Discover the center of Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the most pleasant cities in the Netherlands. The authentic atmosphere is reminiscent of a village, but can be overwhelming at the same time. A pleasant centre with canals where you can enjoy a meal, the imposing Dom Tower and the station and shopping centre Hoog Catharijne are the biggest attractions, but if you cross Utrecht by bike, you will also see completely different things!

From this point it is just over 7 kilometres to Nieuw Amelisweerd, the first attraction of the cycle tour. The castle was first mentioned in 1350 and just like Oud-Amelisweerd this house was also badly damaged in 1672. In 1682 the medieval house was demolished and in the same year the current country house was built. In 1971 a group of squatters moved into the country house and on their initiative the house was restored in 1984. Today the house has 17 apartments.

Cycle on quickly, because the Centraal Museum and Museum Catharijneconvent are next on the program. Visit one or both museums to view the largest collection of Rietveld objects in the world and a collection of contemporary art, fashion and design (Centraal Museum), or learn more about the history of Christianity in the Netherlands (Museum Catharijneconvent).

Stadskasteel Oudaen is a fortified medieval house on the canal of Utrecht. It was built around 1276 and has had many purposes, from private residence to retirement home to catering business.

Stellingmolen Rijn en Zon was built in 1912 and its function was to grind grain. The mill was equipped with self-swinging and that was almost fatal for it in 1949. During an approaching storm the millers could not get the mill under control, causing the mill to run wild and only came to a standstill when almost all the valves had blown away. Restoration work was not carried out until 1977, after the municipality had bought the mill.

At the bottom of the mill, flour that has been ground in the mill itself is still sold.
Arriving at Maarssen, there is a former castle. In 1379, a house called'Snaafburg\\\' is already mentioned. Over the centuries, it has had changing owners, who rebuilt and expanded the house. In 1596, a side wing was added to the residential tower.

Then you pass the former knight's manor Oudaen near Breukelen. The building, surrounded by a moat, was built around 1300. It stands opposite the place where the Aa originally flowed from the Vecht.
The Kortrijkse Molen is a polder mill that drains the polder of Kortrijk and Gieltjesdorp. Initially, the hollow post mill did this on wind power, later a scoop wheel was installed. In 2015, the mill is still occasionally put into operation on a voluntary basis.

De Haar Castle used to be known as Het Huys te Haer. The first foundations of this castle were probably built in the twelfth century. As expected, the castle suffered greatly from wars and battles. Since 1892, the castle has been rebuilt on the remains of the old fortress. The castle overlooks a beautiful, extensive English landscape park and there is always something to do. You can take a guided tour or visit one of the many other events that are organised in the castle, such as concerts, fairs, children's activities or theatre performances.

Heemsteede II Castle is an imposing house that was built in 1645. The style was Dutch Classicist, recognizable by the combination of modern materials for that time and shapes from classical antiquity. In 2015, the building is used as an office and there is a restaurant in it.