Cycling and hiking in Utrecht

Utrecht is much more than just the city of Utrecht. Throughout the province there is plenty to do and you can get out and about! The main nature reserve is the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where you really feel like you’re in a completely different environment. There is plenty of space for extensive cycling and walking. We are happy to give you tips!

Walking in Utrecht

Whether you choose a city walk or a walk in nature, Utrecht has it all to offer. We’ll dwell on both options, so there’s bound to be something fun for you in between!

City walks in Utrecht

The Utrecht city of Vianen has a lot of history to tell. And what better way to experience that history than on foot! That’s why the Vianen City Walk is highly recommended. It’s only 3 km, so it’s also good to do with children. A very nice route is the Rondje Haarzuilens. During this walk of 6.6 km you pass the most beautiful and largest castle in the Netherlands; Kasteel De Haar! It is definitely worth a visit to this castle as well (make reservations first!). Also fun is an (organized) walk through dark Utrecht. The guide will show you the most beautiful illuminated works of art! Another fun route is the route in the city of Utrecht that shows you all the secret courtyards and rooms.

Nature walks in Utrecht

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is of course the nature area of Utrecht! A nice walk through this area is this walk of 17 km. This route is very varied! Another nice walking route is De Groene Route, a walk through the Green Heart, between Harmelen and Woerden. This walk is 11 km long and goes through polder land and meadows. A walk along the Dutch Waterline is also highly recommended! This route is 16 km long, so it will take you a while. The Klompenroute Daatselaarsepad of 14 km is also very nice to do. You then walk through agricultural areas, of course. Another nice wooden shoe path is the Klompenpad Lint- en Liniepad of 9.7 km. You also come across very cool places during this hike, so highly recommended!

Cycling in Utrecht

Also when you go cycling, you can choose to cycle through urban or rather natural areas.

Cycling through urban Utrecht

A fun urban cycling route to do is De Stijl between Utrecht and Amersfoort. The starting point is at Slot Zuylen and takes you through downtown Utrecht via Bunnik and Zeist to Amersfoort. You go in search of Rietveld and Mondriaan. A beautiful varied bicycle route that alternates urban and rural areas is the route to Utrecht from the Loosdrechtse Plassen. A route along the forts around Utrecht is the Fortenroute of 23 km. A real city bike ride through Utrecht is the Grachtenroute of 10 km. Another nice city route in Utrecht is the Route Grand Départ. This 15 km route passes the Dom Tower, the Science Park and the Maliebaan, among others. Also fun to bike is the 30 km route around the former Soesterberg Air Base.

Cycling through countryside and nature

A beautiful, long bicycle route along the waterworks of Utrecht is the Route of Jan Blanken. This route is 75 km long and takes you along the Waterlinie, forts, polders and historic fortified towns. The Ronde Venenroute of 39 km is a beautiful bicycle route through the meadow peat area in Utrecht. In the surroundings of Veenendaal there is sometimes a lot of climbing to do. This route is no exception but the surroundings make up for that. Fortunately, the route is not very long, just over 32 km. Are you a cheese lover? Then the Farmers’ Cheese Cycle Route Pape-Copen is really nice. This 29 km route starts at Woerden’s Cheese Warehouse and returns to Woerden via Papekop, Oudewater and Driebruggen. Fond of castles? Then the Kastelen Fietsroute Groene Hart of 64 km is really something for you.

Are you curious about more great routes for biking and hiking in the Netherlands? Then take a look here.