Do you know the Máximapark yet? A park as big as the whole of Utrecht's city centre. Isn't it fantastic to have so much greenery in the city? Now that we've been working from home for more than a year, we're all out looking for nice walking routes, outings for the children and relaxation for ourselves. The Máximapark lies in the middle of Leidsche Rijn. That area has a history going back thousands of years. Because De Limes, an important Roman route, runs right through Leidsche Rijn. Many remains from that time have been found. In lots of places you can still see traces of it today.
Contents
- Máxima's bench
- A bit of the old city centre
- The modern fort: Castellum Hoge Woerd
- Not the Dom but the Observatorium
- Bosspeeltuin
- Food and drink
- Wouldn't you love to live just around the corner?
Máxima's bench
In 2013 Queen Máxima officially opened the park. Queen Máxima cycled the first lap of the park together with the mayor. She then unveiled the bench bearing her name. Even though our queen's name is on it, you're very welcome to sit on this royal bench.
A bit of the old city centre
The Jeremiebrug has stood in the Máximapark since 2015. You'll find the bridge at the junction of the Alendorperweg and the Esdoornlaan, over the Vikingrijn. But this bridge is much older. It was built in 1912. The bridge was an important link between Tolsteeg, Hoograven and the city centre. In 2011 the bridge had to make way for Vaartsche Rijn station. Now the monumental Jeremiebrug shines in the Máximapark!
The modern fort: Castellum Hoge Woerd
Where the Romans once guarded De Limes from a fort 2,000 years ago, there's now a modern version of a fort. Here you'll find a museum, a theatre, a restaurant, a children's farm and a city garden. The location is exactly the same as that of the original fort. The ramparts are just as high and the perimeter is just as large.
In the museum you can see the most completely preserved Roman river ship ever found in north-west Europe. The ship was found during the construction of the Leidsche Rijn district. In this museum you'll find the unique archaeological finds from Leidsche Rijn.
Not the Dom but the Observatorium
In Lucas Lenglet's Observatorium you can take an endless walk. During the walk, the visitor's location barely changes as the crow flies. But the path leads through a 14-metre-high tower. You come out above the trees. From here you have a fantastic view. You can see across the whole of Leidsche Rijn and even spot the Dom tower. You'll find the tower next to the Bosspeeltuin.
Bosspeeltuin
The Bosspeeltuin (woodland playground) is a favourite with the children of Leidsche Rijn. Almost all the play equipment is made of wood. There's a challenge here for every age. It's a lovely place for parents to spend time too. You can enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace at park restaurant Anafora.
Food and drink
The park has fantastic places for drinks and delicious food. Do you know restaurant Dengh yet? It's really, really cool. An old farmhouse on the spot where a castle used to stand. It's a lovely place for drinks, lunch and dinner. You can drink beers at Brouwerij Maximus. Enjoy yourself by the water at Beachclub Key West, and you can also eat at Rare Jongens or have a beer at Brouwerij Rare Jongens.
Wouldn't you love to live just around the corner?
Keep an eye on our listings for homes around the corner from the Máximapark. Especially in these coronavirus times, this really is a place you'll love to visit.
