Utrecht, Zeist, De Bilt

There are plenty of historic buildings to be found along this cycling route. You combine the lively city of Utrecht with beautiful forts and castles in green landscapes. All these forts near Utrecht were once built as part of the New Dutch Waterline. This waterline was an important line of defense in Dutch history. During the Eighty Years' War, the idea arose to stop the enemy by flooding polders, also called inundation.

The very first line was a complex system of all kinds of small dams, dikes, locks, intake points and supply canals. The land around this line could be flooded using this system. The large city of Utrecht was the only place outside this line, because it had already been captured by French troops. All vulnerable points in the defensive line were mainly reinforced by forts. When airplanes were first used in the war in 1940, this line lost its strength.

Besides all these forts, you’ll also pass several castles, including the impressive Castle Slot Zeist. Thanks to this castle, Zeist is also called ‘Slot City’. Zeist is a very green town full of wooded areas, which you’ll undoubtedly enjoy during this cycle route. It’s no wonder this area excels in history, nature and charm – a route that truly lives up to its name.

Hop on your bike, dive into history and don’t forget to grab a terrace on the way!