Wulven, Medieval castle ruins in Houten, Netherlands
Wulven is a medieval castle ruin in Houten situated on an island surrounded by a moat. Today visible remains appear beside the Loetje restaurant on Koedijk street, along with preserved moat systems and earthwork formations that outline where the castle once stood.
Construction began in 1296 when Count Floris V of Holland granted land to Ernst van Wulven II. The new structure replaced an earlier motte castle that had occupied a location roughly 600 meters to the south.
The site drew pilgrims between 1450 and 1525 who came to venerate Mary statues housed within its walls. This religious role shaped how people experienced and visited the location for over a century.
The best views of castle traces are found around the Koedijk area and nearby streets, where the restaurant Loetje serves as a helpful landmark. The terrain is generally flat and easily walkable, though you should expect typical weather conditions when exploring the grounds.
The name Wulven comes from the Dutch word for waves and is reflected in the family coat of arms, which incorporated wave patterns in its design. This link between the family name and heraldic symbols shows how the name's meaning was visually expressed through their emblem.
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