Hilversum, Soesterberg, Bilthoven

You can easily start this cycle route at Hilversum Airfield, a historic site in Dutch aviation. The airport, built in the 1930s, originally served as a sports airfield, but was used and expanded by the Germans during World War II. It was reopened after the war and is now a vibrant centre for recreational aviation. Gliders, parachutists and training aircraft dominate the skies above the grass runways.

Before the airport settled here, there were more potential sites on the list. Almost the Estate End Gooi was chosen, but the owner just didn't provide enough space for this. No problem, as now nature has been preserved there. You cycle from Hilversum through beautiful forests and nature towards Soesterberg. Can you imagine what this looks like from the air? Past Hollandsche Rading and the vast forests of Lage Vuursche, the route takes you along quiet paths and past heathlands.

At Soesterberg Air Base, once the birthplace of the Dutch air force, aviation comes fully to life. Established in 1913, it was one of the Netherlands' first military airfields and played a key role during the Cold War. Today, the site has been transformed into Park Air Base Soesterberg. Would you like to know more? Then take a look at the National Military Museum on the grounds.

Via farmland and through an oasis of greenery, you cycle back to Hilversum. From the air, it looks just like a green patchwork quilt.

Photo: © Ralf Hartemink, Photo collection National Public Information Service Own via National Archive