Tour of mills and fortresses around Utrecht

Get to know the many beautiful things that Utrecht has to offer: a historic city center, stately forests and vast polders. The unique fortress village of Blauwkapel is also on your route.

The Last of the Mohicans
Just like good wine, the old city center of Utrecht does not need a wreath. With its authentic atmosphere and many old buildings, it is always an experience to cycle here. You will see, among other things, Rijn en Zon, a flour mill that was built in 1913 in a rural area. There were once dozens of windmills in Utrecht, Rijn en Zon is one of the two surviving examples.

The polders of the Kromme Rijn
Outside Utrecht you drive over old dikes through the vast polders of the Kromme Rijn. You will be surprised how quiet it can be so close to Utrecht. From afar you can see the grain mill Rijn & Weert, dating from 1882, looming on the horizon. Just like the Utrechtse Heuvelrug that you cycle up a bit at Zeist. At the edge of the forest of the Beerschot estate, you can end this beautiful day in style with a meal and overnight stay at Van der Valk Hotel De Bilt - Utrecht.

Blue Chapel: from village to fortress
The route leads you past two forts from the New Dutch Waterline. In addition to Fort Voordorp, you will also pass Fort Blauwkapel, one of the largest forts in the waterline. The fort was built in 1821 around the village of Blauwkapel. It was not until the 1960s that Blauwkapel lost its military function, it is now a protected townscape. In the village, the fifteenth-century church Den Blauwen Capel is still in use. Would you like to discover more of this beautiful region? Then get on your bike to ride the routes 115155, 115158 and 115802. Or put on your walking shoes for route 318697.