At 6.2 kilometres, Geopath 126 – Maarsbergen Zuid offers a clearly defined walk. The area’s history, monuments and De Weistaar also provide other reasons to visit. Depending on your interests, you can explore Maarsbergen as a destination for outdoor activities, historic buildings and gardens, or local experiences.
Hiking on Geopath 126
Geopath 126 – Maarsbergen Zuid starts and ends at the Maarsbergen Kerk bus stop. The route is 6.2 kilometres long and follows the straight, partly paved Wijkerweg there and back. This makes the starting point, destination and route clearly defined. Check the trail conditions shortly before setting out, as they may change.
Park, church and local history
The Historic Country Estate of Maarsbergen comprises Huis Maarsbergen, with an arched bridge and parkland. The entire estate, including its buildings and green spaces, is designated a national monument (Rijksmonument). Much of the original geometric layout of the park belonging to Huis Maarsbergen has been preserved, including a monumental avenue with a long vista. The preserved layout and sightline give the estate a distinctive garden-history character.
Maarsbergen was first mentioned in 1134. In that connection, the knight Folkold van Berne received land here; the record also refers to the transfer of the estate to Norbertine monks. The Dorpskerk Maarsbergen also tells a more recent story: Geertruida du Bois commissioned its design and construction in 1881. In 1886, the pipe organ made by the Van Dam organ builders of Leeuwarden was installed. In addition to the usual Sunday service, the church is open every Wednesday morning. Check the opening arrangements before you travel.
Valkenheide and De Weistaar
The Valkenheide boarding school was opened by Queen Emma on 4 October 1912. The Valkenheide Museum offers a glimpse into more than a hundred years of youth care. Another historic structure is Valkenheide’s 30-metre-high water tower: it served as a water tower until 1992 and now stands as a monument to industry and technology. The museum is accessible only by stairs; there is no stairlift. Check this access information before your visit.
At De Weistaar, the museum shows how cheese and butter were made in the past; admission is free. A round of mini farm golf follows a 16-hole course with agricultural obstacles. Wherever possible, dishes are made with pure regional products. De Weistaar thus offers a museum experience, a game and regional cuisine to suit different interests.
Find a holiday rental for your stay
When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose according to your main interest: the Geopath walking route, the history of the monuments and church, or the activities at De Weistaar. For specific accommodation, check the location and amenities to see how well they suit your plans.
Discover more destinations: Doorn, Driebergen-Rijsenburg, Overberg, Driebergen, Maarn, Amerongen
Return to the main travel overview: Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
