Driebergen Rijsenburg to Ijmuiden via Arnhemsebovenweg and Boulevard

This is a long, flat, point-to-point walk across the central Netherlands toward the North Sea coast, linking leafy Utrechtse Heuvelrug suburbs to the dunes and harbor town of IJmuiden. At ~86 km (about 53.4 miles) with roughly ~0 m / 0 ft of total ascent, the “easy” rating is mainly about terrain rather than effort—distance, repetitive hard surfaces, and wind exposure near the coast are what make it demanding.

Start location (nearest landmark/address): the Arnhemse Bovenweg corridor in Driebergen-Rijsenburg—most hikers treat the practical start as near Station Driebergen-Zeist (postcode area 3972 NG) and step onto Arnhemse Bovenweg (Arnhemsebovenweg) within a few minutes. (visitutrechtregion.com)
Finish location (nearest landmark/address): the seafront at IJmuiden, around Kennemerboulevard (the main “boulevard” by the beach; e.g., Kennemerboulevard area, 1976 EG IJmuiden). (leonardo-hotels.com)

Getting to the start (public transport or car)

• By train: Take NS rail to Driebergen-Zeist station (a major rail stop between Utrecht and Arnhem). From the station area, you can walk to Arnhemse Bovenweg quickly and begin heading west/northwest depending on your exact line. (visitutrechtregion.com)
  
• By bus: Local lines serve stops labeled “Traaij/Arnhemsebovenweg” and Station Driebergen-Zeist, useful if you want to start closer to a specific point on Arnhemse Bovenweg. (syntusutrecht.nl)
  
• By car: Aim for parking around Station Driebergen-Zeist (park-and-ride style) or along permitted areas near Arnhemse Bovenweg in Driebergen-Rijsenburg. If you’re leaving a car, remember this is a one-way hike—plan a return by train/bus from IJmuiden (typically via Haarlem) or arrange a pickup.

What the route feels like underfoot (and why it’s “easy” but long)

Expect mostly level walking with frequent paved or compacted surfaces: residential sidewalks, cycle paths, park tracks, and later dune paths and promenade-style walking near the coast. The lack of climbing is real, but the trade-off is: - Cumulative impact from hard surfaces over 86 km / 53.4 mi (feet, knees, hips). - Navigation complexity through towns and path networks—use HiiKER to stay on the intended line when cycleways split or signage is inconsistent. - Wind and weather exposure as you approach the coast and open dune systems.

Segment-by-segment expectations (approximate)

Distances below are planning estimates for an 86 km / 53.4 mi line; your exact totals will vary with the precise streets/greenways chosen.

0–18 km (0–11 mi): Driebergen-Rijsenburg and the Utrechtse Heuvelrug edge

You start in the green, villa-and-forest landscape of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug area, where mixed woodland and estate-like neighborhoods blend together. Nearby is the Driebergse Bos (Driebergen forest) nature reserve, part of the broader Heuvelrug forest belt. (en.wikipedia.org)
What to look for: - Beech and oak woodland edges, with birds active at dawn (woodpeckers and songbirds are common in these forest mosaics). - Fast cycle traffic on shared paths—this region is heavily used by commuters and recreational cyclists, so hold a predictable line and keep right.

Practical notes: - Water and food are easy early on (town services), but don’t assume long stretches later will have frequent shops. - If you’re breaking this into two days, this first section is a good place to calibrate pace and foot comfort before the longer urban/industrial transitions.

18–55 km (11–34 mi): Green corridors into the Randstad fringe (towns, canals, and long straight paths)

As you push west/northwest, the walk typically becomes a rhythm of parks, suburban connectors, and long, efficient Dutch cycleways. This is where “flat” can