Baarn, Hilversum, Blaricum

In the Gooi you will find surprisingly many large forest areas where you can enjoy cycling around. It feels like you leave everything behind for a moment when you ride through the vast forests of Lage Vuursche, for example. The dense canopy of ancient oaks and beeches filters the sunlight. The peace is almost tangible, interrupted only by the rustle of a squirrel or the soft twittering of birds. In Baarn, a special Pit stop awaits: the tree centre. More than 100,000 trees of up to 750 different species are grown here. A short walk through the Green Pavilion, right in the centre, is an experience in itself. It is almost like walking through a living encyclopaedia of trees, from tiny saplings to mighty, mature species.

The beauty of this cycle route is that you not only pass through nature, but also past places full of history and culture. Hilversum, the city where media and history go hand in hand, offers a perfect stopover. On the edge of the Mediapark stands the colourful Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision. This building is a veritable feast for anyone who loves media at all. You can get lost in archives full of old television clips or put yourself in the shoes of a newsreader.

What makes this route so special is the perfect mix of nature, relaxation and a touch of culture. One moment you cycle through peaceful, green forests and the next you cycle through the watery area of the Ankeveen lakes. Add some nice Pit stops to your route to make your day out complete.