Enjoy castles and the stream landscape of the Achterhoek from a holiday home in Ruurlo

Would you like to admire castles in the Achterhoek? Then during a holiday in Ruurlo you won’t know where to look first! Traces of the former principality of Gelre are still clearly visible in the surroundings of this village. Many castles are within cycling distance of each other, and around Vorden you will even find a walking route connecting several of them. Discover the stream landscape from your holiday home in Ruurlo, whether on foot, by bike, or from the water. While sailing along the Berkel you can immediately spot one of the most elegant castles in the region: Cloese Castle! Of course, simply wandering through the bocage landscape, from resting spot to tea garden, is also delightful.

Take a stroll around Ruurlo Castle from your holiday home in Ruurlo

The village of Ruurlo in Gelderland is closely tied to a namesake castle located in a beautiful rural area where woodland and small-scale cultural landscape come together. A winding path forms a complete loop around the castle. While encircling the fortress you will notice the striking glass bridge that gives the castle a modern touch. Within sight of the castle and its pond covered in duckweed, there is a pavilion with an outdoor terrace. A special feature of Ruurlo Castle is that the moat extends in both directions into an elongated pond. Together with the Baakse Brook, the estate is a lush and water-rich piece of nature.

Balancing, climbing and clambering at Klimbos Ruurlo

If you want to be active during your holiday in Ruurlo, you’re in luck. Close to the Heikamp restaurant you will find Klimbos Ruurlo. At various heights and along a variety of obstacles you can enjoy a unique adventure in the forest. Think zip lines, climbing nets and suspension bridges with wobbling planks. At the end of the course a long zip line takes you back to the starting point. Altogether there are nine routes, suitable for children from 6 years old provided they are at least 1.20 metres tall. Smaller children are also welcome and can enjoy a special course close to the ground.

Discover the most beautiful castles and estates

In the surroundings of your holiday home in Ruurlo there are countless castles. So many that you can admire a different one every day, or visit several in a row during a walk or bike ride. Keep in mind that not every castle or estate is open to the public. The following castles rank among the finest and are freely accessible:

Hackfort Castle: A large castle with impressive towers, grazing meadows with cows, and a watermill. In spring, the lawn in front is covered with purple and white spring flowers.

Vorden Castle: A typical brick castle on a small island with a moat and a drawbridge. Restaurant-café Bosloods has a lovely garden terrace with an almost unobstructed view of the castle. Tickets for a guided visit can also be purchased here.

Ampsen Castle: A castle with many white-framed windows, reminiscent of Het Loo Palace. The wide driveway is flanked on both sides by coach houses. From the car park, blue arrows guide you through the wooded estate.

Sailing from your holiday home in Ruurlo

Cloese Castle near Lochem also belongs to the list of the region’s highlights. Consider admiring this graceful mansion with its elegant turrets and red shutters from the water. When you sail on the Berkel River, you will pass right by this castle. In the past, this little river was used as a trade route between Zutphen and Germany. Today, the winding Berkel is navigable for recreation. You can even board a traditional Dutch sloop, steered by a skipper full of stories.

Go supping or canoeing in Zutphen

Be sure to plan a visit to one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands, Zutphen. A fun way to get to know this historic city on the IJssel is by canoe or paddleboard. You can choose a short trip through the city or longer tours in the surrounding countryside along the Berkel. While paddling you can enjoy the old city centre and pass under the unique Berkel Gate, a water gate with three arches that is part of the city wall. A special experience and at a short distance from your holiday home in Ruurlo.

The Ruurlo Forest Ranger’s Path

An area near Ruurlo that promises beautiful walks in every season is the Forest Ranger’s Path. Consider stopping for a coffee or a well-deserved pancake at the Heikamp restaurant, which is also the starting point of this route. The landscapes unfolding along the path reveal various traits, from farmland with hedgerows to wet heath. With a bit of luck, in the morning or at dusk, you may spot a deer in the fields. Be aware that the unpaved trails can get muddy, so it’s wise to bring boots, especially in autumn and winter.

Follow a culinary cycling route

Cycling routes from Ruurlo do not only lead past castles. Exploring the bocage landscape of the Achterhoek can also be a great culinary experience. Several routes introduce you to delicious regional products. Cycle past the Erve Zonnehoeve vineyard and the ’t Dommerholt ice cream farm on a route between Ruurlo and Borculo. In Haarlo, along Hogebrugweg, you can pick berries or order a slice of pie, and at Daalwiek farm you can buy all sorts of regional products such as jam, honey, vegetables and fruit. Cyclists can relax at the picnic tables in the yard, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.

Rent a holiday home in Ruurlo

The area around Ruurlo is a place you will never tire of. The beautiful stream landscape, the many estates and the centuries-old farmland with hedgerows and tree banks make it a charming region to explore. A holiday home in this area is a favourite choice for hiking and cycling enthusiasts, but also a great option for canoe lovers. The Berkel River meanders through the Achterhoek towards the IJssel, where you can canoe or paddleboard under the Berkel Gate in Zutphen. Would you like to head out without worrying about meals? From a holiday home in Ruurlo, you can make various walking and cycling trips starting at the cosy pancake restaurant Heikamp.