Kasteel De Nijenbeek - a defensive castle on the banks of the river IJssel - was first mentioned in 1266. At that time it was inhabited by knight Theodericus, also called Dirk, Lord of Nijenbeek. Its location on the banks of the river IJssel was very strategic, assuring control over the traffic on the river.

Over the centuries a lot has changed to the castle. The many different owners adapted the building to their own wishes and use. Later in the 18th century De Nijenbeek fell into disrepair, because the owners lived somewhere else and rented out the castle.

In 1945 - at the end of World War II - Kasteel De Nijenbeek was shelled from the eastern bank of the river IJssel by Canadian troops because it was used by the Germans as a lookout post. During the shelling, the tower of the castle lost its 19th century pyramid roof. The castle became more and more a ruin.

In 2016 the ruin was consolidated by a major restoration. The (consolidated) square tower is nowadays the only remaining part of the castle. Kasteel De Nijenbeek has very limited opening hours..