Cycling route Can't see the forest for the trees 60 km

Baarn, Hilversum, Blaricum

In the Gooi you will find a surprising number of large forest areas where you can cycle around wonderfully. It feels like you are leaving everything behind when you cycle through the vast forests of, for example, Lage Vuursche. The dense canopy of centuries-old oaks and beeches filters the sunlight. The peace is almost tangible, only interrupted by the rustling of a squirrel or the soft twittering of birds. In Baarn, a special stop-off awaits: the tree centre. More than 100,000 trees of 750 different species are grown here. A short walk through the Groene Paviljoen, right in the centre, is an experience in itself. It is almost as if you are walking through a living encyclopaedia of trees, from very young specimens to mighty, mature species.

The beauty of this cycle route is that you not only cycle through nature, but also past places full of history and culture. Hilversum, the city where media and history go hand in hand, offers a perfect stopover. On the edge of the Media Park is the colourful Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision. This building is a real treat for anyone who is even a little bit into media. You can get lost in archives full of old television fragments or even step into the shoes of a newsreader.

What makes this route so special is the perfect mix of nature, relaxation and a touch of culture. One moment you cycle through peaceful, green forests and the next you cycle through the water-rich area of the Ankeveenseplassen. Add a few fun stops to your route to make your day out complete.