Discover Leusden’s history on a walk along the Asschatterkeerkade: the 2,500-metre section dates back to 1745. Along the way, you’ll pass concrete casemates, a war memorial, a reconstructed trench and a preserved anti-tank obstacle. At the same time, since the war the kade has developed into an ecological area. Bats and other mammals live there, along with up to 40 different bird species. Excursions along the Asschatterkeerkade are also organised, among others, by Leesbaar Landschap Leusden.
Country estates and trails through the countryside
Leusden is in the province of Utrecht, between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and the Gelderse Vallei. This landscape is also reflected at Landgoed Den Treek-Henschoten: almost 2,200 hectares of forests, nature areas, farmland and heathland. The estate is open to nature lovers and offers self-guided themed walks with an audio tour, GPS route and detailed route information. There are also separate blue and red mountain-bike trails, as well as an equestrian trail network of more than 60 kilometres.
There are walks with different route profiles. The 14-kilometre Termatenpad starts opposite Wachthuisje Post 43 at Leusbroekerweg 6. It can be reached via the Leusbroekerweg/De Mof bus stop. The 10-kilometre Grebbelinie walking route follows the Liniedijk from Leusden to Woudenberg. This gives you a choice of two signposted walking trails with different lengths and routes.
The Klompenpad circular walks also explore the cultural landscape around Leusden. They follow historic routes through farmland, along unpaved paths, across agricultural land and through country estates. The Schutpad runs through the park woodland surrounding the manor house at Landgoed De Boom. The estate covers more than 1,100 hectares and preserves a varied cultural landscape with hedgerows between Leusden, Woudenberg, Achterveld and De Glind. Another option is a 27-kilometre cycling tour that passes eleven memorial stones. They commemorate notable historic buildings in the municipality of Leusden that no longer exist.
Nature and history at Stoutenburg
Heerlijkheid Stoutenburg includes meadows lined with rows of trees, wet grasslands beside a stream and a park woodland rich in birdlife. The neighbouring Koetshuis serves as a visitor centre, and several routes start there. It also offers regional products and coffee. A walking route through the old castle woodland passes mostly through deciduous forest, with some conifers. A total of 66 bird species have been recorded in the area. The Stoute Schoenenpad at the estate is designed as an interactive learning and walking trail for families with young children.
The history of the country estates stretches back a long way, too: three different castles stood at Landgoed Stoutenburg over the centuries. The present-day Kasteel Klein Stoutenburg was built in 1888. For another perspective on the past, visit Museumbunker Leusden, a German bunker dating from 1944–1945 that was turned into a small museum at the end of 2014. It forms part of a larger open-air museum landscape featuring the Valleikanaal, reconstructed farms, firing ranges, a demolished bridge and a rebuilt trench.
In the area around Leusden, Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort keeps the memory of some 47,000 prisoners alive. The underground museum and reconstructed courtyard tell visitors the story of the site; the grounds preserve post-war memorials, traces in the landscape and original remains. Together, the region’s military history, trails through cultural landscapes and natural areas offer plenty to explore.
Discover more destinations: Leusden, Achterveld, Lopik, Baarn, Woudenberg, Veenendaal, Zeist, Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Back to the main travel overview: Utrecht.
