If you say the Netherlands and offroad in one sentence, you’re quickly talking about the Utrecht Heuvelrug. Here you’ll find beautiful gravel paths like the Let de Stigterpad and well-known MTB routes like Amerongen and Leersum. In addition, you’ll also find nice restaurants and beautiful nature. The perfect mix for a weekend of offroading in this region. We chose Landal GreenParks Amerongse Berg as a base of operations. This as part of our 12 months, 12 provinces, 12 parks trip in collaboration with Landal GreenParks.
Photos: Jorrit Pepping
MTB routes on the Utrecht Heuvelrug
It had been a while since we were in the Utrecht Hills, or in the cycling area also known as the UHR. As avid MTBers from the north of the country, we are somewhat less spoiled when it comes to routes. On Saturday, we are going on a trip with our three friends to ride the route from Amerongen. After a strong start climbing the hill from Amerongen (68m), you ride the route in about 10 minutes from the park. It is a 18km route with almost 400 meters of elevation gain. You have to climb it, but also down. And that is exactly what we are going for! The well-maintained flowtrails allow everyone to push their bike to the limit, or just enjoy a moment of relaxation. In the Marmottenbak and on Harry Slinger, you get a hint of bike park-like foreign trails.
Chatty outside
We are here in December, and in a quite wet period. Although we get a bit dirty, the trails are in very good condition. Aside from a few puddles here and there, due to the high altitude and the sandy ground, there is very little mud to be seen. However, this is not a problem, because once back in the park you can clean your bike at the bikewash. This is a simple garden hose with a hanging option, but with your own cleaning products you can make your bike shine again for the next day. After having taken good care of the bike, we also took a quick look at it: the house has a sauna. Absolutely wonderful to warm up in in the winter after a bike ride!
On Sunday, in addition to Amerongen, we will also try the route from Leersum and Kwintelooijen. On Leersum you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings, with long, winding singletracks alternating with wide climbs and beautiful views over the heath. We are really enjoying this, something you rarely see in the Netherlands! The route from Leersum is classified as ‘average’ on MTB routes, which makes it a bit easier than Amerongen. It’s a very flowy rollercoaster with lots of turns and turns, with less rugged roots than the other routes and therefore very suitable for beginners if you have less experience with more technically demanding trails or with the gravel bike.
On to Kwintelooijen
Along the route from Amerongen, we continue to Kwintelooijen. This route is completely different. Where the UHR routes are often known for their flow, here it’s less so. This route is rough, with steep climbs and descents, fewer curves, a gully descent, and drops over roots. If you want technical challenges, this is the route for you! As a finale, this is a tough route; the 150 meters of elevation in the 3.2km long singletrack are steep, so we all feel it in our legs. Up and down, you need technical skills to turn quickly and get over the roots. It’s really cool if you’re looking for more challenging routes! Despite it being only a short section, you can really push yourself here and have no moment of rest. This makes Kwintelooijen one of the toughest MTB routes in the Netherlands on almost un-Dutch trails.
Landal Amerongse Berg: The ideal base for off-road adventures on the UHR!
With the comfortable cottage, the bikewash, and the beautiful MTB trails nearby, this is a place we absolutely recommend for a weekend of the MTBen. Whether you want to prepare for foreign adventures or just want to relax in a wooded area, this is the place to be! Around the park you will also find the famous bike café ‘de Proloog’, restaurants to grab a bite to eat on the go, and supermarkets. Oh, and perhaps most importantly when you go cycling here: Don’t forget your vignette! This is mandatory to be allowed to cycle on the routes!
Routes Landal GreenParks 12 months – 12 parks
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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.