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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeBeneluxNetherlandsUtrecht's Castle Road
Castle Slot Zuylen, Oud Zuilen, the Netherlands | Bram van de Sande | Flickr

Utrecht's Castle Road

Zuylen - Tienhoven - Sypesteyn - Zeist - Bunnik - Vechten

Expect on your itinerary

Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Security Security
Comfort Comfort
Historical sites Historical sites
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Landscape Landscape
Utrecht's Castle Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages5 km56 h/stage0.4

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Utrecht's Castle Road in Netherlands?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 216EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 81EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 275EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 356EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 135EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 264EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 421EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 556EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 140EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 365EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Utrecht's Castle Road Itinerary

Take a journey through Utrecht's Castle Road, a 49km route that starts in Zuylen and ends in Vechten, both located in the Netherlands. Along the way, you'll pass through the towns of Tienhoven and Zeist, with plenty of attractions to make your road trip memorable. The best time to drive this route is between April and October, when you'll be able to take in the beautiful Dutch countryside in all its glory. Road conditions are generally excellent, although some sections of the road may be narrow. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and provides a great experience and plenty of memories. Although it can be managed with a high budget, it's worth every penny. So get your keys ready and get ready for an adventure!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 56 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Zuylen

Distance 56 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: slow 12.9 kWh Airports AMS , EIN
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Zuylen is a small town situated in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It is the ideal starting point for the "Utrecht's Castle Road" road trip, a journey through the history and culture of the Dutch province of Utrecht. The most interesting sights in town to visit include the Zuylen Castle, the 17th century estate with the beautiful gardens, and the Kasteel De Haar, the largest castle in the Netherlands. The closest international airport is Schiphol Airport (AMS), located 45 minutes away. Car rentals are available at the airport, so visitors can easily make their way to Zuylen and start their journey through the charming Utrecht countryside. The "Utrecht's Castle Road" road trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the region's rich history and culture. Visitors will be able to experience the beauty of the Dutch countryside and get a glimpse of the country's centuries-old castles. From Zuylen, visitors can explore the historic towns of Amersfoort, Utrecht, and Maarssen, as well as the picturesque Dutch villages along the way. The "Utrecht's Castle Road" is the perfect way to explore the historical and cultural wonders of the Netherlands. With its convenient location and car rental options, Zuylen is the ideal starting point for this unique road trip.

1 Zuylen - Tienhoven

Distance 8 km Driving time 0.3 h Pace: slow 1.8 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site
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Start your road trip from Zuylen, Netherlands and make your way to Tienhoven, a journey of 8km that will take less than an hour. As you make your way, take time to appreciate the historical sites and the scenic roads. Be aware that some sections of the road may be narrow. Make sure to take a few stops to explore the attractions along the way. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Zuylen Castle, an 18th century castle that has been converted into a hotel, as well as the Tienhoven Mill, an old windmill that has been turned into a museum. For those who enjoy nature, there are plenty of walking trails and bike paths to explore. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage.

2 Tienhoven - Sypesteyn

Distance 6 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: slow 1.4 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site
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Are you ready for a road trip from Tienhoven to Sypesteyn? This 6km drive will take you less than an hour, and you will get to experience the beauty of the Dutch countryside. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for any historical sites and scenic roads along the way. The road can be a bit narrow in sections, so be sure to drive carefully. When you reach Sypesteyn, you will find plenty of attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites. To get the most out of your experience, be sure to check the "Itinerary" section of this stage for more information. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip from Tienhoven to Sypesteyn!

3 Sypesteyn - Zeist

Distance 23 km Driving time 0.7 h Pace: slow 5.2 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road interesting  historic site accommodation options junction of road trips camping sites
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Embark on a memorable road trip from Sypesteyn to Zeist! This 23 km drive takes less than one hour and offers a great opportunity to explore the historical sites and scenic roads of the Netherlands. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for the narrow sections of the road. You will also be able to admire the beautiful local landscapes. Once you arrive in Zeist, take the time to explore the historical sites and the parks. Don't forget to visit the Castle of Zeist, the oldest castle in the province of Utrecht. You can also visit the nearby Castellum Hoge Woerd, an archaeological site with the remains of a Roman fort. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!

