Discover Ruurlo

Discover Ruurlo through a diverse range of attractions: Kasteel Ruurlo with Museum MORE, historic buildings, and several walking trails. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether to focus on art and architecture, a particular route, or both.

Kasteel Ruurlo and Museum MORE

The history of Kasteel Ruurlo dates back to the 14th century. Five centuries of architectural history are visible in the building, and the original floor plan has been almost entirely preserved. The castle houses Museum MORE Ruurlo. Its focus is on the life and work of Dutch realist artist Carel Willink; the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. The history of the architecture and the art offer two distinct perspectives on the same building.

Historic buildings and the history of mills

The historic grounds at Ruurlo include a hedge maze in the western section. It was created in 1885 for Sophia Wilhelmina van Heeckeren van Kell. The Sint Willibrorduskerk in Ruurlo was designed by Pierre Cuypers and built between 1869 and 1871. The dates place the buildings in different periods: the castle’s history reaches back to the 14th century, while the church dates from the 19th century.

The Agneta was built in 1851 as a hull, oil, and grain mill, and converted into a sawmill and grain mill in 1917. The change in function can be seen in the dates: grain remained part of its later use, while the sawmill and oil mill feature in the descriptions of its functions at different times. The Agneta also has a system that generates electricity for demonstration purposes.

Doolhof Ruurlo covers just under one hectare and has 1,188 meters of paths. These measurements describe different aspects of the maze: its area and the paths within it.

Walking trails and landscapes

The Liefdespad is a walking trail of more than five kilometers through Ruurlo. Artistic loveseats are placed at various points along the route. They express themes such as water, nature, technology, rural life, and diversity, adding an artistic touch along the trail.

The Kasteelwandeling in Ruurlo is 5.40 kilometers long. It starts at TOP De Heikamp, Hengeloseweg 2, and crosses the Baakse Beek several times. Both the starting point and the repeated stream crossings are useful for finding your way.

The Boswachterspad Laarzenroute Ruurlo starts at the De Heikamp pancake farm. The route passes through grassland, heathland, forests, and agricultural areas, and also crosses a boardwalk. The Het-Zandroute leads from Zelhem through the wooded area of the 't Zand estate toward Ruurlo; it follows avenues and forest paths.

Practical information

From Ruurlo station, you can reach Museum MORE Ruurlo on foot in about ten minutes via Stationsstraat and Vordenseweg. As route details may change, check the way before setting out.

Klimbos Ruurlo offers nine climbing routes: three junior routes and six regular routes, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. A visit begins with 30 minutes of instruction; visitors then climb independently. Before your visit, check the operator’s latest information about the routes and how they work.

Discover more destinations: Beltrum, Borculo, Rekken, Nederbiel, Eibergen, Geesteren, Neede, Haarlo.

For the broader travel overview: Berkelland.