Woudenberg: Walking Trails, Country Estates and Cultural Heritage

At Landgoed Geerestein, landscape and cultural heritage come together: this private estate, covering about 170 hectares, is located in the municipality of Woudenberg at the foot of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The estate includes ten national heritage sites, among them a castle, a landscape park and four buildings of cultural and historical significance. You can walk along the open paths and avenues from sunrise to sunset. Before setting out, check the local notices to see which paths are open. This lets you combine a walk with a view of the historic ensemble.

Walking trails of varying lengths

The Oudenhorsterpad is a 7.5-kilometre circular walking route that starts at Partycentrum Schimmel in Woudenberg. Its course follows unpaved paths, farmland and historic routes wherever possible. The 4.6-kilometre De Marmontberg walking trail offers a shorter option: it passes through the forest and by the Pyramid of Austerlitz. The two routes therefore differ both in length and in their described courses. Before setting out on the Marmontberg route, check the markers and access conditions. The Termatenpad adds to the selection with paths through forests and past country estates; along the way, the route offers an insight into local history.

Pyramid of Austerlitz and Grebbelinie

The Pyramid of Austerlitz stands on one of the highest points of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. After climbing 81 steps, you can enjoy views across the surrounding area. The pyramid was built in 1804 in honour of Napoleon Bonaparte. The grounds also include a large playground and an amusement park with bumper cars, carousels and a small railway. As visitor facilities may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.

At Grebbelinie in 't Vizier, visitors can walk through a trench and see a casemate up close. The exhibition and the education and information centre explore how freedom was fought for in the Woudenberg, Scherpenzeel and Renswoude region during the Second World War. Access may depend on local arrangements. Guided visits to the trench, casemate and bunker are available by appointment only, so check the arrangements before your visit.

Exhibitions, a lake and regional events

The Oudheidkamer Woudenberg displays antiques in changing exhibitions. Permanent displays include “Reis door de tijd”, a school classroom and a living room. The Oudheidkamer also has a research room with numerous reference books. Check current access arrangements before planning your visit.

Henschotermeer is a recreational area in the middle of the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug; you can walk around the lake. At Henschotermeer, the Oude Poffertjeskraam serves traditional Dutch poffertjes made according to an artisanal recipe. Opening hours and availability may vary, so check the details before your visit.

Recurring events can also shape your travel plans: Haantjesdag has been held in Woudenberg on the second Saturday in June each year since 1986. Check the dates and programme in advance. Proef Woudenberg is also an annual event in Woudenberg; check the programme for the year in question. For a different kind of outing, there is the Woudenberg and Austerlitz children’s route. This child-friendly themed route follows the cycling route network, whose junctions are marked with white and green signs.

Discover more destinations: Woudenberg, Eemnes, Ijsselstein, Rhenen, Woerden, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Vianen.

Return to the main travel overview: Utrecht.