Bunnik: Find hotels for your stay

Bunnik combines Roman heritage and the history of the water defence lines with paths through meadows, woodland and river scenery. The offerings differ in theme and route; for guided tours and seasonal activities, it is worth checking the dates.

Roman history and water defence lines

At the Waterliniemuseum Fort bij Vechten, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites come together: the Hollandse Waterlinies and the Limes, the border of the Roman Empire. Castellum Fectio, one of the oldest Roman forts in the Netherlands, lies next to Fort bij Vechten. It was part of the Limes and played an important role in defending and controlling the Rhine. In Roman times, the river was also an important trade and transport route.

A guided tour of Castellum Fectio takes you around the site of the former fort and includes a visit to the Roman exhibition at the Waterliniemuseum. Dates may vary; check them in advance if you are planning to join the tour. The museum also offers an interactive discovery tour of the water defence line, including a virtual reality flight over the flooded New Dutch Waterline. Visitors can also walk around the grounds of Fort bij Vechten.

A family treasure hunt is available at the visitor centre of Fort bij Vechten near Bunnik. This offers another way to explore the site: you can learn about the history of the fort and the water defence line, or plan the guided tour and exhibition as specific activities.

Paths between forts, river and countryside

In Bunnik, the Bunkerpad connects Fort bij Rijnauwen and Fort bij Vechten. Along the way, the path runs through meadows and past bunkers. The Kromme Rijnpad follows the course of the Kromme Rijn and partly runs along an old towpath. Walkers can discover sections of the Roman Limes and the New Dutch Waterline there. These paths offer different experiences: the Bunkerpad connects two forts, while the Kromme Rijnpad focuses on the river and historic routes.

The Slagmaatpad starts at Fort bij Vechten and is a seven-kilometre Klompenpad through the rural areas of Bunnik and Houten. The route runs through meadows, past an old fort and through the woods. There is also a seven-kilometre KIDS version of this route, with educational activities and its own markings. Route details may change, and conditions may also vary seasonally. So check the latest route information before setting out.

The Langs de Kromme Rijn route explores the river around Bunnik. It can start at the car park at Landgoed Niënhof; access rules may change, so check them before your visit. At Landgoed Niënhof, old river channels, natural banks and islands line the Kromme Rijn. Grass snakes, banded demoiselles and kingfishers can be found there. The Ringslangroute Niënhof also runs through the estate near Bunnik.

Architecture and seasonal visits

The Oude Dorpskerk in Bunnik also offers a glimpse into the region’s architectural history. The church is an early brick building and is compared with Utrecht Cathedral. Its tower was built in the 12th century for religious purposes as well as for use as a lookout and for defence; there are loopholes on the ground floor. The church building and the tower thus illustrate two closely connected but distinct aspects of local history.

If you would like to plan a visit around the seasons, Zelfplukboerderij en Landwinkel Nieuw Slagmaat in Bunnik holds seasonal pick-your-own days: in spring for cherries and in autumn for apples, pears and kiwi berries. Dates vary. Check them before planning your visit so it falls within the relevant harvest period.

Practical planning

You can rent OV-fiets bicycles at Bunnik station; eight bikes are available there. The fleet size may change. To rent a bike, you need an OV-fiets or NS Flex subscription linked to your personal OV-chipkaart. Check current availability and the subscription requirement before planning to use the bicycles.

Discover more destinations: Werkhoven.

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