3x Castles and Estates on the Veluwe

Schovenhorst country estate is hidden in the woods of Putten. In fact, this Veluwe estate is famous for its trees. Since 1848, founder Mr J. H. Schober had been investigating which trees could grow on his heath near Putten. People came from far and wide with seeds and over the years the wasteland grew into a rich forest. Schovenhorst Estate has five tree gardens you can wander through during your visit. The signs tell you which trees you are admiring.

And if you wander a little further, you will arrive at the Bostoren. A sizeable watchtower with the highest tree garden in Europe. At 38 metres above the ground, you walk through a garden where only a handful of tree species can survive. From the watchtower, you look over the crests of the Veluwe forests all the way to the IJsselmeer.

Between those trees you can also see Landgoed Schovenhorst itself from a special perspective. Here you can settle down at the Brasserie for a cup of coffee or a tasty lunch.

Staverden is the smallest town in the Benelux and can be found in the north of the Veluwe. In this town you will find Landgoed Staverden, where the tranquillity of the Veluwe is flawlessly interwoven with the rich history of the buildings and the place.

White peacocks have been kept on this estate since the year 1400, originally imported from Asia. Formerly, the feathers of these peacocks flaunted on the duke's helmet, today the peacocks mainly adorn the rear part of the imposing castle garden.

Impressive is really the right word. In 1790, this castle garden was laid out in the English style; symmetry was the key. Magnificent trees, flowers and statues form a whole which today is maintained by volunteers. Inspired by the maze in Versailles, Landgoed Staverden also has a maze you can wander through.

Once you have found the exit, you can settle down at the Brasserie. Formerly voted Top Terrace of the Netherlands. Prefer the beer? In the old coach house you will find micro-brewery de Uddelaer, where owner Jacques taps your beer and talks passionately about his beers.

Kasteel de Vanenburg is a 17th-century country estate on the Veluwe. Here you can stay in the hotel or eat in the restaurant, which is included in the Top 500 restaurants of the Netherlands. On the Putten estate, you can take lovely walks. Trees used to be a status symbol and from the splendour in this castle garden, you can see how prosperous people were here.

This place breathes stories. Beautiful stories, but unfortunately also less beautiful stories. At the entrance to the Estate you will find the monument Sarah. Here we remember the Jews who stayed on the Veluwe Estate while working on the Zuiderzee. Almost the entire Jewish community of Putten was deported. Surrounding the monument Sarah are stones. Because they do not wither - just like the memories.