Bunnik: Forts, Country Estates and Paths along the Kromme Rijn

Along the Kromme Rijn, early history, forts and green country estates come together in and around Bunnik. Castellum Fectio was established around the beginning of the Common Era, rebuilt several times and abandoned around 275. Its reconstructed outline from the final building phase of 315 AD can be traced along several walking routes. This brings historical traces together with excursions into the countryside.

Discover forts and history

The Waterliniemuseum Fort bij Vechten offers an interactive journey of discovery through the Waterline. Its interactive exhibitions cover the Waterlines, Roman history and nature in the forts. Fort bij Vechten was built in 1870 as part of the second ring of fortifications around Utrecht; its grounds include 16 bombproof buildings covered with earth. The museum also offers guided tours of the fort and nearby Castellum Fectio. Check the availability of tours before you arrive.

Fort bij Rijnauwen is the largest and greenest fort in the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its nature reserve provides a habitat for rare plants and animals. Access to the fort is possible only during guided tours or other events, and only when accompanied; check the dates before visiting. Centrally located in Rhijnauwen, the Theehuis is particularly popular with people looking to relax.

Paths along the river and between the forts

The Langs de Kromme Rijn route explores the river around Bunnik and passes wooded country estates, a fort and bunkers. It starts at the Oud Amelisweerd car park on Koningslaan, 3981 AT Bunnik. Check the parking rules before setting out. If you would like to cycle to Fort bij Vechten, the fort is about ten minutes from Bunnik railway station; journey time may vary depending on route conditions.

The Bunkerpad connects Fort bij Vechten with Fort bij Rijnauwen and runs through meadows and past bunkers. An app brings the landscape, cultural heritage and related stories to life; check its availability in advance. The Slagmaatpad also starts at Fort bij Vechten: it is about seven kilometres long and passes through the rural area of Bunnik and Houten. Several shorter loops offer the option of a shorter walk. For comparison, the Tour de Kromme Rijn is a 51-kilometre cycling route. It starts at TOP Fort bij Vechten, Achterdijk 12, 3981 HB Bunnik.

You can also take an educational guided boat trip on the Kromme Rijn, departing near Grotelaan 16 in Bunnik. Operating dates may vary. The route that suits you depends on whether you prefer to focus on forts and bunkers, the river or longer distances.

Green landscapes and historic houses

Rhijnauwen and the neighbouring country estates of Oud- and Nieuw-Amelisweerd form a continuous green area with landscape and cultural-historical value. At Landgoed Niënhof near Bunnik, meadows, parkland and open ash woodland with dense undergrowth alternate. The landscape along the Kromme Rijn at the estate provides a habitat for grass snakes, banded demoiselles and kingfishers. These varied landscapes give the paths their own character.

Landhuis Oud Amelisweerd is a national heritage site, particularly known for its 18th-century Chinese wallpaper. The room layout, floors, doors and ceilings have remained unchanged since 1770. The house hosts changing exhibitions and programmes by various artists and organisations for a diverse audience. The Kastelenroute Amelisweerd & Rhijnauwen passes former castles and historic kitchen gardens. It starts at Oud Amelisweerd House; the starting points are car park P1 and the Oud Amelisweerd bicycle parking area.

Gardens and farm life

Tuinderij Amelis'Hof is set up as a visitor garden. Vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown there using traditional methods from the historic gardens of country estates. From May to November, the garden shop sells fresh organic vegetables, fruit and herbs; seasonal flower picking is also offered. The months and offerings may change. At Fête de la Nature in May, there are several stalls and guided tours; programme details may vary.

Boerderij De Zonnewijzer is a small, listed farm in the area of the Amelisweerd country estates. Its buildings have been standing for about 250 years. During open farm afternoons, the owners open the farm to the public; eggs, Amelisweerd honey and raw milk are then available for sale. Dates and products for sale may vary. Together with the gardens and historic houses, the farm reveals another aspect of the cultural landscape around Bunnik.

Discover more destinations: Bunnik, Werkhoven, Zeist, Nieuwegein, Montfoort, Oudewater, Rhenen, Woudenberg.

For the overview of the wider region: Utrecht.