• The Hof van Gunterstein estate in Breukelen, in the municipality of Stichtse Vecht, Utrecht region. A gardener drives a small tractor through the colourful vegetable garden, between flowerbeds and vegetable patches, with freshly cut greenery on the front loader.

The New Country Life - Discover country life in the province of Utrecht

Where the hustle and bustle fades away, you can hear the rustling of the reeds and the mooing of the cows. This is where The New Country Life begins: a new way to discover and experience the Utrecht countryside. Lend a hand on the farm, pick your own fruit, sample local produce or spend the night surrounded by nature. In this way, you’ll not only discover the nature and landscape of the province of Utrecht, but also the people who look after it every day. You’ll see where your food comes from, how the landscape is maintained and what new ideas are emerging in the countryside.

‘The New Country Life’ centres on agritourism and regenerative tourism: forms of tourism where you not only enjoy the countryside, but also contribute to the place you are visiting. By staying overnight locally, buying directly from the farmer, taking part in activities or exploring the area thoughtfully, you support local businesses and discover how agriculture, nature and recreation come together in the province of Utrecht.

From farm to food forest - Discover fun days out and activities in the countryside

Looking for a fun day out in the province of Utrecht? From picking fruit and meeting animals on the farm to boating, walking and sampling local produce: there’s plenty to experience in the Utrecht countryside. Discover unique day trips and activities in the countryside, meet the people behind the farm and enjoy intimate spots surrounded by nature.

Out and about with children

Picking apples, feeding animals, getting lost in a maize maze or going on an adventure in the polder. The Utrecht region is brimming with fun farm and outdoor outings for children. Discover nine places where children can experience country life up close.

Discover the 9 best days out

Wake up to country life - Stay overnight at a farm, country estate, campsite or bed & breakfast surrounded by nature

Leave the hustle and bustle behind and spend the night surrounded by nature in the province of Utrecht. Wake up amongst the meadows, stay at a charming country estate, choose a B&B in the countryside or sleep at a small-scale campsite surrounded by greenery. This way, you can experience Utrecht’s country life up close, with birdsong, fresh air and plenty of time to explore the surroundings.

Pop in to... - Entrepreneurs in the Utrecht countryside

Who are the people behind ‘The New Country Life’ in the Utrecht region? In ‘A Pop-in at…’, we meet farmers and local entrepreneurs who are each, in their own way, making a difference to the Utrecht countryside. We step onto their farmyards, hear their stories and discover how they’re giving agriculture, nature, local food and hospitality a new lease of life. Of course, they also share their favourite spot, product and plans for the future.

  • A quick visit to … Land in Zicht

    “We hope that people will not only go home with a bag full of fresh produce, but also with a greater appreciation of where their food comes from.”

    Discover how Land in Zicht in Amersfoort brings people, green spaces and local food together, and find out which places you shouldn’t miss.

    Read the story of Land in Zicht
    A quick visit to … Land in Zicht

  • Pop in to … Eemlandhoeve

    “People don’t expect there to be so much going on when they see us from the road. It’s a sort of little village where everything comes together.”

    At the Eemlandhoeve in Bunschoten-Spakenburg, farming, nature, local food and socialising come together. Discover the story of Jan and Maaike and their diverse farm.

    Read the story of Eemlandhoeve
    Pop in to … Eemlandhoeve A cow and her calf in a meadow near De Eemlandhoeve, with other cows and sheep in the background.

  • Pop in to… Hof van Gunterstein

    “After all, a farm isn’t a spreadsheet. Things often grow here that we hadn’t planned for.”

    At Hof van Gunterstein in Breukelen, Max and Nicole are building their dream organic farm. Discover how new ideas keep springing up here.

    Read the story of Hof van Gunterstein
    Pop in to… Hof van Gunterstein Nicole and a visitor amongst the flowers in the pick-your-own garden at Hof van Gunterstein in Breukelen

Walking routes - Discover the countryside step by step

Put on your walking boots and let the Utrecht countryside surprise you. Walk along winding paths, past historic estates, meadows and orchards. Along the way, you’ll discover special spots, sample local produce and meet the people who shape the countryside every day.

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Even more inspiration for country life in the Utrecht region

Fancy getting out and about? Discover where you can enjoy local food and drink, find unique places to stay and experience the Utrecht countryside in every season. Read our blogs and find inspiration for your next visit to the Utrecht region.

  • Experience country life

    From vegetables from the kitchen garden to cheese from the farm: in the Utrecht region, you can experience country life straight from the source. Pick your own produce, discover local farm shops or pull up a chair for a tasty treat from the farmyard. Discover 8 places where local food and the Utrecht countryside come together.

    Read the blog

  • Special stays

    Wake up amongst the meadows, sleep in a farmyard or surrounded by greenery along the Waterlinie. In the province of Utrecht, you’ll find special places where the surroundings are an integral part of your stay. Discover where you can experience ‘The New Country Life’ at night too.

    Read the blog

  • Experience autumn

    Put on your wellies and discover autumn in the Utrecht countryside. Visit a farm, meet the animals, sample local produce or enjoy an autumn weekend surrounded by nature. Find out where you can experience ‘The New Country Life’ this season.

    Read the blog

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