routes through the Gelderland landscape. Part 4 of De Geldersche Castles route takes you past Castle Cannenburch in Vaassen.

This beautiful castle comes from the 18th century and is built on the ruins of a medieval castle. The park surrounding the castle is freely accessible. Inside, it is a museum where you can admire furniture, porcelain and many paintings. After visiting the castle, stroll further around the estate and don't miss the coach house and the castle shop. Here you can taste all kinds of local products.

On the outskirts of Apeldoorn, you will come across the famous Paleis Het Loo. The beautiful, former royal palace has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for Stadholder Willem III and later expanded into a summer palace for the Dutch royal family. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parks with fountains, statues and ponds designed in the Baroque style of the 17th century. You can visit the palace and its gardens, which is highly recommended!

Through the beautiful nature of the Veluwe, you will arrive in Loenen, where you will come across Ter Horst Castle. The construction of this hidden gem began in 1557. In the following years, it was the summer and hunting residence of Arnhem mayor Hackfort, whose family lived in the castle for seven generations. It has since been owned by Alexander Russelman, who still enjoys living there. Surrounding the castle is an estate of no less than 35 hectares of land, on which you can see coach houses, an orangery and a farm. There is also a lumberyard, where the trees on the estate are processed into wood to trade. There even used to be two paper mills here.

During this cycle route, you will enjoy impressive buildings as well as impressive nature. You will cycle through the Kroondomein, pass the Loenermark and the highest waterfall in the Netherlands. Have lots of cycling fun!