Nature

The second largest forest in the Netherlands is located just a few kilometers from Landgoed Ruwinkel. As the name suggests, the area consists largely of hills. The landscape consists of forest, but you will also find extensive heathlands, sand drifts, and grasslands. Beautiful walking routes have been mapped out on the ridge: just follow the signs, and you will automatically return to your starting point.

After World War II, the Grebbe Line ceased to serve as a defensive structure. As a result, nature has been able to take its course over the years. The Grebbe Line stretches from the Grebbeberg in Rhenen, where you can visit a small information center at the military cemetery, to the port of Bunschoten-Spakenburg. Too much to see in one visit! Near the Ruwinkel Estate is the Grebbe Line visitor center, where you can read all about the history and what there is to experience here today. You can also explore the Grebbelinie with a free app for iPhone or Android.

When you cross the road from the park, you will find yourself in the forest. You can choose to walk one of the so-called clog paths. Clog paths are walks through nature and farmland and follow historical paths as much as possible. All you have to do is put on your walking shoes, follow the signs with the colored clogs, and enjoy nature. Beautiful brochures with a route map and some background information about the clog paths are available for purchase at the reception desk, but you can also download the free Klompenpaden app from the Apple App Store or Android Play Store.

The big brother of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, featuring the white bicycle plan and the famous Kröller-Müller Museum with all its valuable art treasures. Also definitely worth a visit is the less frequented Museonder, the world's first underground museum, where you can follow the soil layer by layer to the center of the earth. The park has 1,800 free white bicycles that you can use to explore 5,400 hectares of nature reserve.

Kwintelooijen is a unique nature reserve on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug between Rhenen and Veenendaal. The site, once used for sand extraction in the 1970s, has resulted in a unique terraced landscape with beautiful views over the Gelderse Vallei. With more than 300 plant species and special pools for the natterjack toad, it is a valuable piece of nature. Whether you come to walk, exercise, or relax, Kwintelooijen offers a perfect mix of nature, recreation, and tranquility.

Not far from Landgoed Ruwinkel lies a magical and photogenic spot: Henschotermeer lake is famous in the area. With its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, you'll feel like you're on a Caribbean island on a sunny, warm day. Enjoy a swim or just a nice walk around the lake: you're in the right place here in all seasons.