Route on both sides of the Vecht approximately 27 km with the possibility in each village (every 2 to 5 km) to shorten the route and return to the starting point via the other bank of the Vecht.

The Vecht region is famous for its country houses. Over 200 of these monumental summer houses were built along the banks of the Vecht by Amsterdam merchants who had earned their fortunes in trade during the 17th century. They fled the city during the warm summer months to enjoy the fresh air and the space of rural life. The Vecht was an excellent place for this, thanks to the good trek schooner connections that brought visitors in just a few hours from the heart of Amsterdam to the country houses. The early country houses often arose near farms that were bought as an investment. After most of the Vecht region had burned down in the 'Rampjaar' of 1673, the movement to the countryside really picked up. Merchants could assume a noble status by purchasing a ruin of a castle. Or they built large block-like country houses with beautifully symmetrical gardens to showcase their status. Due to the economic recession, more than half of all country houses were demolished from the late 18th century onwards. Fortunately, dozens of large and small country houses have been preserved, silent witnesses to the wealth of the Golden Age.

This tour takes you along the country houses between Loenen and Oud-Zuylen. Along the way, all themes related to the phenomenon of the country house will be addressed thematically (not chronologically). Many secrets of these 'treasures on the Vecht' will be unveiled for you!

For detailed route information and experiences, visit www.zichtopdevechtstreek.nl

For all routes in the beautiful Gooi & Vecht region and more tourist information, visit the official VVV website of the region: www.vvvgooivecht.nl