Cycling in the largest park in Utrecht
#NATIONAALPARKUTRECHTSEHEUVELRUG
Would you like to recharge in the countryside? There are plenty of options for this in Utrecht. Simply take your bicycle and enter the largest park in the province, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. Take in fabulous country estates and castles in stunning countryside and unknown places.
Five new bicycle routes connect the city and the National Park to ensure plenty of adventures. And the best thing is that you can start in the very heart of Utrecht.
There is just so much more to explore – and taste – on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Escape the city bustle and explore cultural heritage and rich history in the countryside, just a 15-minute cycle away. Access the stunning countryside in no time at all and enjoy the fresh air and pure silence. Whether you prefer hillocks, wooded areas, heathland, sand drifts or riverscapes: the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park has it all. The extensive countryside is dotted with hundreds of castles, country estates, river meadows, culinary tastings, climbing courses, playgrounds and other adventures for you to recharge during your holiday and within cycling distance from your address.
Go East, go…
The distance and direction of routes differ and start in the heart of Utrecht. Once you have decided to venture out on a route that leads deeper into the National Park, simply leave your car and bicycle carrier at a TOP (Tourist Transfer Point) to depart from there by bike. Alternatively, take your bicycle on the train to head right into the countryside from one of the stations. Whether by car or train, it will take thirty minutes to reach the largest wooded area in the Randstad.
Toeristisch Overstap Punt (TOP; Tourist Transfer Point)
A Toeristisch Overstap Punt (TOP) is a junction that connects various bicycle routes and trails. TOPs are easily accessible by car and have sufficient free parking facilities. Most TOPs are located in the vicinity of a café or restaurant, which comes in handy after a day of cycling.
Cycling routes
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Go East, drink wine (39km)
Go East, drink wine (39km)
A wonderful bicycle route for connoisseurs! This route around Bunnik, Zeist and Driebergen includes an organic vineyard, De Bijzondere taartenfabriek cake factory, Kasteel Sterkenburg castle and restaurant Kraaybeekerhof. Taste the very best ‘home-made’ cakes and organic wines!
Cycle this route
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Go East Have Fun (39,3km)
Go East Have Fun (39,3km)
The extremely family-friendly bicycle route around Zeist takes in the Boswerf, Blik & Burgers playground & restaurant, Schaapskooi Heidestein sheep fold and the Hertenkamp deerpark. Enjoy nearby country life with your children.
Cycle this route
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Go East, go green (60km)
Go East, go green (60km)
This route takes in the Boswachterij Austerlitz forestry in the northern part of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. and includes extensive heathlands.
Cycle this route
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Go East, go military (40km)
Go East, go military (40km)
This route takes in the magical Soester Duinen dunes where you can retreat in the countryside and the special Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg, which is located next to the Nationaal Militair Museum.
Cycle this route
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Go East, go to the great outdoors (58km)
Go East, go to the great outdoors (58km)
This route through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park comprises a huge collection of magnificent places of interest. Explore Kasteel Amerongen castle and Huis Doorn with stunning gardens and parks.
Cycle this route
Respect for nature
As a result of the efforts of nature organisations, residents, entrepreneurs and governments, the enchanting environment of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park provides a huge number of activities and routes for walking, cycling and riding. Visitors are kindly asked to enjoy the scenic beauty with respect for the countryside.
How can you contribute
- Help to keep the National Park clean and dispose of your waste in the rubbish bins provided
- Leave your car at home more often and come by bicycle or public transport
- If you do come by car, park it on a designated parking place, preferably at a Toeristisch Overstap Punt (TOP) where various bicycle routes and trails come together
- Buy an MTB sticker if you visit the National Park on a mountain bike
- Adhere to rules on access, such as keeping your dog on a leash if requested