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The Vechtstreek is a scenic region in North Holland and Utrecht. It is a popular get-away destination known for its natural beauty, castles, parks and stately homes. Muiden and Weesp, while a part of the Vechtstreek, are covered in separate articles.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Zuylen Castle
from 1300.
Ridderhofstad Bolenstein
14th century, alterations in the 19th century.
Oudaen, Oud Aa
The castle origins are probably dating back to the end of the 13th century. Its name comes from the river Aa which was used to be a tributary of Vecht.
An imposing castle dating from the middle of the 13th century. It is now a part of the Nyenrode Business Universiteit.
Ridderhofstad Gunterstein
1680.
1697.
1637, rebuilt 1870.
1628, architect Jacob van Campen. now Town House.
1655.
18th century, Drugstore Museum.
18th century.
1649
1655, architect Philips Vingboons
1637.
1673, now the Town Hall.
Veg(h)tvliet
1670, architect Philips Vingboons.
1873.
17th century.
17th century.
1676, enlarged in the 18th century.
1688, enlarged in the 18th century.
1659, enlarged in the 18th century.
17th century.
17th century, rebuilt in the 19th century.
1925
1749-1753.
1735.
18th century.
1734.
17th century.
1st half of the 18th century.
1st half of the 18th century.
1759.
A typical summer residence of a wealthy trader family from the Dutch Golden Age with an interesting history. Its enormous garden is a must-visit with trees and plants from all over the world. Previously a wide collection of exotic mammals and birds were held, but they moved in 1939.
Vecht Museum
Schaatsmuseum Tienhoven
Learn about the history of ice skates and other winter objects.
This restaurant, nicely located next to a windmill, is a nice place to just sip a cup of coffee. Full meals are also served, they have the usual Mediterranean fish and meat dishes, as well as Dutch pancakes. The staff can help you pick a fitting wine.
You wouldn't expect it in this rural area, a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. It's a self-service walking buffet, but don't order any extras if you're on budget. The only exception is the sushi, which is excellent, and for a small fee you can have as much as you want of them.
Dutch pancake restaurant mostly aiming at families with children. They serve the usual pancakes, but also some original ones, such as pancakes with shawarma or Parmesan cheese.
Its feature is its beautiful outside terrace, next to the water with a view over the rural landscape and the lakes. Their lunch consists of several bread dishes, while most dinner dishes are meat and fish in Mediterranean style.
Housed in two cute typical Dutch houses, which are over 250 years old, this French-European restaurant is well known as even Queen Beatrix is known to have visited this place. The outside terrace is really romantic with a view over the small canal. It's one of the better restaurants of the area, but the atmosphere is actually quite informal.
Probably the best of the area, this French restaurant serves strange meals such as pumpkin soup. It's in a small 17th-century house, and its old-Dutch style interior fits properly. Its terrace outside offers nice views over the rural landscape. The staff is neat, yet personal and caring. Some people never leave, but spend the night at one of its rooms.
Typical to-go Chinese/Indonesian restaurant which Dutch town offers. Don't expect a fancy restaurant, just good food for not too much. This place does offer spicy dishes from China's Sichuan province which is quite uncommon in the Netherlands.
It's generally a good restaurant, but even though they seem to want to be a top-class restaurant, it really doesn't qualify for that. It has a nice location at the water, but the service is a bit informal and feels a bit like a simple lunch cafe.
You wouldn't expect it in this rural area, a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. It's a self-service walking buffet, but don't order any extras if you're on budget. The only exception is the sushi, which is excellent, and for a small fee you can have as much as you want of them.
Italian pizzas, spare-ribs and shawarma. Not much to say about this one, it's a simple budget place for a quick snack.
Indonesian restaurant with cuisine from Central Java. The atmosphere is relaxed, but looks a bit old-fashioned (funnily it adds something to the experience). Try the "rijsttafel", it's the best dish they offer. Don't worry to order some extra rice, it's free.
Restaurant for lunch and dinner near the Loosdrechtse Plassen with terrace view over the water. Do not expect luxury cuisine here, but the menu is extensive and is known for many fish and grill dishes.
Freestanding guesthouse at the river with shower, toilet, small kitchen and fridge. They only have place for two guests in total, so be sure to book early. Includes breakfast, lunch can be arranged for €5 extra.
By bus
Buses are infrequent and unreliable, and it's hard to reach certain places, but if you don't have a car, you don't have a choice.
By car
The Vechtstreek is well connected by road. Motorway A2 runs between Amsterdam and Utrecht and is the main access road for all important villages in the Vechtstreek.
Getting around by public transport buses is possible, but complicated. The easiest way to get around is by car, by bike, or even better, by boat. Bikes can be rented at railway stations.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Amsterdam · International · AMS
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