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Landscape
View of a Rich Past
In the largest forest of the Randstad, overlooking a landscape full of rivers, you can feel the presence of our country's rich past everywhere. Rarely do you find such a pleasant alternation between nature and culture. It is an ancient area with many estates, castles, and manors, each with its own story. Whether you are looking for a relaxing walk in nature, an adventurous mountain biking tour, or an exploration of Dutch history: in National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, it is all possible.
A mix of hills, valleys, and plains
The Heuvelrug is the largest forest area in the Netherlands after the Veluwe. The hills are a legacy from the penultimate ice age, more than 150,000 years ago. The ice pushed sand and stones into an elongated ridge, which runs from the Gooimeer near Huizen to the steep Grebbeberg near Rhenen. Water and wind further shaped the landscape into a mix of hills, valleys, and plains. This makes the Utrecht Hill Ridge a geologically remarkable and valuable area.
Hundreds of estates amidst nature
From the 17th century and especially from the 19th century, hundreds of estates were built, each with its own history and identity. They are located on wild heath and sandy fields, created in the early Middle Ages by clearing forests for agriculture and livestock. The spacious and cheap land was ideal for the sought-after country estates outside the city. In addition, the transition from low to high provided the perfect basis for the creation of accompanying romantic landscaped gardens. Close to the city, yet in the middle of nature, city dwellers could enjoy the peace, space, plants, and animals they did not find in the city during the summer months.
Zandgrond verandert in bos
De nieuwe bewoners van de grote stukken land legden tuinen en parken aan. Soms met complete bossen om in te wandelen en jagen. De bossen zorgden voor inkomsten door de verkoop van hout. In de 19e en 20e eeuw kwam de herbebossing op gang. Hieraan dankt het gebied het bosrijke uiterlijk. Tegenwoordig vind je er loof- en dennenbossen, maar ook adembenemende zandverstuivingen en uitgestrekte heidevelden. Wandel door de bossen en ontdek diersoorten als de ree, das, zandhagedis of zwarte specht. In de herfst vind je in de heuvels veel verschillende paddenstoelen.
Mountain bikers, brace yourselves!
The elevation differences and the variety of forest, heathland, and drifting sands make Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park a haven for mountain bikers. There are over 95 km of mountain bike trails, divided into nine different routes. You can often combine them! According to experts, four of these routes are among the Top 10 MTB routes in the Netherlands.
Note: If you are going mountain biking in Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park, you must have a valid mountain bike permit. This is mandatory. For more information, visit the national park's website.
Two exceptional MTB routes
The hamlet (and estate) Den Treek-Henschoten in the municipality of Leusden is such a typical piece of Utrechtse Heuvelrug that not everyone knows. In this area, covering no less than 2000 hectares, you will find two magnificent MTB routes.
Highlights
Hike over the Heuvelrug or discover the long ribbon of the Stichtse Lustwarande
Do you want to visit the park?
House of Bird Kwintelooijen
Oude Veensegrindweg 47 3911 TA Rhenen
Personal Story
Eelco Stienstra is the park manager of the RCN holiday park Grote Bos, located in the middle of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in Doorn. This holiday park covers 80 hectares and has both a commercial and a social role. For instance, the profits from the park go to good causes, and people who are distanced from the labor market work in the holiday park.
Want to know more about Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park?
Discover all the latest information on the park's website. From the activity calendar and hiking trails to contact information and more.