The river Kromme Rijn (Crooked Rhine) flows from Wijk bij Duurstede to Utrecht and is 28 kilometres long. The river with its amny bends is the artery of Utrecht and supplies water to the Oudegracht and the canals. Normally, seven cubic metres of water per second pass through Amelisweerd estate (Bunnik). When it rains heavily, this can increase to as much as twelve cubic metres. Rainwater then flows from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug (Utrecht Hill Ridge) to the Kromme Rijn via various ditches.

Until 1930, the Kromme Rijn was the main transport artery for goods and people between Wijk bij Duurstede and Utrecht. Where the provincial road now runs, there was previously only a muddy cart track. The boats were pulled by people. Until 1870, the journey between Wijk bij Duurstede and Utrecht took about six hours.