De Steeg: Gardens, Country Estates and Architectural History

When looking for hotels for a trip to De Steeg, you can plan around your interests: the gardens of Landgoed Middachten, the country estates and architectural history of the village, or activities in Veluwezoom National Park. For your stay, it is worth considering the specific visiting hours for seasonal attractions separately. This will help you decide whether a fixed time slot for a garden or castle visit is important, or whether you mainly want to plan around historical themes and the landscape.

Gardens and Middachten Castle

The gardens of Landgoed Middachten were open from 3 June to 27 September 2026, Wednesdays to Sundays, from 12:30 to 16:30. As this period has passed, check the opening hours for the relevant season when planning a future visit. After the Royal House, Middachten has the largest portrait collection in the Netherlands—a cultural and historical feature that complements a visit to the gardens.

Kasteel Middachten has its own visitor arrangements: visitors can enter on Sunday afternoons in June, July and August. Guided tours can be arranged on request. If you are planning a tour, confirm the arrangements before travelling; also check the visiting hours for the relevant season. Treat garden opening hours and castle access as separate parts of your itinerary.

Architecture and History in De Steeg

Het Strooien Dorp is a complex of thatched-roof houses, planned in 1919 as a social housing project. The houses on Bentincklaan are clearly visible from the railway line. They are regarded as an example of early social housing in De Steeg and the municipality of Rheden. Their distinctive roof style is thus connected with a specific chapter in the village’s history.

Kerkgebouw De Steeg also tells the story of the village’s architectural history. The former Roman Catholic church dates from 1927, was designed by Jan Stuyt and is characteristic of its time. Fourteen Stations of the Cross by artist Pierre Stordiau hang in a side transept. There is also a monument in the forests of Middachten commemorating the Second World War.

Country Estates and Public Art

Landgoed Rhederoord is a historic country estate in De Steeg. Its origins date back to the 17th century, when a number of plots of land and farms were acquired. The Belevingsobject Landgoed Rhederoord is part of the Belevingsobjectenroutes. The estate’s history also includes Jules baron Brantsen: a notable resident who became known as a circus baron and adventurer.

Bronze statues of writer Simon Carmiggelt and his wife Tiny sit on a bench in front of De Steeg town hall. Artist Wim Kuijl created the statues in 1990. Together with the architecture and country estates, these works offer another way to explore the village’s cultural history.

Veluwezoom National Park and Activities

Veluwezoom National Park covers more than 5,000 hectares of forests, heathland, drifting sands and country estates. You can hike, cycle, mountain bike and ride horses there. You can reach the national park from De Steeg town hall in a few minutes. This time estimate refers to the journey from the town hall to the park; it does not specify a particular route or mode of transport.

One specific hiking option is the Lappendeken Carolinahoeve route. It passes through stately beech avenues and by old fields in Veluwezoom National Park. In summer, you can also cycle the Het Blauwe Goud – Langs de IJsel route from De Steeg. Check current route conditions before setting out. The Carolinahoeve offers a dish made with local and organic ingredients; check what is currently available before planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Ellecom, Dieren, Rheden, Velp.

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