Utrecht Cycling Holiday

Utrecht is often called one of Europe's most beautiful canal cities, and it’s easy to see why. The city's centre is low-traffic, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll. As you wander around, you'll be treated to charming cafés, national monuments, and even UNESCO World Heritage sites, all in the shadow of the iconic Dom tower.

After a hearty breakfast, it's time to start your first cycling adventure! Ride along rivers and canals through beautiful landscapes as you make your way to the historic town of Culemborg before returning to Utrecht.

Today’s route takes you along the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, an 85 km military defence line once used to flood land and stop invaders. Now, this green corridor is a haven for wildlife and a cyclist’s paradise. Along the way, stop at Fort Vechten, the unique plofsluis dam, the fortified town of Vianen, and the charming old town of Vreeswijk with its boatyard and museum. A perfect mix of history, nature, and exploration.

If you wish, you can shorten the route by 5 km by taking a ferry at Fort Everdingen, the very cool home of brewery Duits & Lauret.

Follow the scenic River Vecht as you leave the city behind and head to De Haar Castle, the largest in the Netherlands. Restored in 1892, this stunning neo-Gothic masterpiece invites you to explore its grand rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and the beautiful surrounding gardens.

Afterwards, hop back on your bike and follow the River Old Rhine to Woerden, a fortified town with centuries of history. Visit the local museum to uncover Roman artefacts before continuing to Oudewater. Here, you can step onto the scales at the famous Weighing Hall to see if you would have been accused of witchcraft!

Your ride continues along the picturesque River Hollandsche IJssel, leading you to the charming fortified town of Montfoort, full of historical gems. To finish the day, follow the River Leidse Rijn back into Utrecht's city centre, rounding off a day of history, nature, and adventure.

You can shorten your route by 9 km by skipping Oudewater and the small rivers Lange Linschoten and Hollandsche IJssel.

The Oostelijke Vechtplassen nature reserve, covering 7,000 hectares, offers a peaceful ride through a low-lying fen and lake district shaped by centuries of peat extraction. This wetland area, east of the River Utrechtse Vecht, is a birdwatcher's paradise and home to the renowned Loosdrechtse Plassen water sports hub.

Begin your journey along the southern edge of the reserve, passing several forts of the New Dutch Waterline. As you cycle along the River Vecht, you'll be treated to views of elegant country houses. If you're in the mood for some exploration, stop by picturesque villages like Maarssen, Breukelen, Loenen aan de Vecht, and Vreeland.

Continue weaving between the lakes, spotting wildlife as you go, before reaching Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. Here, the scenery shifts to fields of heather (breathtaking in August) and panoramic views. The wetlands at Tienhoven and Molenpolder showcase a rare floating bog habitat, a unique sight in this peaceful area. As you finish, the tranquil peat meadows around Westbroek and Groenekan provide a serene backdrop.

For a shorter route, skip Vreeland and the Tienhoven wetlands, cycling directly to Groenekan to save 8 km.

Today’s ride takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes east of Utrecht. Follow the Kromme Rijn and Langbroekerwetering canal as you cycle towards Wijk bij Duurstede. Along the way, you’ll pass a delightful mix of meadows, orchards, castles, and grand country houses. You’ll also experience the peaceful woodlands that line the edge of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park.

Wijk bij Duurstede, once the bustling trade centre of Dorestad in the 7th to 9th centuries, is rich in history. Take time to explore the ruins of Duurstede Castle and wander around the serene Castle Park. St. John the Baptist Church, a Gothic national monument with an unfinished tower, is also worth a visit.

On your return to Utrecht, soak in the natural beauty of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug as you cycle towards the town of Doorn. Before finishing, don’t miss the impressive Slot Zeist, a grand castle surrounded by an elegant English landscape park.

For those looking for a longer ride, extend your route by 8 km to follow the ancient Roman frontier along the Lower Rhine. The picturesque village of Amerongen and the stunning Amerongen Castle are worth the extra effort!

After one final, satisfying buffet breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to bid farewell to your cycling adventure. As your holiday comes to an end, you’ll head home with wonderful memories of the scenic routes, historical towns, and unforgettable experiences you've had along the way.