Houten

Houten is a municipality and town in the central Netherlands, located in the province of Utrecht, just southeast of the city of Utrecht. It is part of the Utrecht metropolitan area and has a population in the mid tens of thousands, with around fifty-five thousand residents.

Houten originated as a planned community developed from the 1960s onward to relieve housing pressure in the Utrecht region. The master plan emphasizes a car-friendly outer ring and a largely car-free town center, linked by an extensive network of dedicated cycle paths and pedestrian routes. The design aims to separate through-traffic from local streets and to promote sustainable mobility and high quality public spaces.

The municipality combines the historic village of Houten with several newly built residential neighborhoods to the north and south. Green spaces, parks, and water features are integrated throughout the urban fabric, and cycling routes connect neighborhoods to schools, shops, and recreational areas.

Transport and connectivity are central to Houten’s layout. The town is served by two railway stations, Houten and Houten Castellum, on the Utrecht–Boxtel line, offering frequent regional services to Utrecht, ’s-Hertogenbosch, and other cities. In addition to rail, a well-developed cycle network and bus services link Houten to surrounding towns, while major roads provide road connections for commuters.

Economy and culture: The Castellum district hosts shopping and business facilities, complemented by schools, sports venues, and cultural activities. Houten is often cited as an example of successful planned development and cycling-friendly urban design, with regular local markets and community events contributing to its local identity.