Just outside the Randstad and located in the province of Utrecht is the quaint village of Lage Vuursche. It’s a popular destination amongst visitors for its history, surrounding nature, and forest.
A royal resident
Lage Vuursche is actually where the former Queen of the Netherlands, Princess Beatrix resides. After the succession of King Willem-Alexander in 2013, Princess Beatrix moved to the secluded Drakensteyn Castle. While not accessible to the public, there is still plenty to see in the surrounding area.
When is the best time to visit?
Lage Vuursche is stunning all year round but Autumn is the ideal time to plan a visit. The season transforms this village into a stunning display of vibrant foliage. The historic buildings and cozy terraces really set the scene. During the summer months, the small town gets overcrowded with tourists. It will be hard to find parking and long wait times will await you at the four or five restaurants.
What is there to do?
At first glance, you wouldn’t think there is so much to do in this small village area. One day is easily enough to see all the highlights, but you can rent a cabin and spend a restful weekend visiting the nearby castles, nature trails and cities. Here are some of the places to see and activities to do on your visit.
Explore the Village
Many visitors come to Lage Vuursche after a bike ride or stroll through the forest. Head to one of the villages’ many terraces to have a drink and bite to eat. It’s the best place to people watch, enjoy the lively atmosphere all while being near nature. The best and most popular item to eat is pancakes. De Vuursche Boer is a traditional pancake house that’s been around for 60 years and a staple in the area.
Lage Vuursche Forest
My favorite part about Lage Vuursche is the forest which is known for its varied landscapes. Heath, fern fields, sandy dunes & birch trees are easy to spot. There are many walking and cycling routes for visitors to enjoy. My favorite hiking trail is De Stulp. On this route is where you’ll see beautiful fields of heather. Visit anytime in August and you’ll be lucky enough to see this flowering plant in bloom.
Pluismeer
This is a nature reserve named after the fluffy grass that grows alongside the lake. It’s fenced off but you can still go for a hike here, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery. While we were here we spotted many sheep grazing and cattle by the water.
Mushroom Spotting
The autumn season is when mushrooms start to sprout and the forest is the best place to spot them. If you wish to go mushroom picking I suggest checking the official rules and regulations of the Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch State Forestry).
