Loevestein Castle was built between 1357 and 1368 because of its strategical location where two major river Waal and Meuse converge. It was mainly used as a toll castle to charge all the ships passing by.

We joined a guided tour to explore the history of the castle.

Big living room and Bed - one thing I notice is that it will be really cold to sleep there. It is quite unlikely to heat up the whole big room with the chimney at the end.  

Store valuables in a compartment under your chair

Toilet and Kitechen

I will have your sword.         Let me try the lock myself. It is a bit like the ancient lock used in China too.

Climbing up the castle's steep staircase is really not an easy task. The staircase has their railling on the right so that if enemies coming from below, they would need their right hand to hold the railing and thus not be able to use their swords.

On the top floor, there is a giant wheel that works like a pulley system. The tour guide invited an adult to be the load and asked the small children to join in and pull him up. I found the whole tour is very children friendly. Not only they are involved in Q and A, but play is another big theme.

Even for younger children, they will not feel bored as they can dress up like a ancient knight. Not feeling too old, I also tried some at the museum's souvenieur shop.

As shown in the pictures, inside the castle is quite bare as it was not used for living. Until 1600, it became a state prison and one prisoner called Hugo de Groot made the castle famous as he successfully excaped from the castle in a book chest. We had a multimedia presentation about that. Though the castle looks old, it is well equipped with modern technologies.

After the tour, we had afternoon tea on the terrace.

The old town of Hiusen

A not so huge windmill

 The old city is famous for its architecture. 

old post-box 

 In such an old city and seeing such modern race car. There can't be any bigger contrary.

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