Castles and culture on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug

Your cycle route starts at Hotel Kontakt der Kontinenten. Around Soest you can see beautiful mansions. Drakensteyn Castle is a knight's manor, this octagonal house was built in 1640. De Hooge Vuursche Castle was built in 1912 and was designed by architect Eduard Cuypers, known for the station in 's-Hertogenbosch. Groeneveld was built in 1710 as a country estate by the wealthy Marcus Mamuchet. The later owners also built Buitenzorg, located further away, in 1840. From 1948 to 1980, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard lived in Soestdijk Palace, which you will also cycle past. Fun fact: Princess Beatrix currently lives in Drakensteyn Castle in Lage Vuursche, which you will also pass by. Both belong to the municipality of Baarn. Baarn still has a great appeal, as evidenced by the many villas.