Oud-Zuilen, Breukelen, Maarssen

Two beautiful castle museums combined in a varied cycling route – what more could you ask for? The route starts and ends at Slot Zuylen. This castle houses an intimate 18th-century noble collection that is well worth a visit. The writer Belle van Zuylen was born and raised here.

The cycling tour begins and ends in historic Oud-Zuilen. Via Maarssen and Maarssenbroek, you soon reach the next highlight on the route: De Haar Castle.

De Haar Castle is the largest castle in the Netherlands and radiates luxury and grandeur. In the 1970s, it was a popular destination for the European jet set, welcoming guests such as Roger Moore, Joan Collins and Brigitte Bardot. Both castles are part of the national heritage theme of castles and country estates, showcasing some of the finest castle museums and gardens.

After a stretch through the polders, you cycle to the charming town of Breukelen and continue along the shores of the Loosdrechtse Plassen. On the way back from Breukelen to Oud-Zuilen, the banks of the River Vecht reveal even more grandeur, with numerous country estates. From the 17th century onwards, this area was a favourite summer retreat for wealthy Amsterdam residents, offering an escape from the dirty and crowded city.