Exploring near Zeist

Zeist is an ideal base for a varied day of cycling. This route takes you through the open landscape of the Kromme Rijn region and through the beautiful forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Rhijnauwen Castle
The landscape in the Kromme Rijn region consists of a beautiful mix of grasslands, groves and orchards. Wonderful to cycle through! You will pass some historical sights, such as the beautiful Rhijnauwen Castle. This building dates from the eighteenth century, although the castle's origins date back to the thirteenth century. On the Beerschoten estate you will see beautiful buildings and an English landscape park with meadows and old avenues.

Heidestein estate
Just past Beerschoten you drive onto the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. You will drive through the former Heidestein estate, among other things. Between the old coniferous forests there are still some of the heathlands that dominated the Utrechtse Heuvelrug more than a hundred years ago. Further on, the forest becomes more varied and you see old avenues lined with beech and American oak. How wonderfully peaceful it is here!

Fort Rijnauwen
With 32 hectares, Fort Rijnauwen is the largest fortress in the New Dutch Waterline. It was built between 1867 and 1869. Nowadays the fort is owned by Staatsbosbeheer. It no longer houses soldiers, but animals such as badgers, martens and a hawk. There is also a wide variety of plants to see, such as orchids. Guided tours are given on fixed days and times from April 1 to September 30.