Next to Koetshuis Beerschoten, Jits Bakker’s sculpture park displays 31 of his sculptures. Admission is free, and the park is wheelchair accessible. Check access information before you arrive. This is a great way to begin exploring De Bilt with art in the open air, before turning your attention to avenues, country estates, and wetlands.
Trails through avenues and wetlands
Landgoed Beerschoten combines winding ponds and a meandering stream with meadows, groups of trees, and old avenues. This landscape makes the estate an appealing place to go walking. Four marked routes offer different distances: 3, 4, 5, and 12 kilometres. The starting point of the Beerschoten walking route is accessible on foot, by bicycle, bus, or car. Bicycle parking and charging stations for electric vehicles are available on site. As travel and parking options can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.
De Leyen and Beukenburg have a different character, where farmland meets woodland. Trails pass old coppice plots and wind through a parkland forest with monumental beech avenues. The municipality of De Bilt is also part of the Stichtse Lustwarande, a series of country houses and estates along the southwestern side of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
The Westbroekse Zodden is a 267-hectare area within the Vechtstreek. The area is accessible on paths and trails from sunrise to sunset. The Bert Bospad, a route suitable for walking in wellington boots, runs through the Zodden. It starts at a car park opposite Kerkdijk 85 in Westbroek. Information boards along the way explain the area’s history, management, and inhabitants. The wetland walk can therefore also offer insights into the development and use of this landscape.
Churches, forts, and architectural history
The churches in the local districts offer glimpses into different centuries. Westbroek has a Reformed church dating from 1467, with medieval wall paintings. The Dutch Reformed church on Dorpsweg in Maartensdijk dates from the 15th or 16th century. In De Bilt, the Dorpskerk was built in 1652; it is the oldest church in the town and a Rijksmonument. Bilthoven adds to this picture with Huize Gaudeamus, a Rijksmonument built in 1924 in the Amsterdam School style.
Fortifications are also part of the region’s history. Fort Voordorp is part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. It was built between 1867 and 1871 to protect Utrecht and the Utrecht–Amersfoort railway line. Fort Ruigenhoek combines the history of the fort with the surrounding nature on group outings. Check before visiting whether a suitable outing date is available.
Gardens, a mill, and local produce
At Landgoed Eyckenstein, trails pass through woodland and farmland and along vistas, as the cultural landscape gradually gives way to a natural one. Products from the organic kitchen garden are also sold on the estate. The seasonal selection may vary.
Landgoed Vollenhoven welcomes walkers with a walking map. Check the current walking rules and the map’s availability in advance. The historic kitchen garden sustainably grows vegetables, edible flowers, fruit, and herbs. Other products from the estate include forgotten vegetable varieties, honey, and apple juice; this selection may also change seasonally.
In Groenekan, Molen Geesina is a grain mill on Ruigenhoeksedijk. Guided tours are available during opening hours, and flour is sold in the mill shop. Visiting hours may change, so check in advance. Together, the trails, historic buildings, and local produce reveal different sides of De Bilt—from quiet scenic routes to places where architectural history and everyday culture come to life.
Discover more destinations: De Bilt, Bilthoven, Westbroek, Groenekan, Wijk Bij Duurstede, Utrecht, Loenen, Zeist.
Back to the main travel overview: Utrecht.
