Around Soest

Soest is situated in a particularly varied landscape on the edge of the Heuvelrug: polder, forests, and river area. We cross Soest and head towards Baarn where we pass Groeneveld Castle. The house was built in the first half of the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful examples of a country house from that time. We continue the route to the edge of the forest of Pijnenburg. Then the route takes you along the Soesterduinen. These sand drifts were formed 10,000 years ago in the ice age. Via the old village of Soest we reach the Eempolder. A beautiful meadow area through which the river Eem meanders peacefully. You can hear the meadow birds until you are in the vicinity of Groeneveld Castle. Here we see a different, specific flora and fauna. The stately beech avenues in this wooded area are beautiful. Via the Lage Vuursche we go to Maartensdijk with the estates Eyckenstein and Roverestein. The grasslands here are lined with old oaks and beeches. The route now continues along the north side of Soest via the Lange Brinkweg back to the starting point. On the way we pass the famous Soestdijk Palace. When Princess Beatrix was inaugurated as queen in 1980, Soestdijk Palace was no longer a royal residence. Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard continued to live there until their death in 2004.