Kasteel Hulkestein, Medieval castle ruins in Nijkerk, Netherlands.
Kasteel Hulkestein is a medieval castle ruin in Nijkerk that originally had a rectangular shape with a tower, built from coal sandstone blocks. The walls, roughly 70 centimeters thick, now lie submerged in the Nijkerkernauw section of the former Zuiderzee.
Duke Arnold of Gelre ordered the construction of Kasteel Hulkestein in 1427 as a military observation post on the border with Sticht. This fortress was meant to monitor shipping routes and control the surrounding region.
The Pannekoeck family, who controlled the blockhouse, salvaged stones from the ruins to construct their home in Nijkerk. This practice shows how local people repurposed the abandoned structure for their own needs.
The site lies underwater and is accessible only to divers interested in exploring the submerged ruins below the surface. It is important to follow local diving regulations and respect archaeological protection measures.
A diving team discovered medieval brick walls in 2024, confirming the exact location of this submerged fortress. This find shed light on the history of this long-forgotten place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
