Winding lanes, wide vistas, military history and royal estates — the Heuvelrug route is a surprisingly versatile motorcycle ride in the middle of the Netherlands. You ride through forests, over old dikes and past forts, palaces and castles. This ride takes you deep into the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, where nature and history meet on every corner. Add good asphalt, beautiful bends and a few nice stops, and you have an ideal motorcycle day. It is not without reason that this route is a favorite among lovers of relaxed driving with a touch of culture.

Your ride starts at the Waterliniemuseum in Bunnik, located in Fort bij Vechten. A perfect place to get into the mood right away: history, technology and a piece of Dutch water defence in one go. From here you head east, into nature. Soon the treetops lie above you like a green canopy, while you follow the winding roads of Werkhoven and Cothen. The road winds along quietly, with an ever-changing landscape: meadows make way for forests, forest makes way for heathland. You ride through charming villages such as Doorn and Leersum, where the lanes and estates alternate at a rapid pace. The route follows a classic line along the southern flank of the Heuvelrug, a series of leafy roads and slight differences in altitude. At Woudenberg you cross the provincial roads and delve deeper into the military past. At the Leusderheide, your first Tour Info Point, soldiers practiced and tanks stood in the sand. Nowadays you are sometimes even allowed to walk over it — if the gate is open. A little further on you will find your Tour Pauze Punt at Restaurant De Gezelligheid. Not only good for a hearty lunch, but also for a view over the heath. Exactly what you need to keep your motor heart and stomach satisfied.
From here, a special part of the route begins. You pass Kamp Soesterberg, where American fighter jets were once stationed during the Cold War. You pass the Vlasakkers and then arrive at the impressive National Military Museum, where tanks, fighter jets and helicopters dominate the landscape. Then follows perhaps the most royal part of the ride. You tour along stately avenues towards Paleis Soestdijk, where Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard lived for decades. A few kilometers further you pass Kasteel Drakensteyn, where Princess Beatrix currently resides. Both places breathe history, even from the saddle of your motorcycle. Via Bilthoven and Zeist you slowly ride south again, through classic villa districts and past stately homes. A last short fuel stop at Argos Zeist and you are ready for the final part. Via Driebergen you ride back to Bunnik, where the terrace of Het Wapen van Bunnik awaits you. Time to get off and enjoy one of the most beautiful rides in the middle of the Netherlands.

The Heuvelrugroute is a great day on two wheels: green, varied and full of stories. From water lines to airports and from palaces to heathlands — this route has it all. The roads are well maintained and varied, with nice bends and little traffic. Ideal for a relaxed ride with substance. Plan this route in spring or autumn for the best light and most peace. Don't forget your camera: you want to remember this day.