Kasteel Byland, Schloss in den Niederlanden
Kasteel Byland was a water castle built before 1275 from red brick with a simple, sturdy design that served as a fortified home for a noble family. The structure stood south of Pannerden in what is now the Tolkamer area, near the old riverbank, but was swept away around 1726 by changes in the river course.
The castle originated before 1275 and was first documented in 1275 when a nobleman named Willem Doys received it as a gift from the Duke of Kleve. Over centuries, the estate changed hands through various feudal agreements between local families and more powerful rulers until it disappeared around 1726 due to river changes.
The name Byland refers to a family that lived in the region for generations and held extensive lands. The castle served as a central place for the family and surrounding communities, with a small chapel built nearby for local worship.
The site is today open green land with no visible ruins or structures, but the area is easily accessible for walkers and cyclists who want to explore the surroundings. The nearby Bijlandsch Canal area offers good paths and access to the natural landscape around the river.
The Bijlandsch Canal nearby was built in the 1770s to cut off a river bend, long after the castle had vanished, yet the canal bears the castle's name and keeps the memory of the lost estate alive. A drawing from 1734 shows parts of the castle still standing as ruins, providing a rare glimpse into what it looked like before nature reclaimed the land.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
