Today is April 27th. It is King's Day, Long live King Willem-Alexander. The current ruler of the Kingdom of the Netherlands lives on the estate De Horsten in Wassenaar, But he grew up in Drakensteyn, near Lage Vuursche. In this region there are anyway several beautiful buildings that (formerly) belonged to our royal family (or were owned by them). But there are many more places in the world where you can spend a wonderful King's Day. That's why we have written down (5) royal destinations for King's Day. With a wink, of course.
Low Vuursche and Soestdijk
The nameplate of the village Baarn is not for nothing called ‘Vorstelijk Baarn’. Baarn borders on Soestdijk and on the Hoge and Lage Vuursche. Why the addition of the word ‘Vorstelijk’? Because our king and his brothers went to school at the Baarn Lyceum. Palace Soestdijk is actually located more in Baarn than in Soestdijk. The vicinity of Drakensteyn is also there. A royal King’s Day begins with this round along the village of Lage Vuursche, where ‘De Kneet’ pancake house is located Vuursche Boer I used to manage it. Where you can make a quick nod at the churchyard, to all the members of the royal family who have left us and where you can catch a glimpse of Beatrix at Drakensteyn. Further on, at Soestdijk, you can take a photo with Bernhard and Juliana. Well, with the statue of these two. The route itself is lovely through the forests and over beautiful roads. A gravel alternative is easy to find. It’s nice and quiet, without a clothes market.
Kingston upon Thames
On the southwest side of London you find Kingston-upon-Thames. What’s in a name. A former markettown That has been completely swallowed up by the big tentacles of the city of London. Why would you go there? I can tell you this: at least six (6) or maybe even seven (7) kings were crowned here. Edward the Elder was the first. The name also refers to ‘The King’s Estate’. Another funny fact about this town? They are related to Delft, where stadtholder Willem of Orange breathed his last. We all still remember who the perpetrator was?
From Kingston you can easily get to the beautiful Surrey Hills. Leith Hill and other beautiful climbs are literally at your feet. So it’s a great route to try out. Insider tip: If you want to celebrate King’s Day in London, go to The Bolton Pub & Tasting Room Rembrandt at Earls Court. You can find the bitterballen and orange bitters here, because the owner is of course from ‘Fietsen Bloed’.
Königswinter
This town just outside Cologne and Bonn was the (wine) domain of Charlemagne. It became his winter destination. In later times, this town played an important role in German state history. After the Second World War, the federal government settled in Bonn. Konigswinter, with the elegant hotel Patersberg, literally stood on a mountain with a view over the surrounding area, and was the residence for state guests. One of Michael Schumacher also got married here. In 2019, this was also the scene of talks between President Putin and Prime Minister Merkel. You can enjoy beautiful cycling here, on a road bike or a gravel bike. Here is a nice and challenging route!
Crown domain the Loo
Recently, we were ourselves on the Crown domain in Apeldoorn and the surrounding area. In our Shimano GRX series, we started from Stappenbelt in Apeldoorn and drove over 80 kilometers through this beautiful area. Read it again in our article. This hunting area of the prince is a veritable gravel paradise. You can probably create 100 different routes and be amazed again and again by the surroundings.
Kingly lust
The village of Koningslust in the municipality of Peel and Maas, in the Kop van Limburg, has actually nothing to do with the royal family. One Petrus the King, a wealthy landowner, bought up large tracts of land here and turned this place into his own paradise. His son Leonard founded a monastic order, the Congregation of Brothers of the Third Rule of Saint Francis. A lot of potential, for a place of barely 1500 inhabitants. Could Petrus be the ancestor of Peter Koning? The sense of direction was born early on. From here you can go in many directions. Head east and you are in Germany, where Tönisvorst forms a funny combination for a route. To the south is Limburg’s playground of hills, and to the west is Brabant and the Groote Peel is a must-see.
Other ‘notable mentions’
- Königsleiten in Austria. Known mainly for its ski resort, but of course a wonderful cycling destination in the summer months as well.
- Kingstown, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It really shouldn't be missing from anyone's bucket list
- Kingston, Jamaica. If you would like to return to higher altitudes (and ultimately without a bike).
- Königsee, near Berchtesgaden. Not just Royal history here.
- Forstenau in Switzerland. The domain of Emperor Charles in the Middle Ages. The Splügenpass It's right here nearby!
Anyway, happy King's Day to everyone, even for those who are NOT in the Netherlands.
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.