The 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 types of city castles were built. Oudaen is one of the most important monuments in the city: it has preserved its medieval appearance the best.

A little further on you will pass Rijn en Zon, a corn 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 from 1775, a mill that was demolished in 1912. There used to be dozens of mills in Utrecht, Rijn en Zon is one of the two remaining examples. The other, Molen de Ster, you will come across 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 knightly court Bolenstein. The court originally dates from the fourteenth century, but has undergone a number of makeovers over the centuries. Back in Utrecht you pass the Maximapark. In 2014 this special park was declared the most beloved 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 built in the park, a theme park about archaeology, nature, environment and culture.