Forest trails wind through heathland and past castles and country estates—the Utrechtse Heuvelrug can be explored through its landscape as well as its history. In the municipality of Utrechtse Heuvelrug, you can explore forests and heathland on foot or by bike. Part of the municipality lies within Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Forest trails, heathland and two different routes
Maarn and Maarsbergen are situated in the forests of Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug and offer opportunities for walking and cycling. Near Doorn are the Kaapse Bossen, an extensive forest recreation area with woodland trails, historic church paths and stately beech avenues. A five-kilometre route there passes the Doornse kei, the historic stone table and the De Kaap observation tower. Check the trail markers and access conditions before setting out.
At Landgoed Zuylestein, two trails offer different discoveries: the audio trail is 3.5 kilometres long and takes about 50 minutes; along the way, it explores the history of the estate. The Godard-Bentinckroute is longer, at about 9.8 kilometres, and showcases the landscape’s cultural and natural values. The routes therefore differ in both length and focus.
The Leersumse Plassen are part of the landscape at Leersumse Veld. A herd of Piedmontese cattle grazes on the heathland. There is a birdwatching hide by the third body of water, and the area is also suitable for peaceful walks. Nature here is not just about open water, but also the interplay of heathland, pasture and places to watch wildlife. Conditions for wildlife watching vary with the seasons.
Water, walks and recreation areas
Henschotermeer is a recreation area in the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, with a sandy beach and opportunities for swimming. A paved footpath of almost 2,500 metres runs around the lake; marked walking and cycling routes pass through the surrounding area. By the water, there are beach games, play lawns and play mounds, as well as a wooden pirate ship play structure. Swimming, walking around the lake and exploring the surrounding trails are all ways to experience the area.
Doornse Gat is also a freely accessible recreation area. Lawns, a sand mound, play equipment and picnic spots define the setting. Check practical details before your visit. Compared with Henschotermeer, it offers a different focus: the lake, beach and circular path take centre stage there, while Doornse Gat’s open spaces and picnic spots offer another setting for outdoor recreation.
Country estates, gardens and history
At Landgoed Sterkenburg, historic garden design meets diverse natural surroundings. The garden and park have largely retained their layout and details and are designed in the landscape style. The estate’s natural area includes wet woodland, meadows and open water. Numerous large, partly monumental trees also shape its character.
Kasteel Amerongen links the history of the house to a momentous event in 1918: German Emperor Wilhelm II signed his abdication there. Guided tours explore the castle’s long history and showcase authentic interiors and art objects that have been carefully preserved for 350 years. The gardens can be visited independently of the castle; check access before your trip.
Huis Doorn is a museum in a former imperial residence in exile; its original interior furnishings have been preserved. The estate includes a 35-hectare park in the English landscape style. In summer, Huis Doorn offers the family treasure hunt “Het geheim van de Keizer” (“The Emperor’s Secret”). Check the dates of this seasonal activity in advance.
Smaller historic places also tell stories spanning long periods: the Maartenskerk in Doorn is considered the oldest church in the province of Utrecht. A wooden church or chapel already stood on the site around 885, and the tower was added around 1250. The Amerongs Historisch Museum is housed in a restored tobacco barn. In 2025, it shifted its focus from tobacco cultivation to a broader presentation of Amerongen’s history. Its coverage of tobacco cultivation includes original tools, historic photographs and interactive displays. At Heemtuin Leersum, also known as De Londotuin, native plants grow in the soil types suited to them. Guided tours are regularly offered for members and interested visitors; check opening hours before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Maarsbergen, Driebergen, Doorn, Overberg, Driebergen-Rijsenburg, Amerongen, Maarn and Renswoude.
Back to the main travel overview: Utrecht.
