Mountain biking on the Utrecht Heuvelrug

For CyclingDestination, Manon has the opportunity to discover the MTB route on the Utrecht Hills. In collaboration with the hotel Kontakt der Kontinenten, we immersed ourselves for two days in all the beauty of the Utrecht Hills. Hotel Kontakt of the Kontinents It is the starting point, just outside Soesterberg. It is a unique location; you can already feel it upon arrival. Next to the hotel, the former Mission House Sint Jan and the Cloister Cenakel are also located on the grounds. The original residents of these buildings were missionaries and nuns. This is a very good starting point for mountain biking on the Utrecht Hills.

Text and photos: Manon Bouwman-Hiddink

Mountainbike arrangement in the Utrecht Hills

We have booked the mountain bike package. On the day of arrival we were warmly welcomed at the hotel reception. After exchanging some information, it’s time to check out the hotel room. The room is very spacious, light and luxuriously decorated. It truly is a sight to behold.

Getting ready to go

Then it's time to explore the surroundings. We get dressed and get ready to go. In the arrangement we also have rented mountain bikes from TCS from Soesterberg. Those are already ready to go in the secure bike storage at the hotel. Even if you come with your own bike, you can safely store it. Within three kilometers from the hotel you can already ride your mountain bike on the first singletracks. For our route we choose the newest mountain bike route around Soest. The total length of the route is 23 kilometers. The route is very varied, it contains both technical elements and long forest paths. You meander beautifully through the greenery around Soest and Soesterberg. Keep in mind that you always have to You need an MTB vignette.

Even with the gravel bike on the Utrecht Heuvelrug

Because of the abundant greenery and the forest paths, this route can also be cycled on a gravel bike. This route is actually suitable for everyone. This MTB route is suitable for both beginners and more experienced cyclists. This is the MTB route that is located on the edge of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. After the Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is the largest forest area in the Netherlands. Along the route, you will encounter forest paths as well as the beautiful Soesterduinen. That again provides beautiful views.

Tired and relaxed

Once back at the hotel, it’s time to relax and have a relaxing shower. The arrangement includes a three-course dinner. The food is delicious and varied. The nice thing is that there’s something from every continent on the menu. The nod to the name of the hotel, Kontakt der Kontinenten, is also reflected in the menu. Nice details that you might not immediately expect. In any case, we head to the room with a full stomach and a satisfied feeling. The king-size bed looked attractive already upon entering.

Having a good time

After a wonderful night, it’s time to enjoy the extensive breakfast buffet. Here too, great attention has been paid to what is served. Many of the products are prepared fresh, from fried eggs and croissants to pancakes. During breakfast you also take a journey through the different continents. Perhaps that’s the idea, that you also make ‘contact’ in that way. Or Kontakt, old spelling.

The hotel and its history

The tour of the hotel is perhaps just as enjoyable as cycling in the area. Our guide can tell us a lot about the history of the building and the surrounding area. Until the year 1960, the building was used to train young men to become priest-missionaries. They were then sent to mission areas. In 1961, Kontakt der Kontinenten was founded as a study center for them. In the year 1999, the sisters left the monastery and this building was also added to Kontakt der Kontinenten. 

Time to go

After the tour, unfortunately it’s time to check out. Outside it’s windy again and because we’re just a stone’s throw from the National Military Museum, we head that way. The museum focuses on the significance of the Dutch military in the past, present and future, with special attention to the collections of the land and air forces. Around the museum you’ll also find Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg, with its associated airstrip. Very nice too Nice to cycle over it!

In conclusion

Are you looking for a beautiful cycling environment with plenty of activities nearby? Then we can definitely recommend this hotel and the area of Soesterberg. It is very accessible by car and public transport. Moreover, you are almost directly on the most beautiful cycling routes in the area, both for mountain biking and for gravel or race bikes.

Cycling route MTB course – Mountain biking on the Utrecht Hills