Boswachterij Amerongen, Nature reserve in Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Netherlands
Boswachterij Amerongen is a nature reserve in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in the Netherlands, made up of an old forest with beech, oak, and conifer trees alongside open heathland areas. The reserve surrounds the Amerongse Berg and runs from wooded hills down to lower-lying fields such as the Amerongse Eng.
The area was used as a managed forest for centuries before being turned into a nature reserve. An ancient sand track running through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug shows that people have been crossing this landscape for a very long time.
In the western part of the forest, dogs are allowed off-leash, while the eastern part requires them to be kept on a lead. This simple division reflects how the area is shared by many different groups, from families and hikers to horse riders and mountain bikers.
The reserve is open year-round and has marked trails for both short and longer walks. Horse riders need a special permit to use the riding paths, which can be bought online before the visit.
A restored old tobacco barn at the edge of the Amerongse Eng houses a visitor center with information about the forest and surrounding area. Tobacco was once grown in this region, and these old barns are the only visible reminder of that past.
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