• Willeskop Nature Reserve observation tower, Montfoort, IJsselstein, Utrechtse Waarden: panoramic views of lakes, ditches, green meadows and the water-rich polder landscape in summer.

The Utrecht Valleys - Historic towns and rivers in the Green Heart

Located in the west of the province of Utrecht, Utrechtse Waarden is a characteristic part of the Green Heart of the Netherlands. This vast river landscape is known for its historic towns, winding dykes and vast polders along the Hollandse IJssel and Lek rivers.

Visit atmospheric places like IJsselstein, Montfoort, Oudewater and Lopik, where history and water come together. The Utrechtse Waarden is ideal for walking, cycling and boating through the typical Dutch polder landscape. A perfect destination for a relaxing day out or a weekend away in the Utrecht region.

Highlights of the Utrecht Region

Discover the must sees in the Utrecht Valleys and be surprised by historic towns, monumental churches and vast polders. Visit IJsselstein and Montfoort, walk along the Hollandse IJssel and experience the characteristic river landscape of the Green Heart in Utrecht province.

The best walking and cycling routes - in the Utrecht Valleys

Explore the Utrecht Valleys through beautiful walking and cycling routes along dykes, polders and historic town centres. Discover wooden shoes paths, fortified towns and green floodplains in the Green Heart of Utrecht province. Here you will enjoy peace, space and typical Dutch countryside.

Regional cycling guide: the Utrechtse Waarden - Cycle routes and local produce

Cycling for your food

Hop on your bike and taste, experience and discover the Utrechtse Waarden. With the regional cycling guide, you can cycle past farm shops, cheese makers, orchards and other local businesses. The six themed routes take you through the varied landscape of Oudewater, Montfoort, Lopik and IJsselstein, introducing you to the tastiest local produce from the Green Heart.

Check out the routes and set off on a regional expedition
Back cover of the ‘De Utrechtse Waarden’ regional cycling map, featuring cycle junctions, themed cycle routes, local produce and leisure information in the Green Heart.

The best events - in the Utrecht Valleys

Utrecht Valleys hosts cultural and local events throughout the year. From exhibitions in IJsselstein to historical activities in Montfoort and Oudewater. View the current agenda and combine nature, heritage and cosiness in this part of the province of Utrecht.

The best places to stay - in the Utrecht Valleys

Spending the night in the Utrechtse Waarden means waking up between dykes and meadows in the Green Heart. Choose an atmospheric B&B, a rural lodging or a hotel in a historic town. Ideal for a relaxing weekend away in Utrecht province.

Utrecht region

Bustling cities and peaceful nature alternate in Utrecht Region. Combine the best of both worlds and discover what the region has to offer.

Vechtstreek

Everything in the Vechtstreek revolves around the most beautiful river in the Netherlands. From the water, you will experience the region in a completely different way!

More about Vechtstreek

Amersfoort

Amersfoort has a surprising historic city centre with medieval atmospheres. But here you will also enjoy modern city life.

More about Amersfoort
Two women cycle through the Koppelpoort in Amersfoort

Utrechtse Heuvelrug

As an oasis of calm, just outside the Randstad, you will find the Utrechtse Heuvelrug with beautiful nature, numerous estates and lively towns and villages.

More about Utrechtse Heuvelrug

Kromme Rijn region

Within cycling distance of Utrecht, you will find the outdoors of Utrecht. Country estates, extensive nature, fruit orchards, the Kromme Rijn river and cultural history alternate here.

More about Kromme Rijnstreek

The Green Heart

Vast meadows, moors, beautiful ponds, lakes and rivers, historic villages and towns, forts and farms. That's the Green Heart of Holland!

More about Het Groene Hart

Utrecht

Utrecht is bursting with cosy cafés, hip shops and restaurants in the wharf cellars. Look a little further and discover all kinds of special places.

More about Utrecht

Spakenburg

Spakenburg is a lively village and its museum harbour is the soul of Spakenburg. It gives you the feeling of walking through the living history of an old fishing village.

More about Spakenburg

Nieuwegein

Discover the young, dynamic city of Nieuwegein with a surprisingly rich history, where new goes hand-in-hand with old.

More about Nieuwegein

Leusden

Get to know the beautiful nature in and around Leusden and discover its rich history. The perfect place for a walk or bike ride on the estates or past old trenches and bunkers.

More about Leusden

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