As the owner of Lodging on the Road, a small guesthouse in the heart of Driebergen-Rijsenburg, I experience Koningsdag every year as a festive highlight. Whether you are a seasoned Orange fan or just want to enjoy the cozy atmosphere: Driebergen has something for everyone. In this blog I share the best activities, practical tips and why our accommodation is the ideal base for your Koningsdag adventure.
Why celebrate King's Day in Driebergen?
Driebergen-Rijsenburg, located on the Utrecht Hill Ridge, combines historic charm with lively festivities. The village is known for its cozy market squares, burgundian atmosphere and beautiful nature. During King's Day, the center turns into an orange-colored free market, while the surroundings invite you to walk or bike.
The best King's Day activities in Driebergen
Free market and local market
On King's Day, we turn the streets around the church square into one big free market. Visitors can display their second-hand toys, books and homemade jewelry. We always love to see young and old building the stalls together. Not far from our guesthouse you can visit this local market with local products. For up-to-date info check the site of Visit Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
Children's performances and games
In the village, local associations organize children's performances, face painting and mini-circus activities. We notice that families like to linger on the orangery terrace because it is so friendly. In the streets of old Rijsenburg there are many games set up by children and mostly supported by their parents.
King's night bus transportation to-and-from Utrecht
The evening before Kings Day we celebrate Koningsnacht with live music in various cafes. In Driebergen it stays mostly quiet, many people like to go to Utrecht.
Night buses will run on the night of Friday, April 25 to Saturday, April 26 night from 1:30 a.m. to approximately 4:00 a.m.
Key activities at a glance:
- Free market around the Church Square: From 06:00-16:00, you can browse among stalls selling vintage items, local delicacies and homemade art.
- Children's activities at the Brink: Face painting, old Dutch games and a mini-disco for the little ones.
- Live music on the Orange Terrace: Enjoy performances by regional bands and sample specialty beers from De Kaap Brewery.
- Evening party for go-getters: After sunset, the festive atmosphere continues in cafes such as 't Wapen van Rijsenburg.
The full program can be found on the website of the Orange Association Driebergen.
Our favorite local tips for a successful day
1. Start with a royal breakfast
At Lodging on the Road we make sure you start your day off right. Our Studio Upstairs with Kitchen is perfect for making your own breakfast feast with freshly ground coffee from our espresso machine. Prefer something more special? Walk to the nearby Albert Heijn (200 meters) for fresh croissants or visit. Get a delicious orange tompouce at the Oranjeterras again this year. Feel like something stronger? From 11:00 the tap is open.
2. Combine celebration with nature
Driebergen is located in the middle of the Utrecht Hill Ridge, a UNESCO geopark. Between festivities, we recommend a walk through Dennenburg Estate (literally behind our yard) or a bike ride to Pyramid of Austerlitz. For routes, check the activity calendar of On the Hill Ridge.
Where to stay during King's Day?
At Lodging on the Road we offer two accommodations, both with private entrance and private bathroom:
| Option | Studio Upstairs | Guesthouse Downstairs |
|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Couples, longer stays | Solo travelers, short trips |
| Facilities | Private kitchen, dining table, sitting area | Kitchenette, microwave |
| View | On the Green Lung and Dennenburg Estate | Quiet garden side |
| Book here | Studio Upstairs | Guesthouse Downstairs |
Both rooms are equipped with high-speed wifi and a espresso machine with fresh beans - because a good day starts with a barista-worthy cappuccino.
Practical info & insider advice
How do you reach the festivities?
Our location is within 5 minutes walk of downtown. Don't feel like parking stress? Leave your car with us for free and walk to the free market. The NS railway station is also within walking distance, ideal if you come by train.
Handy to know:
- 🕒 Check-in 24/7: A personal door code allows you to check in independently, even after a late night walk.
- 🛍️ Supermarket nearby: The AH will be open until 8 p.m. for snacks and drinks.
- 🚲 Bike rental: Ask us about the best providers for a day of Hillside exploration.
For latest updates on the program, check the News Sheet the Cape.
Why choose Logies op Dreef?
- 🏡 Personal attention: We are always around for tips ourselves.
- 🌳 Nature at your front door: Waking up to bird sounds instead of traffic.
- ☕ Coffee lover's paradise: With our fresh coffee beans you start the day as you should.
Whether you travel alone (Only on the Row) or in pairs (Together on the Move), we will make your stay unforgettable.
As owners of guesthouse Logies op Dreef, we think Koningsdag in Driebergen is an unforgettable experience. Here we list the best activities and local tips for this day.
Music program on the Orange Terrace during King's Day
With different types of music, Timeless Groove will again take you on a cover journey through time during this year's Orange Terrace. Timeless Groove will play at 12:30 p.m. 
Follow them up: Timeless Groove
Or visit their site: https://www.timelessgroove.nl
Friday Blues is at it again this year! They will bring you a wide repertoire of rock&roll, blues to 60s, 70s and 80s songs!
Friday Blues plays at 2 p.m.
