Leersum between heathland, water and history

Leersum is located near Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. Different aspects of the town shape your travel plans: Leersumse Veld with its bodies of water, hiking trails through forests and heathland, and a historic estate. There are also places where you can learn about Leersum’s history and regional traditions.

Landscape, water and hiking trails

Leersumse Veld developed into an area of drifting sand and heathland; peat formed in the wetter areas. Peat extraction for fuel led to the creation of the Leersumse Plassen around the 18th century. At the third body of water, you can watch dragonflies and birds from an observation hut. Landscape history and nature watching are closely connected here: the bodies of water are a result of the area’s former use and today offer a vantage point for observing wildlife.

For a hike across Leersumse Veld, there is a three-kilometre route called “Natuur zonder Drempels”, which has been open since June 2019. Another hiking route in the Leersum forestry area is also suitable for people with physical disabilities. The Leersumse Veld hiking route passes through the Leersum forestry area on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. This gives you two distinct options for planning your outings: a measured route across Leersumse Veld and a trail through the woodland.

Breeveen offers a distinctive landscape of its own: the hiking route passes through a varied forest of Scots pines, English oaks and rowans, leading to an open heathland. Breeveen is connected to Leersum via cycle junctions 70 and 71 and the Donderberg bus stop. If you’re comparing trails, you’ll find a clear contrast here between the alternating woodland and open heathland and the route through the Leersum forestry area.

Estate and the history of Leersum

Landgoed Zuylestein is a historic estate on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, with a history dating back to the 14th century. Its 17th-century landscape layout has largely been preserved. The historic ensemble includes a gatehouse, an orangery and a one-kilometre-long walled kitchen garden. These features give you several specific points of reference for understanding the estate’s history during your visit. Zuylestein also offers four walking routes and an audio tour, so you can explore the estate in different ways, from its historic grounds to its trails.

The Tijdlijn van Leersum is a temporary exhibition about the town’s history. Once or twice a year, it presents a different topic from Leersum’s past. Another notable landmark is the Tombe van Nellesteijn: this 14-metre-high neoclassical-style viewing tower stands on the 36-metre-high Donderberg in Leersum. The exhibition and tower offer different perspectives if you’re interested in local history.

Visiting the area

At the Veldschuur in Leersumse Veld, you can generally get information about the area, as well as coffee or tea, on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 4 pm. The information centre may be closed due to limited staffing. If you’re planning your visit around these offerings, check opening times in advance.

Zuylestein’s Landgoedwinkel offers estate products, coffee with something sweet, a tea room and a terrace overlooking the pond. Parc Broekhuizen in Leersum offers a distinctive Michelin experience. The Bloemencorso is also associated with the town: the floats are built in and around Leersum, and anyone who wants to can build a float. So, alongside hikes and historic sites, there are culinary offerings and a local tradition of float-building to explore.

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