On this long weekend for us, we\u2019re visiting our neighbors: the Dutch. And as luck would have it, we arrive during the warmest and sunniest weekend of the year so far. We arrive at the Center Parcs \u201cDe Eemhof\u201d with wonderful temperatures of 17\u00b0C and are even allowed to enter our VIP accommodation before the official check-in time of 4 p.m.<\/p>\n
What exactly does that mean? In addition to a fireplace, our well-equipped apartment has a jacuzzi, an infrared sauna, and a double shower. I call that a great start to the weekend. And that\u2019s not all. With (cycling) trips to Nijkerk, Utrecht, Amersfoort, and the Horsterwold, these four days turn into a real highlight.<\/p>\n
Cycling trip to Nijkerk<\/strong> Passing the city\u2019s landmark, the Grote Kerk, we settle down at Alberto\u2019s Italian in downtown Nijkerk. We manage to grab one of the very inviting and comfortable sofas in the sun. Here we make ourselves comfortable and fully enjoy the atmosphere around us. Unfortunately, at this time of year it gets dark quite early, so after two hours we (have to) head back toward De Eemhof.<\/p>\n Visiting Utrecht<\/strong> Instead of feeling gloomy about the weather, we make the best of it and head to Utrecht. Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands and is sometimes called the \u201cmore beautiful\u201d Amsterdam. The city stands out for its lovely canals and architecture. The Dom Tower, at almost 100 meters tall, especially stands out in the skyline.<\/p>\n The center of Utrecht is absolutely packed on this Saturday. That may also be due to the large number of students living in the city\u2014over 70,000 of them, making up more than a quarter of the population.<\/p>\n Walking the Singel route<\/strong> Because of the rather cold wind that day, we only walk half of the route and then look for the warmth of a caf\u00e9. To my surprise, I discover there that the Dutch don\u2019t know Apfelsaftschorle (apple juice mixed with sparkling water). I wouldn\u2019t have thought that such a juice-water mix could be something so special.<\/p>\n Once warmed up again, we want to explore the most important canals in the city: Twijnstraat, Vrouwjuttenstraat, and Hamburgerstraat\u2014not forgetting, of course, the Oudegracht, which connects everything. At some point, after passing many (cheese) shops, we end up at Winkel van Sinkel. The building stands out due to its striking architecture with statues. Originally built as a department store in the 19th century, it is now a caf\u00e9 and restaurant.<\/p>\n After thoroughly enjoying the city\u2019s atmosphere, we make our way back. The infrared sauna awaits us there and pleasantly warms our bones again after the rather chilly day.<\/p>\n Our 70 km round tour<\/strong> The route, which once again largely runs along the dike, is very well developed\u2014as are cycling paths throughout the Netherlands in general. It really is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts.<\/p>\n Upon arriving in Amersfoort, we first admire the beautiful Koppelpoort at the entrance to the city center. This unique land-and-water gate dates back to the 18th century and is part of the city\u2019s second defensive wall.<\/p>\n Amersfoort is overall a very charming place. One unique attraction is the historic street Muurhuizen (\u201cwall houses\u201d), which was built on the former city wall. Other sights include the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren and the Mondrian House.<\/p>\n We continue cycling toward Kamp Amersfoort, a memorial site just outside the city. From there we ride on toward Spakenburg. It\u2019s already around 5 p.m. when we arrive there. In fact, we had expected a bit more \u201clife\u201d in the town. But everything is closed\u2014and to our surprise, the ferry isn\u2019t running that day.<\/p>\n Well, that means we also have to cycle the final 16 km back to De Eemhof. That brings us to a total of 70 km of cycling that day. But it was worth it\u2014the tour is really beautiful.<\/p>\n Horsterwold, a park in Zeewolde<\/strong> Anyone who, like us, loves nature and silence will feel right at home here. Once again, a cycling path runs through the area. The Tuurtoren observation tower is also worth a stop.<\/p>\n On the way back we want to grab something to eat, which isn\u2019t so easy on this Monday. However, we had already found out online that the brasserie \u2019t Wolderwijd would be open for us that day. As it turns out, that was a very good choice. We can highly recommend the salad with shrimp, for example \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n In the early afternoon it\u2019s time to say: Hartelijk dank en tot ziens, Netherlands!<\/p>\n
\nAfter unloading our car, we immediately hop onto our bikes. At the center information desk, they recommended the route along the Eem to Nijkerk. The cycling path on the dike (Laakse Hoek), which also passes through the forest, is truly beautiful. After crossing a bridge to the other side of the Eem, we arrive in the picturesque old town of Nijkerk just ten minutes later.<\/p>\n
\nThe next day we take advantage of the \u201cearly swimmer\u201d offer at the Aqua Mundo on the Center Parcs grounds. Unfortunately, Saharan dust has reached Zeewolde, so the sun has a hard time breaking through the persistent haze today.<\/p>\n
\nFirst we head to the tourist information office to pick up a city map. Here we also get information about the \u201cSingel circular route.\u201d The Utrecht Singel canal surrounds the old town as a historic ring of water.<\/p>\n
\nThe next day the sun is shining brightly again. We want to get back on our bikes and cycle to Amersfoort. Altogether we\u2019ve planned a round trip that leads from Center Parcs to Amersfoort, then on via Kamp Amersfoort to Spakenburg. From there we plan to take the ferry back to De Eemhof.<\/p>\n
\nEven on the day of our departure the weather is kind to us. Before sitting in the car again for several hours, we want to take one more bike ride. This time we choose the Horsterwold.<\/p>\n