This city is the perfect destination if you want to combine a day of shopping in Utrecht with bicycle tours, walks and other activities in the area.
Because of its location, Houten has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a destination where you can enjoy nature or for an affordable base for a weekend in Utrecht, Houten is the perfect choice!
Houten is a centuries-old settlement but wasn't recognised as a municipality until the 19th century when the Netherlands was part of the French empire. Today, it's a picturesque city where you can still see traces of its past.
Start your visit to Houten with a walk around town. Stroll through the picturesque city centre, go shopping and then relax at a sidewalk café. And don’t forget to visit the only remaining city gate, the Steenen Poort (stone gate) in Tiellandt. Houten once had 15 such gates which were annexes to big farms.
There's also a lot to see around Houten, including a castle! You'll recognise the impressive Kasteel Heemstede by the different towers sticking out in the countryside. The castle is currently home to a Michelin-star restaurant.
The bicycle tour along the Lek is the perfect way to spend a day outdoors. Houten also has a few parks, such as Kooikerspark and Imkerspark.
If you’re looking for more of an urban experience, Utrecht is around the corner, making it the perfect destination for a day of shopping or an evening performance. Climb the famous Dom tower for a spectacular view of the area.
Houten has a train station, so you can get almost anywhere very quickly. It takes just 9 minutes to get to the centre of Utrecht! Public transport is the fastest and cheapest way of visiting the city. Houten itself is easy to explore on foot, and if you want to go out into the countryside, you can hire a bicycle.
Houten is in the centre of the Netherlands and easy to reach by car. And, because it has a train station, it's also easy to reach by public transport.
Houten is located in the centre of the Netherlands and has a lot of history and nature to discover and enjoy.
