Discover the center of Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the nicest cities in the Netherlands. The authentic atmosphere has a village feel, but can be overwhelming at the same time. A pleasant center with canals where you can enjoy a nice meal, the imposing Dom Tower and the Hoog Catharijne station and shopping center are the main attractions, but anyone who crosses Utrecht by bicycle also sees completely different things!

From this point it is just over 7 kilometers to Nieuw Amelisweerd, the first point of interest of the cycling tour. The castle is first mentioned in 1350 and, just like Oud-Amelisweerd, this house was also heavily damaged in 1672. The medieval house was demolished in 1682 and the current country house was built in the same year. 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.

Continue cycling quickly, because the Central 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 (Central 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 known many destinations, from private residence to retirement home to catering company.

Stellingmolen Rijn en Zon was built in 1912 and its function was to grind grain. The mill was equipped with self-coiling and that almost killed him in 1949. When a storm came up, the millers couldn't get the mill under control, so the mill ran wild and only came to a stop when almost all the valves had blown away. Restoration work only took place in 1977, after the municipality had bought the mill.

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

You then pass the former knight's court town of Oudaen near Breukelen. The property, surrounded by a moat, was built around 1300. It stands opposite the place where the Aa originally originated from the Vecht.
The Kortrijkse Molen is a polder mill that drains the polder Kortrijk and Gieltjesdorp. Initially, the seesaw mill operated on wind power, later a paddle wheel was installed. In 2015, the mill is still occasionally put into operation on a voluntary basis.

Castle De Haar used to be known as Het Huys te Haer. The rudiments of this castle were probably built in the twelfth century. As can be expected, the castle has suffered a lot from wars and battles. From 1892, the castle was rebuilt on the remains of the old fortress. The castle overlooks a beautiful expanse of English landscaped parkland and there is always something to do. You can be guided by a guide or visit one of the many other events organized in the castle, such as concerts, fairs, children's activities or theater performances.

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