Utrecht, Woerden, Harmelen

The present-day Leidse Rijn is no longer a natural river but a canal, dug largely along the course of the former River Rhine. In Roman times, this branch of the Rhine was the country's most important river, flowing through Utrecht towards the North Sea.

For centuries, the river attracted people to settle along its banks. As a result, many archaeological discoveries have been made in the surrounding area, including the remains of the Roman fort Castellum Hoge Woerd. At the time, the fort stood directly on the banks of the Rhine.

Máximapark also reveals the course of the original river. Flowing through the park is the Vikingrijn, a reconstructed section of the former Rhine. During the excavation of the Vikingrijn in 2009 and 2010, archaeologists uncovered two medieval ships.

Máximapark is well worth exploring by bike. Along the way, you can visit the Vlinderhof gardens, the Japanese Garden, stroll through the Sculpture Garden of Leidsche Rijn or climb the Observatory for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Over the centuries, navigation on the Rhine between Utrecht and Harmelen became increasingly difficult as parts of the river gradually silted up. To keep shipping possible, several replacement canals were constructed. In the 17th century, the Leidse Vaart was added as part of Utrecht's urban expansion. From then on, the waterway between Utrecht and Harmelen became known as the Leidse Rijn, a name later adopted by the neighbouring Utrecht district. From Harmelen onwards towards Leiden, the river continued under the name Oude Rijn.

Today, this route takes you along the canal, past former river channels, archaeological sites and wide-open polder landscapes. Together, they tell the story of how this landscape has evolved over the centuries.