ECKTIV Suggestion: Cycling tour Utrecht from Vreeland

> Start and end point is junction 20 past the white bridge over the Vecht in Vreeland as seen from Hotel de Nederlanden. Parking is available in the streets surrounding the hotel. The Vecht is your partner during this return trip to Utrecht, where the river has its origins. The route has its turning point at the Cathedral in the heart of the city. If you don't want to go into the center, after Slot Zuylen you can drive towards Maarsseveense Plassen at junction 72 via junction 61 and back again. As befits the Vecht, it is chock full of country houses, beautiful gardens, but also castles along the way such as Nyenrode and Gunterstein near Breukelen. Be sure to stop in Breukelen itself with its pleasant square. You cycle on both sides of the Vecht, each with your own view of the green landscape and the prosperity of the 17th and 18th centuries. You largely share the route with car traffic, which can cause uncomfortable crowds on summer weekends. Spring/early summer and autumn are the best times to drive this route. Zuylen Castle is one of the oldest castles in our country. You can visit it and it is a nice place for lunch. Those who prefer to have lunch under the Dom in the center of the city will drive a little further and eventually take the same route back to junction 72. The route to the center of Utrecht and back is approximately 48km. Whoever returns to Slot Zuylen drives approximately 40 km. You can add an extra dimension to this cycling tour by sailing part of the way on the Vecht by bicycle boat. This sails from May 1 to early September between Nieuwersluis and Maarsen (both ways). For current sailing times, check the Fietsboot website: https://defietsboot.nl/ You will find catering establishments in Breukelen, Maarsen and at Oud Zuylen (all year round) and of course in the center of Utrecht. Our favorite terraces can be found at Buitenplaats Slangevegt and the Mijndense Sluis (drinks, snacks and boat watching from May - September)