Route Slot Zuylen

You start the route at Hotel Flora Batava. In Breukelen you cross the Vecht and just after the bridge you will see Ridderhofstad Gunterstein. You go towards Breukelen and then you will see a kind of castle on the corner. This is Ridderhofstad Gunterstein. The castle was built in 1680 on the ruins of a medieval castle from 1300 that was demolished in 1511 to use the stones elsewhere. At the same time as the construction, a park was created, which was partly changed into an English landscape park in the 19th century. Then you cycle past Oudaen Castle. Oudaen is located on a moated island. The complex makes a very original impression, because the medieval layout is virtually unchanged. You cycle along the Vecht and see the country estate of Slangevegt on the other side of the Vecht. Slangevegt was built at the beginning of the 18th century and owes its name to its location, namely the winding river that glides like a snake through the landscape. Slangevegt now serves as a restaurant. If you continue with the route you will pass the beautiful country estate of Vechtoever. Then you approach Buitenplaats Goudestein. Goudestein Country Estate is one of the first country estates built along the Vecht. Construction of the country house started in 1754. In 1955 the house was thoroughly renovated. If you continue cycling you will pass Buitenplaats Doornburgh. Doornburgh is a country estate from the 17th century. There is a beautiful park surrounding the country house. Part of this country estate is a former monastery where exhibitions now take place. Then you cycle to Slot Zuylen. Zuylen Castle is one of the oldest castles on the Vecht. The castle was built in 1510. The castle has a rich family history with influential residents, in which strong women play a prominent role, such as writer Belle van Zuylen. The current function of the castle is now a museum. Here the public is introduced to the residential culture and daily life of the Utrecht nobility. Then you cycle back towards Nieuwersluis and pass Nijenrode Castle. Nijenrode now serves as a university. Nyenrode was built in 1275 and now serves as a business university. The castle was demolished in 1481 and 1511, and rebuilt between 1632 and 1642. Finally you go through the village of Breukelen. You cycle down the route and you are back at Flora Batava. Hopefully you enjoyed your bike ride.