Rody & Carola! They both love lots of different kinds of music. Therefore they have an all-round repertoire. With some good sing-alongs from Dutch soil, but also music from the 60s 70s and 80s they will make it a fun party!
They start at 3:30 p.m.!
Blues with an edge of Rock or
Rock with an edge of Blues, discover it for yourself! Basic Station close the day in style this year.
The Museum of Military Tradition is also open to visitors with free admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special Activities
- Concert and Orange Market: Start the day with a concert by Aurora & Aubade, including coffee and goodies starting at 9 a.m. At the same time, the Orange Market open in the Church Square, where you can also visit the catering facilities until 8 p.m.
- Stores and Hospitality: During the day, many local stores are closed, but hospitality businesses are open.
Local Tips
If you come to Driebergen, we recommend arriving early for a good spot at the markets. Be sure to visit the Orange Association to see what celebrating means to the local community, especially as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. Come by bike and use the free bike parking from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., monitored by the Cyclists Union.
For a full picture of the activities surrounding King's Day, it is also fun to visit events in surrounding villages. Overberg and other places on the Utrecht Hill Ridge also have many interesting activities.
Celebrate King's Day like a true Driebergen native
Imagine: you wake up on King's Day in the cozy rooms of Logies op Dreef, while outside the first rays of spring sun softly color the trees along the Dreef. Not far from our door, the same cheerful spectacle unfolds every year: a day full of orange conviviality, where young and old are effortlessly carried away by a colorful palette of activities. Let me take you along the most popular crowd-pullers of Driebergen-Rijsenburg, so you can make the most of your stay with us later.
The Orange Market on the monumental Church Square
Walking out of Logies op Dreef down the avenue and into the Drieklinken, you can hear the voices and sounds that make up the Orange Market in the Church Square from afar. Under the tower of the centuries-old church, vendors gather their goods early in the morning for the big secondhand King's Market, where from six o'clock in the morning you will come across unsuspected treasures and, with a little luck, pick up a unique retro find. Between secondhand books, vintage dresses and homemade jewelry, you'll find stalls from great charities and the local historical society Vroeger & Nu, who will be happy to update you on the rich history of the Utrecht Hill Ridge. Around lunchtime, the square fills with fragrant food trucks and poffertjes stall of Dirk Poffers, so you can eat a serving of Dutch delicacies without detours while enjoying the contagious atmosphere.
Orange terrace: toasting with live music and dancing
Just around the corner from the Van Vrijenburghselaan you will find the largest Orange Terrace of Driebergen, where between eleven in the morning and six in the evening enthusiasts feast on snacks, drinks and a swinging music program. Between lounge sofas and freestanding parasols, trumpets, guitars and sometimes a fat disco beat sound, while cheerful people speak to each other and spontaneously start the polonaise. Slightly quieter but equally charming is the terrace at St. Paul's Church, which from 9:30 in the morning invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee and apple pie or a refreshing glass of rosé. Both locations make excellent places to settle down with a group of friends and savor the day in orange spheres.
The starting signal: aubade with Harmonie Aurora
Although the day gets underway early, the aubade at nine a.m. gives an unmistakable signal that King's Day has truly begun. With the bright tones of Harmony Aurora you are treated to an atmospheric musical opening, right at the moment when you catch the first rays of the sun with a fresh cup of coffee in your hand. It is a moment of togetherness - those who come on foot or by bicycle from all corners of the world will feel immediately welcome here.
Adventures for young and old
For families with young children, the square transforms into a playground full of joyful challenges. Everywhere you look, you see children's bicycles in the most colorful decorations flashing by, shopping carts having a merry race on specially laid out courses, and on the central playing field, little princes and princesses are running after a ball or enjoying their own poffertjes moment. Those who want something a little higher up can climb the tower of the Climbing St. Paul's Church for a unique view of the partying Church Square and the surrounding hillside - an adventure that guarantees beaming eyes and proud stories for many a young visitor.
Classic charm: rides in vintage cars at Sparrendaal
One of the most surprising attractions on King's Day is undoubtedly the vintage car route at Sparrendaal estate. Between eleven in the morning and two in the afternoon, you can get into a lovingly restored car and tour along the flanks of the Heuvelrug to enjoy a nostalgic ride. Proceeds also go to local Play Week, so your adventure also supports a good cause. The combination of classic cars, expansive views and a warm village feel makes this an experience you won't soon forget.
See you on the Hillside!
Whether you are celebrating Koningsdag in Driebergen for the first time or have become a regular, the combination of authentic market stalls, bustling terraces, children's spectacle and nostalgic old-timers makes this day unforgettable every time. At Logies op Dreef we look forward to welcoming you and being your personal guide in all this orange festivity. Book your stay quickly, pack your orange scarf and let the best King's Day ever begin!
Final word: Celebrate like a local!
Kings Day in Driebergen is all about community spirit, history and a touch of burgundy. Whether you come for the free market, nature or just a weekend away: at Lodging on the Road you are welcome. Book your stay through our website and find out why guests give us a 9,4/10 give up on Reviews.
See you soon in orange spheres! 🧡👑
