CYCLING ROUTE · UTRECHT
Cycling Route Kromme Rijn Region and Eiland van Schalkwijk
Cycle through a centuries old natural and cultural landscape filled with castles, manor houses, forts, cherry orchards, pollard willows and river floodplains.
The Landscape
At the foot of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug lies the Kromme Rijn region, a transitional landscape where country estates and river clay meet and the scenery constantly changes in character. Along the Kromme Rijn, you cycle through tree lined lanes, orchards and historic village edges, with traces everywhere of a long history reaching back to Roman times.
South of Houten lies the Eiland van Schalkwijk, an open and green area naturally shaped like an island by rivers and canals. Here, forts and waterworks of the New Dutch Waterline stand close together, giving the landscape its calm and authentic character while adding a distinct historical depth to the route.
What You'll Discover Along the Way
Forests and Heaths
On the edge of Houten, leafy woodland strips and park like greenery create a sheltered atmosphere, with hedgerows, tree banks and old avenue plantings adding variety.
Estates and Heritage
Castles, manor houses and country estates enrich the Kromme Rijn region, while forts, inundation works and defence lines on the Eiland van Schalkwijk reflect the history of the New Dutch Waterline.
Polders and Farmlands
Around Schalkwijk and Tull en ’t Waal, wide open polders feature long narrow fields, drainage ditches, pollard willows and orchards, with blossom in spring and cherries later in the year.
Rivers and Streams
The Kromme Rijn winds through the landscape with green riverbanks, small bridges, reeds and willows. Closer to the Lek, dikes and floodplains open up the views and reveal the character of the river landscape.
Virtual Cycling Through the Kromme Rijn Region and Eiland van Schalkwijk
Virtually cycle through the Kromme Rijn region and Eiland van Schalkwijk, with winding rivers, orchards, tree lined lanes and historic estates. Enjoy open polders, dikes, floodplains and the forts of the New Dutch Waterline, where nature and heritage come together.
Experience the route from home with virtual cycling.
Route Map and Cycling Junctions
Start and finish near cycling junction 33 on the Waijensedijk in Houten. Because this is a circular route, you can also start at one of the other cycling junctions along the route.
Route Details
Along the way: several options for a coffee break or lunch.
Discover More Cycling Routes
Explore more Utrecht landscapes and find your next cycling adventure in nature.
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