De Bilt can be explored through several themes: architectural and local history, art and landscape. In the town, the Dorpskerk and De Oude School are reminders of its history; on the edge of De Bilt, avenues, ponds, paths and sculptures define the Landgoed Beerschoten estate. Nearby, Biltse Duinen is a natural area in Bilthoven. So, for your stay, you can choose between local history, outdoor art and nature trails.
Architectural and Local History
The Dorpskerk was built in 1652 and is De Bilt’s oldest church. Its tower is popularly known as “de peperbus” (“the pepper pot”). De Oude School is also one of De Bilt’s oldest buildings. It stands on a plot that belonged to the former Vrouwenklooster. The history of Landgoed Beerschoten also leads back to the Vrouwenklooster: the estate was once part of it. At De Oude School, the historical connection concerns the plot; at Beerschoten, the estate’s former affiliation.
Another historical thread leads to the KNMI, which moved to the Koelenberg estate in De Bilt in 1897. The Online Museum De Bilt supplements these local connections with images and archive materials of local and regional significance. It provides an overview of the culture and history of the municipality of De Bilt and its six villages—from prehistory to the present day. This takes you from individual historic sites to a broader timeline of the municipality.
Art and Landscape at Landgoed Beerschoten
Landgoed Beerschoten is on the edge of De Bilt. The landscape is defined by old avenues, winding paths, fields, ponds and mature trees. The Jits Bakker Sculpture Park there features a large permanent collection of monumental sculptures in bronze, marble and granite by the internationally renowned artist Jits Bakker. The collection offers a different focus from the Dorpskerk and De Oude School: here, sculpture and materials sit alongside the historic parkland.
At Landgoed Beerschoten, a walk of about 4.5 kilometres passes through the old park woodland of Utrechts Landschap. If you want to compare different nature trails, there is a shorter route nearby: the small Biltse Duinen nature area lies in Bilthoven, between Bilthoven and Bosch en Duin. It has pine woodland, open drifting sand, heathland and old Scots pines. A red-marked walking trail is 1.5 kilometres long and starts at the end of Bosuillaan in Bilthoven.
The two walks differ clearly in length and landscape: about 4.5 kilometres through the park woodland at Beerschoten compared with 1.5 kilometres on the red-marked trail in Biltse Duinen. There are also two specific walking times for the Sandwijck walking route: it is a five-minute walk from the Kerklaan bus stop in De Bilt and an eight-minute walk from the KNMI stop in De Bilt. Walking times may vary depending on trail conditions.
Koetshuis Beerschoten provides information about nature and the surrounding area. Next to the visitor centre, there is an adventure playground for children—a separate amenity alongside the nature information.
An Event in September
The De Bilt Art Market takes place every year on the second Saturday in September in Van Boetzelaerpark. If the market is a reason for your trip, check the date for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Groenekan, Westbroek, Bilthoven
Go to the main travel overview: De Bilt.
