Historic Utrecht

On the Oudegracht you drive past Stadskasteel Oudaen. This fortified building was built by a patrician family at the end of the thirteenth century, a period in which Utrecht flourished and more of these city castles were built. Oudaen is one of the city's most important monuments: it has best preserved its medieval appearance.

A little further on you pass Rijn en Zon, a flour mill from 1913. When it was built, it was still in a rural area. It was built as a replacement for the Rijn en Son dating from 1775, a mill that was demolished in 1912. Dozens of windmills once stood in Utrecht, Rijn en Zon is one of the two remaining examples. You will come across the other, Molen de Ster, towards the end of your route on the Leidsche Rijn. The mill originally dates from 1722, but in 1911 only the sawmill was left. The newly built mill was completed in 1998. Molen de Ster is located on the only completely preserved sawmill yard in the Netherlands.

In Maarssen you cycle past the beautiful knight's court town of Bolenstein. The royal city originally dates from the fourteenth century, but has undergone a number of makeovers over the centuries. Back in Utrecht you will pass the Maximapark. In 2014, this special park was declared the most popular park in the Netherlands. It is an oasis of peace and activities. Romans once lived here in their castellum, or army camp. The intention is therefore to have a Castellumpark arise in the park, a theme park around archaeology, nature, the environment and culture.