4 Zeist - Bunnik

Distance 10 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: slow 2.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues sections of narrow road junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options camping sites
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Zeist to Bunnik? This 6 km journey will take you less than an hour and you'll get to experience some of the most interesting places in the Netherlands! Start your journey in Zeist, where you can explore the castle and its gardens, as well as the nearby nature reserve. Then, head to the village of Bunnik, where you can visit the beautiful castle and its gardens, as well as the old windmill. Along the way, you'll get to experience the beauty of the Dutch countryside, with its narrow roads and quaint villages. You'll also be able to take in the stunning views of the surrounding fields, forests, and rivers. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Bunnik, where you can explore the castle and its gardens, as well as the old windmill. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary for this stage of your road trip. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable experience and start your journey from Zeist to Bunnik!

5 Bunnik - Vechten

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: slow 2.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues sections of narrow road accommodation options camping sites
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Starting in Bunnik, Netherlands and ending in Vechten, this 6km journey is sure to be memorable. This drive will take you less than an hour, but you won't want to miss any of the incredible sights along the way. Be warned, some sections of the road may be narrow, so be sure to drive with caution. Once you arrive in Vechten, you'll be welcomed by the beautiful De Haar Castle, the largest and most beautiful castle in the Netherlands. You can also explore the historic Vechten Castle, which is surrounded by a moat and a park. Make sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of the road trip for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites. Enjoy your journey!

  Vechten

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Vechten, a small town in the Netherlands, is the perfect end to a road trip around the castles of Utrecht. This charming town is full of natural beauty, from its lush green fields to its picturesque canals. You can take a leisurely stroll through its streets to explore its many monuments and historic buildings, or you can spend a day out on the nearby lake, swimming and fishing. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from, so you can always find something delicious to eat. The main attraction in Vechten is the castle Kasteel Vechten, a beautiful 12th century castle that is still standing today. Inside, visitors can explore its many rooms and corridors, and admire its artwork and furnishings. The castle is surrounded by a stunning garden, making it the perfect place to take a peaceful stroll. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the nearby canals for a unique perspective of the area. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Schiphol Airport (AMS), located just outside of Amsterdam. From there, it is a short drive to Vechten, so you can easily make your way to the end of the Utrecht's Castle Road. Vechten is an ideal destination to wrap up your road trip around Utrecht's castles. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day out in nature or a chance to explore the area's history, Vechten has something for everyone.

Utrecht's Castle Road at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on an enchanting Road Trip through the historical and picturesque Castle Road in Utrecht, which stretches for 49km through the heart of the Netherlands. This journey will take you from the majestic Slot Zuylen Castle in the north to the formidable Fort Vechten in the south, passing through idyllic landscapes and heritage-rich towns. Along the way, you'll encounter the serene beauty of Tienhoven and the stately elegance of Zeist, each offering an array of cultural and natural attractions.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

  • Zuylen: Begin your journey at Slot Zuylen, an impressive castle that dates back to the 13th century, showcasing period furniture, historical artifacts, and picturesque gardens that are a testament to Dutch nobility.
  • Tienhoven: Surrounded by lakes, reed beds, and forests, Tienhoven is a haven for wildlife and a perfect spot for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the tranquility of nature reserves like the Tienhoven Lakes.
  • Zeist: In Zeist, marvel at the baroque splendor of Slot Zeist, built in 1677, known for its opulent interior and well-preserved historical rooms that reflect the lifestyle of the Dutch nobility in the Golden Age.
  • Vechten: Your journey culminates at Fort Vechten, an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed New Dutch Waterline, a unique series of fortifications that used water as a means of defense.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time to embark on this Road Trip is between April and October when the Dutch countryside blooms with vibrant colors, and the weather is most conducive for exploring the outdoors and soaking up the cultural heritage.

Potential Risks:

Take heed of certain narrow Roads that can be challenging, particularly for larger vehicles. It is advisable to stay updated on local traffic regulations and to keep an eye on the weather conditions to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

  • Slot Zuylen is one of the oldest castles on the Vecht river, and it was once home to the famous Dutch writer Belle van Zuylen (Isabelle de Charrière).
  • The area around Tienhoven is part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union.
  • Slot Zeist is often referred to as the `Versailles of Utrecht` due to its ornate design and beautifully landscaped gardens.
  • Fort Vechten is the second largest fort of the New Dutch Waterline and houses the Waterline Museum, where visitors can learn about this innovative defense system.

A good choice for:

Prepare for a memorable sojourn along Utrecht's Castle Road, where the tapestry of history and the splendor of the Dutch countryside weave together to offer a Road Trip that promises to be both culturally enriching and visually breathtaking.

Facts for safer driving in Netherlands

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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