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 in the direction of Breukelen and then you 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 for something else. Simultaneously with the construction, a park was created, which was partly transformed into an English landscape park in the 19th century. You then cycle past Oudaen Castle. Oudaen is located on a moated island. The complex makes a very original impression, because the medieval construction is almost unchanged. You cycle along the Vecht and see the country estate 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 slides through the landscape like a snake. Slangevegt now serves as a restaurant. If you continue with the route you will pass the beautiful country estate Vechtoever. You then approach Buitenplaats Goudestein. Buitenplaats Goudestein is one of the first country estates to be built along the Vecht. In 1754 the construction of the country house was started. 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. A beautiful park surrounds the country house. Part of this country estate is a former monastery where exhibitions are now held. You then cycle on to Slot Zuylen. Slot Zuylen 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 the writer Belle van Zuylen. The current function of the castle is now a museum. Here the public becomes acquainted with the living culture and daily life of the Utrecht nobility. You then cycle back towards Nieuwersluis and pass Nijenrode Castle. Nijenrode now serves as a university. Nyenrode was built in 1275 and nowadays 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. Hope you enjoyed your bike ride.