On the west side of the IJssel Valley, in the beautiful Veluwe nature reserve, the nobility started building fortified castles
in the early Middle Ages. They were first meant to defend the territories, but were later rebuilt into mansions and castles
to be lived in. Starting in the 18thcentury, many beautiful mansions were built around the Veluwe by wealthy individuals.
About 20 historical medieval castles and over 100 mansions are still surrounded by beautiful estates, parks and gardens
to this day.
Middachten Castle & Estate
Cultural heritage and the property of consecutive generations for 800 years, this house is decorated in the same way it was at the end ofthe 19thcentury/early 20thcentury. Middachten is the proud owner of a large number of paintings and has the largest portrait collection after that of the royal family. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden, including the grass parterre with its borders, the statues and the canal. There are stunning old trees, and the rose garden contains no less than 60 different species. Middachten regularly organises events, such as the annual Christmas Opening. Definitely worth a visit.


Paleis Het Loo
This former royal palace is now a national museum. It is beautifully situated on the royal estate known as Het Loo, near Apeldoorn. The 17th-century baroque garden is world-famous for its symmetry, beautiful fountains, and statues. In the stables, you can find carriages and coaches. One part of the stables is still in use. In the Prins Hendrik Garage on the stable square, you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee, lunch, or a royal brunch.Due to renovations, the Palace will be closed until mid-2021. The gardens, stables and the Prins Hendrik Garage will remain open for visitors. While Paleis Het Loo is being renovated, Cannenburch castle will house several different House of Orange souvenirs from the Het Loo collection.
Rosendael Castle
A beautiful, historically decorated castle, surrounded by a park with many attractions. Take a historictour or one of the themed tours through the castle. The interior has a nice collection of family paintings. Rosendael is one of the oldest parks in the Netherlands. Many famous garden architects have designed the park over the past 300 years. Ponds, waterfalls and fountains were added, and the shell gallery and the tea dome have become famous. The orangery is the largest in the Netherlands and is used as a winter storage and catering facility.


Cannenburch Castle
The castle dates from 1365 and was made famous by Marten van Rossum, a general from Gelderland. On the ruins, he built the current castle with its corner towers, canal, and drawbridge. It is decorated in authentic 18th-century style and houses many historical objects and family portraits. On the estate, a farm and no fewer than 20 watermills were situated. This part of the Veluwe has an abundant water supply, with many springs and streams to this day. The beautiful old woodland near the castle still has its 17th-century structure with curved ponds, meadows and a flowing stream. A guide in the castle will happily tell you the centuries-old castle’s secrets (is there really a tunnel between Paleis Het Loo and De Cannenburch?) and will show you its hidden nooks. Afterwards, take a walk in the beautiful park and enjoy a cup of coffee with cake in the Koetshuis.