's-Graveland, Tienhoven, Hilversum

In ’s-Graveland, the estates are everywhere – like a string of pearls still clearly visible in the landscape. This area developed in the 17th and 18th centuries as a country estate zone. Extremely wealthy Amsterdammers bought land via the River Vecht and went all out building impressive summer homes. In the warmer months, they fled the smelly city to unwind in nature – enjoying good food, the garden life, music, and the fine arts.

The cycle route starts and ends at the Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) at the Gooi and Vechtstreek Visitor Centre. It leads you past a series of lovely estates and country houses: Boekesteijn, Sperwershof, Spanderswoud, Hilverbeek, Trompenburgh, and Gooilust. Most of these buildings are still used as private homes or offices, so they’re not open to the public. The real highlight is Sypesteyn Castle in Loosdrecht – a charming museum with an impressive porcelain collection. Loosdrecht used to be a major player in the world of porcelain production. Sypesteyn Castle is part of the national "castles route" – a collection of the most beautiful castle museums and gardens in the Netherlands.