Renswoude between the Grebbelinie and the castle park

Fort aan de Buursteeg is part of the Grebbelinie, a chain of forts and line dikes between Rhenen and Spakenburg. In Renswoude, historic defensive works meet a castle landscape, church architecture and paths through the surrounding countryside. You can make a point of exploring these different aspects when planning your stay.

Fort aan de Buursteeg and the Grebbelinie

The fort was built in 1786 at the intersection of Buursteeg and Slaperdijk. Since 2018, a tunnel for pedestrians and cyclists has connected its two sections. Inside the fort, the Grebbelinie visitor centre presents an interactive exhibition about the Grebbelinie’s historic defences. The centre is wheelchair accessible; a lift leads to the exhibition on the first floor. Confirm the latest accessibility information before you travel.

The visitor centre is connected to numerous walking and cycling routes, which let you explore the fort and the waterline at your own pace. Tours of the earth fort can be arranged on request for schools, families and businesses; book in advance. The Grebbelounge restaurant is also located at the fort. Check whether it is open before visiting.

Castle park and gardens

Kasteelpark Renswoude is home to mature deciduous trees with an average age of 150 years. Stinzen plants grow on the forest floor, while adderwortel and wild fritillaries can be found along the moat. Deer and birds are also part of the park’s wildlife. Those interested in landscape design can also spot elements of French Baroque and the English landscape style.

The historic estate includes a 700-metre-long water avenue, a grand canal dating from 1708. The park is open to everyone free of charge; check the latest access arrangements before your visit. Kasteel Renswoude itself is open to the public on the first Tuesday of each month by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance and check the visiting arrangements again before you travel.

Church, village character and local history

Koepelkerk Renswoude is a Renaissance church with the floor plan of a Greek cross. Its dome is supported by Ionic columns; construction continued until 1641. During the summer months, the church is regularly open to visitors, and volunteers provide information during opening hours. Admission is free, and voluntary donations to the restoration fund are welcome. As access is seasonal and may change, check visiting arrangements before your trip.

Nieuwe Buurt was established in the 18th century as an extension of Renswoude along Dorpsstraat, near the castle and Koepelkerk. The Oudheidkamer of the Oud-Renswoude Historical Association is located at Dorpsstraat 38, in an apartment in Nieuwe Buurt. It documents and displays the history of the village and the castle. Renswoude is designated as a protected townscape and village scene in the province of Utrecht under number 1428.

Memorial sites are also part of the village’s history: a resistance memorial stands at the central roundabout, where wreaths and flowers are laid each year on 4 May. The white cross on Groeperkade marks the place where five people were shot on 14 November 1944. It stands between De Dennen restaurant and the De Engelaar defensive work.

Renswoude organises Open Monumentendag together with Scherpenzeel and Woudenberg. It takes place each year on a Saturday, with the three municipalities taking turns as host. Check the relevant programme, as the details vary from year to year.

Walking routes of varying lengths

The Verkennersroute Renswoude is a 14-kilometre historic walking route with 40 information boards or marker posts. It provides an overview ranging from the late Stone Age and the Golden Age to agricultural development, 20th-century industrialisation and the present day. The route can be divided into three sections: five kilometres through the village, five through the surrounding countryside and four around the castle.

A shorter signposted loop is the six-kilometre Breeschoterpad through the countryside around Renswoude and Scherpenzeel. It runs mainly along unpaved paths, farmland and historic routes. The 15-kilometre Boswachterspad Grebbelinie also follows unpaved paths. Lush landscapes and traces of the waterline’s history shape the route along the way. Note that the Daatselaarsepad is mostly unpaved and unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

There are two described starting points for the Jufferpad: TOP Fort aan de Buursteeg, where free parking is available, or Veenendaal-de Klomp railway station. The route passes through the countryside around Renswoude and Veenendaal, by old and new estates, forts and castles. As transport and parking options may change, check the arrangements before your visit.

Cycling and a short nature trail

The 45-kilometre Genieten vanuit Renswoude cycling route passes through the Gelderse Vallei landscape, with grassland and small woodland and heathland areas. It starts and ends in the free public car park at De Dennen restaurant. Check the latest parking arrangements before setting off.

The Leughtenpad is about 1.5 kilometres long and open to everyone free of charge between sunrise and sunset; access arrangements may change. Children can run, search, climb, explore and play in the water there. Check the latest opening times before your visit.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Renswoude, Wijk Bij Duurstede, Utrecht, De Ronde Venen, Montfoort, Soest, Vianen, Nieuwegein.

Go to the main travel overview: Utrecht.