Fortunately, Utrecht has a ton of beautiful hikes and walks. Finding the ideal trek that checks off all the boxes for length, difficulty, and breathtaking scenery is not always simple. To help you get away from the city, we’ve put together a list of some of the top hikes and treks in Utrecht.
1. Eendenkooienpad, IJsselstein
Take in the pure Dutch countryside air on this leisurely 17-kilometer stroll. The Eendenkooienpad, often known as the “Duck Decoy Trail,” runs through farmland alongside the Hollandse IJssel and past historic settlements.
Finish your journey with a break in the lovely city of IJsselstein, where you may replenish your energy with a hot chocolate or homemade ice cream.
2. Kaapse Bossen, Doorn
Doorn is a little further from the city center, but the trip is well worth it because good things come to those who wait. In Utrecht, the Kaapse Bossen is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery.
Go through the Heuvelrug in the center of Utrecht and down sloping forest trails. You will pass by the Kaapse Bossen’s features on this nine-kilometer climb, including an estate gatehouse and a watchtower with a breathtaking view of the Heuvelrug.
3. Highest point Utrechtse Heuvelrug
One of the oldest forests in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug is Boswachterij De Amerongse Berg. This community is home to an enormous forest of epic proportions; stroll among the gnarled oak and birch trees and marvel at nature.
The small valleys in Utrechtse Heuvelrug were formed during the last ice period. Nonetheless, the forest was restored with birch, oak, and beech trees to form a lovely mixed woodland after being decimated and left barren by greedy cattle.
4. Scrambling on the Heuvelrug (Scharrelen op de Heuvelrug)
Around the Heuvelrug, a famous hiking trail in Utrecht, the terrain is dotted with coniferous trees, pine cones, oaks, and beeches.
This trail is situated in the middle of a deciduous forest in the Lage Vuursche village. See Princess Beatrix while you’re there; she resides at the adjacent Drakensteyn Castle. But perhaps before you do, swap out your dirty hiking boots for some heels.
5. Monument route Amelisweerd & Rhijnauwen
The 17 beautiful Dutch monuments that make up the Amelisweerd and Rhijnauwen path are spread out over a predetermined course. Explore an 18th-century house and stop to gaze at it, or visit an old Dutch fort, the biggest fort built along the Dutch Waterline.
By stopping at the many museums along the way, you can lengthen your trek and add more miles to the trail. Visit the Old Amelisweerd Museum, which features art and surviving furniture from the 18th century.
The route map is available online for download, but if you speak English be sure to bring your phone because all the information on the monuments is in Dutch.
6. Austerlitz forest walk
Austerlitz, which is situated in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, is the ideal location for a tranquil forest trek.
You’ll pass the White House, a hunting lodge built in the 1820s, along the way. Alternately, you can climb the Pyramid of Austerlitz, which stands where 20,000 French soldiers once camped more than 200 years ago.
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7. Around Ruigenhoek
An eight-kilometer hike known as the Rondje Ruigenhoek takes you through this polder terrain past dozens of group shelters. The New Dutch Waterline, an 85-kilometer length of forts and defenses in the Netherlands, is where the shelters are constructed.
The Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, a lovely park along the walk, and a fort on an uninhabited island with lovely trees and monuments are also nearby.
8. De Stulp circular walk
Once more, a number of pannenkoeken eateries can be found close to the De Stulp circular promenade, which is also close to the Royal Palace.
You can hike along this path while viewing the shifting dunes and the Dutch forest. The grass is kept short because there are many cows in the region, but as you continue along the trail, the terrain will increasingly turn into a woodland with tall, coniferous trees.
9. Beerschoten walking route
Pack your canine companion into the boot of your car and get ready for a strenuous 11-kilometer journey since dogs are welcome along the Beerschoten walking path!
The trail links Utrecht’s Beerschoten, Houdringe, and Panbos Dutch natural areas. Go through the expansive meadows and even past the sand dunes along the way to get a true sense of Dutch nature.
10. Around Palace Soestdijk
This trail’s name kind of gives it away! You may explore the 17th-century palace on this stroll around it, which is a great way to see some historical sights. As long as they’re on a leash, dogs are welcome. The hike is scenic and reasonably simple because it is mostly flat and has some paved sections.
