From forest walks to a canoe trip Cothen – Langbroek: discover nature from your holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug!

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a region that guarantees endless hiking adventures! Around Amerongen and Lage Vuursche you can head into the forest with your dog off-leash, while in many other places your four-legged friend is welcome on a lead. The ridge also borders the Kromme Rijn area, where you can pass by historic castles – on foot, by bike, or even by canoe. Looking for a botanical highlight? Rent a holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and visit the largest arboretum in the Netherlands!

Henschotermeer: the most beautiful recreational lake near your holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug

In the heart of the Woudenberg forests lies the Henschotermeer, a large lake completely surrounded by sandy beaches. On warm summer days this is the perfect place to swim. Thanks to its forest setting, there are plenty of shady spots under the pine trees. The beach itself is covered in fine white sand, making it not only ideal for sunbathing but also for beach games like volleyball.

Take a walk through the Den Treek nature reserve

Complete your day at the Henschotermeer with a 2-kilometer walk around the lake, or set out on a longer hike through the Den Treek-Henschoten nature reserve. Here you will encounter small lakes, a bird pond, ancient woodland, and heathland. For a route through primeval forest and wet meadows, head to the Waterlooweg car park in Leusden. From the Treekerweg car park you can follow another trail leading to the stately white manor house Huize Den Treek – a hidden gem of the area.

Kwintelooijen and the Plantage Willem III estate

Once a sand quarry, Kwintelooijen has now been reclaimed by nature. The area is known for its surprising height differences and panoramic views over the Gelderse Vallei. Choose between short hikes of 1.5 to 3 kilometers or extend your walk to include the unique Plantage Willem III estate. This rolling open landscape with shrubs and meadows bursts into color with yellow broom in late spring. You may also encounter Galloway cattle, rabbits, or fallow deer along the way. For direct access, use the estate’s car park on the road between Elst and Rhenen.

Explore castles from your holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug

If you want to combine nature with history, take a cycling tour past the castles between Amerongen and Leersum. Amerongen Castle features a small yet charming French-style garden with an orchard, bridges, and a tree gallery. From here you can admire the tower of St. Andries Church, and the castle shop terrace offers a lovely view over the rose garden.

A little deeper in the forest you will find Zuylestein Castle. Although the original building was destroyed in World War II and never rebuilt in its original form, you can now experience it virtually. With the History5D app you can see a realistic digital reconstruction, and since the summer of 2025 an audio tour is also available on your smartphone.

Cycle along the Lekdijk and finish at Mas Montagne forest restaurant

The third castle on the route is Broekhuizen Castle, a classicist palace in the Leersum forests. Surrounded by a romantic park with winding paths and a large pond, it’s a perfect stop. Complete your cycle tour by riding back via Wijk bij Duurstede along the Lekdijk. This scenic dike route offers sweeping views: the river on one side, meadows and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug on the other. As you approach Amerongen, you can spot its castle from the river dike. End the day at the idyllic Mas Montagne, a forest estate with a cozy conservatory and outdoor terrace on the Amerongse Berg.

Canoeing on the Langbroekerwetering

At the southern foot of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug stretches the Langbroekerwetering, an area of meadows and historic castles. Take a canoe trip here and enjoy the peaceful landscape of hedgerows, pollard willows, and grazing lands. Paddle under low-hanging oak branches and spot castles along the water, such as Sterkenburg Castle hidden among the trees. When you reach Cothen and enter the Kromme Rijn, you pass by the Rhijnestein estate.

Visit the National Arboretum Gimborn in Doorn

When staying in a holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, a visit to the National Arboretum Gimborn in Doorn is a must. This tree museum boasts over 3,000 species of trees and shrubs across 29 hectares, making it the largest arboretum in the Netherlands. Follow the red walking trail to explore the park or branch off into the forest toward Moersbergen Castle. With its short walking routes, playground, and educational Treehouse animation, the arboretum is also a great destination for families with children.

Rent a holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a wonderful year-round destination! In summer, canoe the Langbroekerwetering and the Kromme Rijn. In autumn, enjoy a colorful spectacle at the tree museum in Doorn. Combine castle visits with a cycling trip along the Lekdijk, a winding route with panoramic views over farmland, villages, and the forested ridge in the distance. And on warm days, cool off at the Henschotermeer, the region’s most beautiful forest lake. Rent a holiday home on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and experience the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation in the Netherlands!