Cranendonck castle - Soerendonk

A castle was first built on this spot between Maarheeze and Soerendonk around 1250. The name Cranendonck was inspired from its surroundings: at the time, cranes regularly landed in this area and 'donck' meant hill.

When Anna van Egmond, better known as Anna van Buren, married William of Orange, the castle came into the possession of the Dutch royal family. In 1673, it was largely destroyed by the French, leaving only a reconstruction of the old castle visible today. Despite the destruction and the fact that in 1820 all the Orange estates, including Cranendonck, were sold to private individuals, 'Baron van Cranendonck' is still an official title of King Willem-Alexander.

Next to the castle was a farmhouse, which was also demolished in 1899. In its place came a white villa; the current castle.

Currently, the castle is used as a wedding venue. The estate and the contours of the old castle are a nice Pit stop for your cycle route!