At Fort Jutphaas, water, greenery and history come together. The fort is set in green surroundings and features historic monuments. You can walk or run by the water; two bridges lead onto the fort. It is located in Nieuwegein and is part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2021.
Discover forts and waterways
Another glimpse into history awaits at Fort Vreeswijk. The present-day fort dates from 1855 and, together with the rampart, was an important part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. In the historic centre of Vreeswijk, you can stroll past old locks and ships. Here, the history of the waterline and traces of shipping come to life in different ways.
Museumwerf Vreeswijk offers another perspective on shipping: old inland vessels are restored, repaired and maintained there. Museumwerf also offers boat trips along the Vaartse Rijn, the Merwedekanaal and the Doorslag. If you would rather explore the waterways on foot or by bike, Nieuwegein also has routes along the Lek.
Art and architecture along the way
For architecture enthusiasts, “Jong Erfgoed” is a five-kilometre city walk showcasing Nieuwegein’s valuable post-1965 heritage. The route focuses on distinctive architecture from 1965 to 1990. “Sprekende Beelden” takes a different approach: this nine-kilometre cycling or walking route passes through Nieuwegein and by eleven works of art from the Buitenmuseum Nieuwegein collection. QR codes at each artwork link to stories about it.
The Street Art Route can also be explored on foot or by bike; it passes fourteen locations featuring murals. The Street Art cycling route is approximately ten kilometres long. These routes offer different ways to experience public art: a walk focused on architecture, a route featuring artworks with accompanying stories, and a tour past murals.
DE KOM adds to these discoveries as a city theatre and arts centre in Nieuwegein. You can enjoy productions and theatre performances there. The programme changes over time, so it is a good idea to check what is currently on offer before your visit.
Green spaces and nature and culture
Natuurkwartier is located in Park Oudegein and brings nature and culture together. Its exhibitions explore the history of the villages of Jutphaas and Vreeswijk and the medieval town of Gein. Topics and objects on display include prehistoric finds, photographs and art. A Kabouterpad (gnome trail) and a nature playground complete the offering.
The Oudegeinse Poldermolen, a type of drainage mill known as a wipmolen, is also located in Natuurkwartier. It is open to visitors every Wednesday and Sunday afternoon; visitors are also welcome at other times when the mill is running. Check visiting hours before you travel if you want to plan your visit around them.
Landgoed Oudegein offers a different view of the landscape: a Renaissance estate is set among straight avenues bordered by ditches, rectangular plots, orchards and meadows, as well as a landscaped park that is ideal for walks. Birds can be spotted along the avenues and waterways throughout the year. This lets you combine an interest in architectural history and art with time spent in a carefully designed landscape.
Practical information
Natuurkwartier is just under a ten-minute walk from the “Doorslag” light rail stop. Light rail services to the stop, heading towards IJsselstein, run frequently from Utrecht. As transport services can change, check the timetable before travelling.
For another active experience, Down Under offers instructor-led indoor bodyboarding for children aged eight and over. Sessions take place under the guidance of instructors; dates and availability may change. So check the latest options in advance. This makes it easy to tailor your visit to Nieuwegein to your interests—whether that’s fortress history, urban art, nature or an activity on the water.
Discover more destinations: Nieuwegein, Leusden, Zeist, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Bunnik, Soest, Vianen, Stichtse Vecht.
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