Route from Wilnis through The Green Heart

This bicycle route takes you through the varied landscape of Utrecht, where you regularly cross the border with South Holland. The open area treats you to wide views of grasslands and water, and soon you reach the vast Nieuwkoop lakes. This is a nature reserve of no less than 1400 hectares. Near the village of Noorden, you will cycle along a sheltered area of water accessible only by canoe or whisper boat. The lakes were formed by centuries of peat extraction, which began as early as the 16th century. Noordeinderplas is shallow but nutrient-rich, with wealth of aquatic plants such as water lily, water gentian and crabgrass. Sometimes bladderwort even grows so close underwater that rowing becomes a challenge. Along the way, you will see extensive reed beds, where birds like the warbler like to shelter or nest. With any luck, you will also spot cormorants, the largest fish eaters in this area. The route follows the meandering peat river De Meije, which winds its way through the beautiful landscape. Less peat extraction has taken place here, so the small river has retained its natural charm. Via the polder village of Meije, you cycle towards Bodegraven, in the middle of the Green Heart. In this village you can still admire several characteristic cheese warehouses. Past the town center, you pass Fort Wierickerschans, an impressive defensive fortification built in 1673. Then the route leads you along the Old Rhine to Woerden, where the canals still clearly show the old fortress structure. You then cycle through the open polder landscape along the tight allotment back towards Wilnis. A beautiful end to a trip full of nature, water, history and characteristic Dutch views.