Stoutenburg estate

The forest consists mostly of deciduous trees and some conifers.
Notable are the holly bushes in the undergrowth. In spring, there are flowering plants such as snowdrops, crocuses and wood anemones.
Later in the year, salomon's seal can also be found and in May, hawthorn blooms profusely.
At Stoutenburg, 66 bird species have been counted, including the tree falcon, kingfisher, woodpecker and tawny owl.

The former coach house of Kasteel Stoutenburg is the starting point for your visit to Gelderse Vallei. You can go there for walking and cycling routes and a cup of coffee. There is also a small shop where you can buy products from the region. In the film room, you can learn all about the Heerlijkheid Stoutenburg, an estate with a rich history.

Opening hours

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 12.30-16.30.
Closed on Wednesdays from November to February. Also closed during public holidays.

Address

Stoutenburgerlaan 4, 3835 PB Stoutenburg (Leusden)
Tel: 033-4941368 (only during opening hours)

Toilet

Present. No facilities for the disabled.

STOUTENBURGERPAD

Discover the beautiful outdoor area of Amersfoort and Leusden. Walk across farmland, a historic estate and along streams in the outskirts of Amersfoort and Leusden. Clogs on, backpack on and go!

Circular walk: Stoutenburgerpad (10 km)

Starting point: Koetshuis Stoutenburg, Stoutenburgerlaan 4, 3835 PB Stoutenburg (Leusden)

Public transport: Bus stop Stoutenburgerlaan (not on Sundays). Other options: from Amersfoort CS: bus towards Leusden Geertrudeshof to bus stop 't Vliet, Leusden (5-minute walk to pick up the route). Or bus direction Apeldoorn to bus stop Barneveldseweg, Amersfoort (8 min walk to pick up the route).

Marking: orange markings in the shape of a clog. The route is marked in two directions, so you can walk it either left or right.

Route combination: The Stoutenburgerpad can be combined with the Snorrenhoefpad, Schutpad and Laaksepad. Interchanges and routes are marked on the map and in the field

Hospitality on the go:

• Landwinkel De Kopermolen, Hessenweg 2, Stoutenburg
• Koetshuis Stoutenburg Stoutenburgerlaan 4, Stoutenburg,
  Opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 12.30-16.30 from November to February closed on Wednesdays. Also closed during public holidays.
• Tea house / picking garden "In de vrolijke mortier", Stoutenburgerlaan 6, Stoutenburg

STOUTENBURG CASTLE

The current ''Stoutenburg Castle'' is a manor house, built in 1888 as a successor to a whole series of previous fortresses.

WILLEM VAN AMERSFOORT

The first Kasteel van Stoutenburg was founded in 1259 by Willem van Amersfoort. It served to protect the border between the Count of Gelre and the Bishop of Utrecht.

TROTSE BURCHT

However, it has never been home to a garrison. Its name means "Proud Castle".

STOUTENBURG CASTLE I (1259 - 1600)

Stoutenburg estate near Leusden possesses a long history, as mentioned. The history of the estate begins with a 13th-century episcopal castle that may have originated from an even older residential tower (=donjon) from the 11th century. In 1259, the castle was under construction. On 12 June 1259, the day Amersfoort received city rights from Bishop Hendrik I of Vianden, Walter (or Wouter), the lord of Amersfoort and sheriff of Eemland, settled at Stoutenburg. In exchange for the disposition of this castle, the then bishop of Utrecht granted city rights to Amersfoort, and the bishop used the castle to station warriors.

FRANCISCAN FRIARS MINOR

The religious order of the Franciscan Friars Minor bought the neglected house in 1948 and turned it into a monastery. The Franciscan Friars Minor left the building in late 1990 to make way for the community of the Franciscan Environmental Project, or 'Environmental Monastery'. That community is still there and also has its own offerings around spirituality and nature connection.

That community left the castle at the end of September 2017.

The castle is now owned by Utrechts Landschap.

Contact information: Utrechts Landschap