Vecht (Utrecht)

The Utrechtsche Vecht is a 40 km long river in the Netherlands. It flows from the city of Utrecht on Maarssen, Breukelen and Weesp to Muiden, where it flows in the Gooi, a border lake of the IJsselmeer.

The largely channeled, but still curvy and scenic river is exclusively for water sports.

History

In Roman times the river was known under the name Fectio. At the junction of the Old Rhine, the Fort was Fectio.

In the Middle Ages the Vecht was an important shipping route between the Zuider Zee, from where it had connection to Northern Europe and the Rhine, over which one could achieve today's Germany. Because of the strategic importance of several forts were built along the river Vecht. They include Nijenrode and Muiderslot. The river was part of the Dutch Water Line.

From the 17th century many wealthy Amsterdam merchants built their mansions and castles along the Vecht. You are still an attraction for many water hikers on the Vecht.

Flow direction

The Vecht is one of the few rivers in which the water flowing forth from time to time to the source. This is the case when the water level of the IJsselmeer is higher than the water level of the Vecht at the lock of Muiden. Only when it rains the river Vecht flows toward the mouth. In Nigtevecht a connection to the Amsterdam - Rhine Canal.

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