Haarrijnse plas

4 min 9 min 30 min

This lake is also known as Leidsche Rijn on Sea. Spending the day on the large sandy beach here is a delight. You can also have a lovely swim in the lake. The bathing water is clean, since no motorboats are allowed here. Why bother going to the coast when you can come here?

Tip: you can enjoy a nice drink on the terrace at Key West Beachhouse.

Máximapark

6 min 18 min 60 min

In het hart van de bebouwing tussen Leidsche Rijn en Vleuten De Meern ligt het uitgestrekte Máximapark. Een rustgevend en tegelijkertijd levendig park dat even groot is als de Utrechtse binnenstad. Het is een ontmoetingsplek waar iedereen kan wandelen, fietsen, sporten, picknicken, spelen, varen en natuurlijk genieten. In het midden van het park ligt de Bosspeeltuin, een plek waar kinderen lekker samen kunnen spelen en hun gang kunnen gaan.

Tip: loop een rondje door Het Vlinderhof, een bijzondere tuin in het Binnenhof van het Máximapark.

Haar­zuilens Es­ta­te

10 min 16 min 60 min

Cycle or walk in the classic Dutch natural landscape of the Landgoed Haarzuilens country estate. This estate lies close to our hotel and is ideal for a day out, with or without children. The estate is over 600 years old, and you can also find the authentic Kasteel de Haar on the estate. The historical lanes and paths bring you to the beautiful flower meadows, ancient fields and pastures of Klein Limburg.

Tip: You can picnic and pick fruit in the De Boswachter orchard.

Julianapark

10 min 22 min 58 min

Juliana Park is one of Utrecht's oldest city parks, located in the Zuilen district. The park is known for its lush planting and extensive sunbathing meadows. You can enjoy a lovely walk or picnic in the park. There is also a petting zoo where the chickens are allowed to run free on the site. The park regularly hosts fun events and festivals.

Tip: Fun workshops, such as a guitar or painting workshop, are regularly organised at the Antje Drijver Paviljoen in the park.

Loosdrechtse Plassen

24 min 53 min

The Loosdrechtse Plassen lakes are a large water sports and nature area and consist of six different lakes: the Wijde Blik, the Loenderveense Plas, the Vuntus, the Eerste (First) to Vijfde (Fifth) Plas and the Breukeleveense Plas (also known as the Stille Plas). Water sports are offered at several lake areas. Rowing, canoeing, paddleboarding, sailing, motorboating, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, pedalos ... it's all on offer here! If you prefer the peace and quiet of nature, the Vuntus and Breukeleveense Plas are home to a host of aquatic plants and birds. It's also fun to cycle round the Loosdrechtse Plassen!

Tip: rent a canoe at the Wijde Blik to cruise among the water lilies and discover unusual birds.

Vecht

18 min 50 min

Running alongside the Loosdrechtse Plassen is the river Vecht. The best way to explore the Vecht is by motorboat. You can easily rent these from De Eerste Aanleg. Renting is very easy and is possible for as little as 2 hours. When you board, you will receive brief instructions. You will also be given a map with your chosen route. Since the boats are easy to operate, you don't even need a boating licence! If you would like a trial run first, this is also an option. It’s particularly fun to choose a route that takes you to both the Loosdrechtse Plassen and the Vecht!

Tip: Hire a motorboat through De Eerste Aanleg, bring a picnic bag from our restaurant One24 and enjoy!

Utrecht Botanic Gardens

18 min 44 min

Located on the outskirts of the city, Utrecht University Botanic Gardens are laid out on and around the 19th century Fort Hoofddijk. Here you will find the most beautiful plants from around the world in a number of gardens, including Europe's largest rock garden and the Evolution Garden which shows the development of the plant kingdom. The Tropical Greenhouses includes plants from warmer regions including orchids, and you can admire the most beautiful tropical butterflies here during the Butterfly Festival (Vlinderfestival). The Discovery Garden is full of plant stories, and next to it you will find the Insect Hotel - set up for native butterflies and other insects - and the Bird Hut where you can see birds up close.

Tip: Tuincafé Botanica Café by the Entrance has a lovely terrace, and there is also a small shop in the same building.

Utrechtse Heuvelrug

20 min 76 min

In the centre of the province of Utrecht lies the largest forest in the Randstad region, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Here you can spend hours wandering through nature, enjoy the views from various viewpoints, and even soak up some culture in historic villages. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park is an oasis of tranquillity, nature and landscapes. Castles, forests, museums - you can find it all here. It is also home to the Pyramid of Austerlitz. Ideal for exploring by bike or just on foot.

Tip: fancy some adventure? Climb and descend the hills on a mountain bike!