Surprising places in the Kromme Rijnstreek
Wijk bij Duurstede
Wijk bij Duurstede has a beautiful old town centre offering many cultural and historical attractions. The Grote Kerk on the marketplace is one of the most important national monuments in the old town centre.
Houten
Houten is a real bicycle-focused community. It belongs to the leading group of Dutch towns whose residents more often use bikes than cars for short journeys. Houten therefore carries the title 'Cycling Town of the Netherlands' with great pride.
Bunnik
The village of Bunnik, surrounded by the popular Rhijnauwen and Amlisweerd estates, is close to the city of Utrecht. With good connections for train, bus and car, Bunnik is a good base for nice trips.
Schalkwijk
The Eiland van Schalkwijk, with the villages Schalkwijk and Tull en 't Waal, is a beautiful, wide-open green area. The island owes its name to the fact that it's surrounded by water: the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, the River Lek and the Lek Canal. The Eiland van Schalkwijk has valuable nature areas and agriculture is strongly represented. Cultural history is abundantly present on this island. For example, there are the forts of the New Dutch Water Line.
Cothen
Despite the small size of Cothen, it has plenty to experience. Step inside the Molen Oog in ‘t Zeil windmill and admire the surroundings from above. From the highest point, you'll enjoy a beautiful view of the wooded area and farmlands. The centre is also worth a visit due to the many activities it offers. For example, you can sample the tastiest cheese from the region at De Brienenshof cheese farm and the annual Cherry Festival is also held here at the end of June.
Langbroek – the Ribbon of Castles
Langbroek is known for its beautiful castles along the Langbroekerwetering. The castles of Hindersteyn, Lunenburg, Sandenburg, Walenburg, Weerdesteyn, Zuilenburg and Poortgebouw Groenesteijn are all privately owned. A bike ride along the Langbroekerwetering gives you a wonderful view of these hidden gems, interspersed with beautiful farms.
Tull en 't Waal & 't Goy
Tull en 't Waal has a few farms from the 18th century that are preserved in good condition and lie on the Lekdijk below Tull.
The beautiful Wickenbrugh estate dating from 1381 can be found in ‘t Goy. The estate has a white country house with a dovecote, a driveway, a historic garden and a large forest behind the house. 't Goy is also renowned for its fruit cultivation.
Odijk
Enjoy beauty and silence...
Odijk is a green village, in the middle of which lies the reformed "Witte Kerkje" (Little White Church), the Sint Heribertkerk, which is actually the choir of a much larger Catholic church that previously stood on the same spot. Many walks along the Kromme Rijn can be enjoyed from the village.
Werkhoven
Werkhoven is a typical village green with a small core that was established in the 8th century under the name Wercundia. In the centre of the village, you can still find a lot of history, such as the Sint Stevenskerk with its 11th century spire built with tufa. You'll also find characteristic monuments in Werkhoven such as the Water Tower, Molen Rijn en Weert and Beverweerd Castle. In addition, many orchards can be found where you can buy delicious fresh fruits from the farmer.