As early as 1392, there was a registered 'house with outer bailey and moats', a castle keep, on this spot. During the Eighty Years' War it was largely destroyed by the Spanish, but rebuilt by Borchard van Westerholt in 1598. After that it changed hands a few times and was rebuilt and 'modernized' a couple of times. The last owners, a brother and four sisters of the Van Westerholt family, ensured that the castle became the property of Natuurmonumenten after their death.

The castle is still in very good condition, as well as the surrounding garden (now full of crocuses!) with the still working watermill (grain mill and sawmill), the vegetable garden, and the coach house in which now brasserie de Keuken van Hackfort is located.

The castle is located in the beautiful surroundings of Vorden, where at least 7 other castles and magnificent mansions can be found. Well worth a walk or bike ride! I myself took a break during my walk, with coffee and apple pie at the Kitchen of Hackfort. Not just a piece of apple pie by the way, but a cute little work of art that looked great and tasted delicious =)