Nijenrode Castle

Nijenrode is one of the oldest castles on the Vecht, built around 1260 on newly cleared (nije-rode) terrain. It was one of about 20 castles that were built along the Vecht in the battle between the bishop of Utrecht and the counts of Holland to defend their territory. The Vecht was a border river between the two areas.

At the beginning of 1673, the winter of the national Disaster Year, not only the entire village of Breukelen, but also Nijenrode Castle was razed to the ground by the French. The sad result can be seen in this print from 1674. The ruin was bought by the Amsterdam merchant Johan Ortt, who rebuilt the castle.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Nijenrode was completely renovated and expanded. Then the gatehouse and the coach house were rebuilt in neo-Renaissance style and the keep (the high square tower) was completely rebuilt.
Since 1946, it has housed a scientific training institute, which has been called Nyenrode Business University since 1989.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek