Discovering Zeist

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

Castle Rhijnauwen
The landscape in the Kromme Rijnstreek 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 origins of the castle 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.

Estate Heidestein
Just past Beerschoten you drive onto the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. You drive over the former Heidestein estate, among other things. Between the old coniferous forests, there are still some of the heaths that dominated the Utrechtse Heuvelrug more than a hundred years ago. Further on, the forest becomes more varied and you can see old avenues lined with beech and American oak. How wonderfully quiet 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. Today the fort is in the hands of Staatsbosbeheer. It no longer houses soldiers, but animals such as badgers, martens and a hawk. There is also a wide variety of plants, such as orchids. Guided tours are given on fixed days and times from 1 April to 30 September.