Beekhuizen Estate near Velp stimulates your eyes and ears in a positive way. You walk through a hilly landscape with romantic water features, beautiful vistas, and waterfalls along the stream. In spring, the man-high rhododendrons are in full bloom. You hear the birds singing and the rippling sound of flowing water. But perhaps the estate is even more beautiful in autumn and winter because of the intense colors and skies that create a special atmosphere.
Turned into a true paradise
In 1682, Alexander van Spaen, the lord of Biljoen Castle, bought this estate. Johan Frederik Willem later became the owner. With their wealth, they transformed the area into a paradise: the Gelderland Arcadia. The walker could wander endlessly, surrendering to the beauty of the landscape and momentarily forgetting time.
Van Spaen drew inspiration from his travels to Italy, Switzerland, and France. He had ponds and waterfalls with rocky formations and beautiful vistas constructed. He even built a few log cabins on the banks of the stream, close to the two ancient oaks, Baucis and Philemon. One of the cabins was lined inside with a soft layer of moss, allowing walkers to rest their legs in between.
Overlooking the area from the Keienberg
Walk the Beekhuizen Keienbergroute, approximately 4 kilometers long. The starting point is restaurant Woodz. Along the way, you will wander 2.5 kilometers along a spiral path that takes you to the top of the Keienberg. When you reach the top, you might spot a deer or a wild boar. On beautiful summer mornings, you have a good chance of encountering roe deer.
Did you know... you can discover hidden symbols and meanings at the Keienberg? These refer to the experience of nature from the Romantic era. The rectangular cutouts in the metal correspond to the first notes of Beethoven's ‘fifth symphony’.
Dining at Woodz & sleeping at Hotel Beekhuizen
At Buitenplaats Beekhuizen, you can visit restaurant Woodz after your walk; a casual restaurant with a good atmosphere. With a cable car and slide for the kids. Want to stay longer? Then book at Boutique Hotel Beekhuizen; a small-scale, quirky, and charming hotel in the middle of the national park.