Leersum lies on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. If you are weighing up nature, trails and culture for a trip, you will find a variety of attractions: the Leersumse Veld combines heathland and wetlands with opportunities for nature watching, while hiking trails and historic sites are also highlights.

Landscape and nature watching

The Leersumse Veld tells the story of its landscape in a clear sequence. The area developed into a landscape of drifting sand and heathland; peat formed in wet areas. Around the 18th century, peat was extracted for fuel. This created the Leersumse Plassen. The lakes and heathland thus point to different chapters in the history of the same landscape.

Dragonflies and birds can be observed at the lakes. There is an observation hut by the third lake for this purpose. It provides a fixed vantage point from which to watch wildlife. For travellers who want to include nature watching in their plans, this offers a different focus from hiking through forest and heathland.

Hiking trails and orientation

The trails vary in the landscapes they pass through. The Breeveen hiking route passes through a varied forest of Scots pines, English oaks and rowan trees before reaching an open heathland. The Leersumse Veld hiking route runs through the Boswachterij Leersum forest on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The Leersumse Veld also has a three-kilometre route called “Natuur zonder Drempels” (Nature Without Barriers), which has been open since June 2019.

There is a hiking route in the Boswachterij Leersum that is also suitable for people with physical disabilities. This suitability applies to this route; it should not be assumed to apply to all trails. If you are planning to visit Breeveen, you can use cycle junctions 70 and 71 and the Donderberg bus stop for orientation: Breeveen is connected to Leersum via these points.

Landgoed Zuylestein offers four hiking routes and an audio tour as part of its visitor experience. This means that, in addition to the trails described in the Leersumse Veld and the Boswachterij, visitors can choose routes and an audio experience on the estate. Leersum lies on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, so hiking trails and nature are defining features of the destination.

History and culture

Landgoed Zuylestein is a historic estate on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, with a history dating back to the 14th century. The 17th-century landscape layout has been largely preserved. The historic ensemble includes a gatehouse, an orangery and a walled kitchen garden that is one kilometre long. These details show that the estate is characterised not only by its history but also by the layout of its grounds.

The Tijdlijn van Leersum (Leersum Timeline) is dedicated to the history of the town. Once or twice a year, it presents a different topic from Leersum’s history. Another notable structure is the Tombe van Nellesteijn: this 14-metre-high observation tower in the Neoclassical style stands on the 36-metre-high Donderberg in Leersum.

The Bloemencorso Leersum also offers a glimpse into a community tradition. The floats are built in and around Leersum, and anyone who wishes can help build one. Parc Broekhuizen in Leersum offers a distinctive Michelin experience. The cultural and culinary scene therefore ranges from local history and architecture to community creativity and a special dining experience.

Visitor information and places to eat

The Veldschuur at the Leersumse Veld is generally open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm, offering information about the area as well as coffee or tea. Due to limited staffing, the information centre may be closed. If you are planning a specific visit to the Veldschuur, check whether it is open beforehand.

The Landgoedwinkel at Zuylestein sells estate products and serves coffee with something sweet. There is also a tea room and a terrace overlooking the pond. To choose the focus of your trip, compare nature watching at the lakes, the different hiking trails and the cultural attractions. This makes it easy to choose the aspects of Leersum that matter most to your trip.

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