Our explorers love traveling abroad. But they also have routes, hidden gems, and tips in their own backyard, which is called the Netherlands. Because what you experience as a ‘standard tour’ is a new discovery for someone else. Explorer Erwin from the Mountain High Chasers has been cycling on the Utrecht Heuvelrug and gives his favorite tips. Check out his cycling route over the Utrecht Heuvelrug and go on an adventure!
Text and photos Erwin // Mountain High Chasers
Backyard playground: cycling over the Utrecht Hills
Cycling in my ‘backyard’ offers variety. Numerous short climbs with the Amerongse Berg as the leader. Playing with the wind on the Lekdijk along the Nederrijn. Exploring the tranquility of the forest to eliminate that same wind. The farm area ‘above’ the Heuvelrug with numerous quiet roads. The same tranquility, decorated with fruit cultivation, but again ‘below’ the Heuvelrug. This cycling route takes you through all the highlights.
Defensive road: not to be missed
There are enough elements for a wonderful ride, but there are still two stretches I don’t want to miss, so I’m going anyway. The Defensieweg (!) is for me the most beautiful road here, a strip of asphalt without cars running straight through the forest, winding and undulating. Mmm-mmm. Absurdly, there’s much more asphalt to be found at Vliegbasis Soesterberg. Where you cycle over a former start-and-landing runway for jet fighters. The surprise on the faces of newcomers never wears off.
In and out
To tie all of this together in the most beautiful way possible, combined with a dislike of traffic lights, my favorite route is creative. In this route, I violate an aesthetic rule: I go back and forth along the same path. Take the route when it’s dry. Short stretches of gravel (very sturdy gravel, by the way), a small section of narrow bike path through the forest, and (surprise) a gravel trail won’t get you in trouble.
Tips for caffeine on the go
- Bergse Bossen (Driebergen)
- Soesterdal (Soesterberg)
- The region's bike magnet: The Proloog (Amerongen).
Read also:
- Cycling on the Heuvelrug: a classic from Bunnik
- Following in the footsteps of La Vuelta Holanda
- Cycling route around Veenendaal – Explorer Ride BikeBear!
Cycle route through the Utrecht Hills
The route can be cycled all year round, always beautiful and different. If I really have to choose, I choose spring, with the blossoms in the fruit trees. During the summer, the start and landing area is exclusively for the Veldleeuwerik and therefore closed to us cyclists. This has no impact on the route, because the crossing is always accessible. But why not take a quick trip across the track when it’s open!
Have fun!
You can also download the additional route over the hill ridge here:
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.