Loenen aan de Vecht

It lies about 10 km west of Hilversum.

• Name — Loenen • Type — Village • Other Name — Loenen aan de Vecht • Subdivision Type — Country • Subdivision Name — Netherlands • Subdivision Type1 — Province • Subdivision Name1 — Utrecht • Subdivision Type2 — Municipality • Subdivision Name2 — Stichtse Vecht • Elevation M — 0.1 • Area Total Km2 — 8.64 • Population Total — 4,410 • Population As Of — 2021 • Population Density Km2 — auto • Time Zone — CET • Utc Offset — +1 • Time Zone Dst — CEST • Utc Offset Dst — +2 • Postal Code Type — Postal code • Postal Code — 3632 • Area Code Type — Dialing code • Area Code — 0294

The village was first mentioned in 953 as Lona, and is probably the name of a waterway. In 1978, it was officially named Loenen aan de Vecht to distinguish from the other villages named Loenen. Loenen developed along the river Vecht. Castle Kronenburg was built next to the village in the 13th century. The castle was destroyed in 1296 after some of the murderers of Floris V, Count of Holland sought shelter in the castle. The area was confiscated by Holland and became an enclave within Utrecht. In 1354, the castle was rebuilt. In 1672, it was destroyed by the French. In 1710, an estate was built at the site, but demolished in 1837. The Dutch Reformed Church probably dates from the 13th century. The tower dates from the 16th century. In 1945, the church was severely damaged by fire, and restored in 1950. There are many large estates near Loenen built in the 17th century by Amsterdam merchants. In 1840, Loenen was home to 965 people. The grist mill De Hoop was first attested in 1675. In 1900, it burnt down. In 1901, it was rebuilt with a steam engine in case there wasn't enough wind. It was in service until 1949, and started to become derelict. Between 2006 and 2007, it was restored and functions on a voluntary basis.

• Illustration — Loenen aan de Vecht by Nicolaes Berchem (after 1656) • Illustration — Row of houses • Illustration — Modern building • Illustration — View from the Vecht