Today is April 27. It is King's Day, Long live King Willem-Alexander. The current monarch of the Kingdom of the Netherlands lives at De Horsten estate in Wassenaar, but he grew up at Drakensteyn, near Lage Vuursche. In this region, anyway, there are several beautiful properties that are (or used to be) owned by our royal family. But there are more places to think of in the world, where you can spend a wonderful King's Day. Therefore, we have written down some (5) regal destinations for King's Day. With a wink, of course.
Lage Vuursche and Soestdijk
The place name sign of the village of Baarn says 'Regal Baarn' for a reason. Baarn borders Soestdijk and the Hoge and Lage Vuursche. Why the addition royal? Because our king and his brothers went to school at Baarnsch Lyceum. Soestdijk Palace is actually more in Baarn than Soestdijk. So is its proximity to Drakensteyn. A royal King's Day begins with this round Past the village of Lage Vuursche, where 'De Kneet' pancake house the Fire farmer once operated. Where you nod at the cemetery, to all the members of the royal family who have passed away and where you can catch a glimpse of Beatrix at Drakensteyn. Further on, at Soestdijk, you can have your picture taken with Bernhard and Juliana. Well, with the image of these two. The route itself is lovely through forests and on scenic roads. A gravel alternative is easily found. Nice and quiet, with no rug fair.
Kingston upon Thames
On the south-west side of London you'll find Kingston-upon-Thames. What's in a name. A former markettown which has been completely swallowed up by the big tentacles of the city of London. Why go here? I can tell you: at least six (6) or maybe seven (7) kings were crowned here. Edward the Elder was the first. The name also refers to 'The King's Estate'. Other fun fact about this little town? They are linked to Delft, where Stadholder William of Orange breathed his last. Do we all remember who the culprit was?
From Kingston, you can very easily get to the beautiful Surrey Hills. Leith Hill and other beautiful climbs are at your feet, so to speak. So a great route to try out. Insider tip: if you want to celebrate King's Day in London, head to The Bolton Pub & Tasting Room Rembrandt at Earls Court. You can find the bitterballen and orange bitters here, as the owner is obviously from 'Cycling Blood'.
Königswinter
This town just under the smoke of Cologne and Bonn was Charlemagne's (wine) domain. It became his winter destination. In later times, too, this little town played an important role in German state history. After World War II, the federal government ended up in Bonn. Konigswinter, with its fancy hotel Patersberg, literally on top of a mountain overlooking the surrounding area, became the residence for state guests. One Michael Schumacher also got married there. In 2019, it was also the scene of consultations between President Putin and Prime Minister Merkel. You can cycle beautifully here, on road bikes or gravel bikes. Here is a fun and challenging route!
Crown Estate Het Loo
Recently, we were at the Crown Estate in Apeldoorn and the surrounding area. In our Shimano GRX series, we set off from Stappenbelt in Apeldoorn and rode over 80 kilometres across this beautiful domain. Read it again in our article. This monarch hunting ground is a veritable gravel mecca. You can probably make 100 different routes and be amazed by the scenery every time.
Koningslust
The village of Koningslust in the municipality of Peel and Maas, in the head of Limburg, actually has nothing to do with royalty. One Petrus de Koning, a wealthy squire, bought large tracts of land here and made this place his own paradise. His son Leonard founded a monastic order, the Congregation of Brothers of the Third Rule of St Francis. A mouthful, for a town of less than 1,500 inhabitants. Could Peter be the ancestor of Peter King be? Koers fun was born early on. From here, at least, you can go in a lot of directions. Head east and you're soon in Germany, where Tönisvorst is a funny combination for a route. To the south, Limburg is the hills playground and to the west is Brabant and the Groote Peel highly recommended.
Other 'notable mentions'
- Königsleiten in Austria. Primarily known as a ski resort, but of course a wonderful cycling destination in the summer months.
- Kingstown, on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Shouldn't be missing from the bucket list anyway
- Kingston, Jamaica. If you like to come back in higher spirits (and eventually without a bike).
- Königsee, near Berchtesgaden. Not just royal history here.
- Fürstenau in Switzerland. The domain of Charles V in the Middle Ages. The Splügenpass is near here!
Anyway, happy King's Day to all, including those NOT in the Netherlands.
