On the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, along the old road between Utrecht and Arnhem, you will find up to 100 different country estates. This ribbon of estates is called the Stichtse Lustwarande. Stichts means Utrechts and a warande is another word for walking park. More than a third of these estates still exist. You often cannot visit them, but by walking you still get a very good impression of the past. Marvel at the beauty and quantity of the country estates.
Extensive walking network
On the east side of the province of Utrecht, between Driebergen-Zeist and Rhenen, lies the Stichtse Lustwarande walking network. This network has 61 beautiful walking routes, ranging from 1 to 13 km. These routes lead you over unpaved paths, through forests, heathlands, along estates, and through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. You can recognize the routes by the wooden posts with a slanted top. Each route has its own color.
Utrecht castles and estates
Nearly 25 castles and estates adorn the Utrecht region. Including, for example, Groeneveld Castle in Baarn with its changing exhibitions and beautiful park garden. You will also find Slot Zeist there, which was once the pleasure ground of Willem Adriaan, Count of Nassau-Odijk and grandson of Prince Maurits. Nowadays, it's a stronghold of art and culture. Visit one of the exhibitions or take a guided tour by an expert guide who tells you everything about the past of this special place. Which castle will you visit?
Stay Overnight Like a Prince or Princess
In many of the castles or country estates, you can stay overnight and enjoy delicious meals. For a truly royal getaway. Who wouldn't want to stay overnight in Kasteel de Hooge Vuursche in Baarn or hotel Landgoed Zonheuvel in Doorn?
Home for plants and animals
The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is one of the largest forested areas in the Netherlands. Thanks to well-thought-out nature management, you will find a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and plants here. Something from which various animal species benefit. The hills and floodplains also contribute to this. Roe deer, foxes, badgers, and even pine martens love the forested area. Silver-studded blue butterflies, white-faced darters, grass snakes, and toads prefer the heathlands and fens. And what about birds? More than 100 bird species choose the Heuvelrug during the breeding season. Want to know which ones? Don't forget your binoculars.