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 cozy center with canals where you can enjoy a nice meal, the impressive Dom Tower and the Hoog Catharijne station and shopping center are the biggest attractions, but anyone who crosses Utrecht by bike will also see completely different things!

From this point it is just over 7 kilometers to Nieuw Amelisweerd, the first sight of the cycle tour. The castle was first mentioned in 1350 and, like Oud-Amelisweerd, this house was also severely damaged in 1672. In 1682 the medieval house was demolished 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.

Cycle on quickly, because the Centraal Museum and Museum Catharijneconvent are next on the programme. Visit one or both museums to view the largest collection of Rietveld objects in the world and a collection of current 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 had many uses, from private residences to retirement homes to catering establishments.

Stellingmolen Rijn en Zon was built in 1912 and its function was to grind grain. The mill was equipped with self-yielding, which almost killed it in 1949. During an approaching storm, the millers were unable to get the mill under control, causing the mill to run wild and only come to a standstill when almost all the valves had been blown away. Restoration work only took place in 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.
When you arrive at Maarssen you will find a former castle. In 1379 a house is already mentioned called'Snaafburg\\\'. Over the centuries it has had changing owners, who renovated and expanded the house. In 1596, a side wing was added to the residential tower.

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

De Haar Castle was previously known as Het Huys te Haer. The rudiments of this castle were probably built in the twelfth century. As you would expect, the castle has suffered a lot from wars and battles. From 1892 onwards, the castle was 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 be shown around 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.

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