Dutch Waterscapes

Picturesque parks and canals, historic buildings and many interesting museums await you in Utrecht. In the vibrant city centre, numerous restaurants and bars invite you to linger.

You start your cycle tour in a southerly direction. Through the picturesque Betuwe region you reach Leerdam. The tasty cheese is known far beyond its borders. Practically around the corner is Fort Asperen. The imposing tower fortress is a work of art in itself. As you continue, you pass Fort Vuren, Loevestein Castle and reach the fortified town of Woudrichem. The former city wall still surrounds the entire settlement. The stage destination is the fortified town of Gorinchem. Situated on the banks of the Linge, Merwede and Waal rivers, Gorinchem is a Dutch picture-book town.

Today you cycle through part of the Old Dutch Water Line, which saved Holland from the war against the Spanish and French about 350 years ago. You cycle through Nieuwpoort, one of the smaller fortified towns in the Netherlands, built around 1200. Then you proceed through Schoonhoven, known for its nickname: The Silver City. The next stop is picturesque Oudewater with the well-known witch’s scales, which attacts visitors from all over the world. The tour ends in historic Woerden, known for the cheese market on Saturday mornings (Apr-Aug). Walk amongst the old fortress walls and enjoy the canals and taste the local products.

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, you get back on your bike for a fabulous tour. The route takes you along the old Roman border and past Fort Wierickerschans and Bodegraven. You cycle through a typical Dutch landscape with flat pastures and grazing cows, lake areas and white water. In Abcoude admire the Fort Abcoude, one of the historic churches and discover Piet Mondriaan, who painted this pieces here for years.

Fort Nigtevecht is located in the midst of beautiful nature. Part of the old and new Dutch waterline is Fort Uitermeer. The fort dates back to the 16th century. Absolutely worthwhile is a visit to Muiderslot, which was built as early as 1285. Surrounded by gardens and water, it is one of the best-preserved castles in Holland. The fortified town of Naarden has an impressive double city wall with moat, city gates and bastions. Via Loenen aan de Vecht and Breukelen you finally reach Fort aan de Klop, a green oasis in the city of Utrecht. This also brings you to the starting point of your cycle tour. For the indefatigable, there is still a short tour to Fort de Gagel and Fort Ruigenhoek. The best way to end the evening is with a cool beer.