Castle on the Vechtstreek
The first foundations of the Dutch Renaissance mansion, Nyenrode Castle were
laid in the 13
th century on the banks of the Vecht river by Knight
Gerard Splinter van Ruwiel. Later, the French used it as their headquarters during
an invasion in the 17
th century, and from the 18th
through the 20th century it was the home of two successive merchant families.
Following the Second World War, it was sold to an educational institute which
would later become Nyenrode Business University; the private business school continues to use the castle
as its primary estate. The University grounds are private, but you can garner a
good view of the Castle when floating past it on the Vecht river. You can also
take a virtual tour of the castle on the university’s
website.