Amersfoort

Introduction

Located in the Utrecht province, Amersfoort offers you a rich sense of history and a central role in Dutch infrastructure. You can explore a city that celebrated its 750th anniversary in recent years and served as a venue for modern pentathlon events during the 1928 Summer Olympics.

Your journey through the region is supported by the city's position as a major railway junction. Because it sits at the intersection of two primary east-to-west and north-to-south lines, you have easy access to several stations connecting you to the surrounding areas.

Before you go

Before you arrive, consider the historical layers that define this location. You will find a city shaped by its strategic position on the main road from the western Netherlands to northern Germany, a route that later hosted the Amsterdam-Berlin railway. Its name originates from a ford in the Eem river, and its history as a fortified settlement dates back to the 12th century. The landscape surrounding you is part of the Gelderse Vallei, an area characterized by intensive farming.

As you explore, notice the remnants of medieval life in the architecture and local industries:

• The towering Onze Lieve Vrouwentoren remains a prominent landmark from the late medieval period.
• Historic brewing traditions are preserved in the city, with the old bar In Den Grooten Slock still standing and the De Drie Ringen brewery remaining open to the public.
• Evidence of its past as a major garrison town is visible in active army bases and nearby training grounds.

Getting there

You can reach Amersfoort by train as it serves as a rail junction where lines from Amsterdam and Utrecht converge before splitting toward the east and north. International trains from Berlin also stop at the main station. When boarding, stay alert as trains arrive and depart on both sides of the platform. For those traveling by bus, regional lines connect you to nearby areas like Wageningen, Hilversum, Harderwijk, and Apeldoorn.

If you prefer to travel by car, the city sits near a major intersection where the A1 and A28 motorways meet. The A30 motorway nearby provides an additional connection toward Arnhem. For cyclists, Amersfoort is accessible from Amsterdam and Utrecht, and it sits along the long-distance LF9 cycle route which stretches from Breda to the German border.

Getting around

You can navigate the compact city center primarily on foot, as all main sights are within walking distance of each other. For travel beyond the center, cycling is the preferred method of transportation. You can rent bicycles or scooters to explore the area, with scooter routes available through the local tourist office. If you choose to cycle, you can park your bike for free at numerous racks located throughout the city center.

A bus network serves the region, though services are less frequent than expected for a city of this size. While car access to the heart of the city is restricted, several parking garages are available in and around the center, which can be reached using the Parking Route Information System (PRIS). For personalized assistance with maps and local routes, you can visit the tourist office located near the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren.

Where to stay

You can choose from a variety of chain hotels that cater to both tourists and business travelers throughout the region. If you prefer a central stay, you might opt for a hotel in the city center or a cozy city hotel located on a bustling square near the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren.

For those seeking different atmospheres outside the immediate center, consider these options:

• A former farmhouse situated in a wooded area on the Amersfoortse Berg, where you can walk or cycle in the nearby forest.
• A hotel located in a forest area just outside of Amersfoort, providing a pleasant base for those traveling by bike or car.
• Properties located near the highway and rail station, offering convenient access if you are traveling by car.
• Accommodations in the neighboring town of Leusden, situated directly east of Amersfoort.

Food & drink

You can explore a wide variety of culinary styles throughout the city, ranging from down-to-earth bistros and stylish haute-cuisine to international flavors including Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Thai. For those seeking specific cuisines, you can find home-made burgers and deep-fried snacks at Charlie's Burger 33, fresh sushi at Pokélicious or Yosshi, and Moroccan dishes with outdoor seating at 1 Dara. Other notable dining options include French cuisine in a historic house at De Aubergerie, the unique boat-based experience of De Saffraan in the harbor, and the extensive wine selection at Merlot.

The old city center offers numerous bars, particularly clustered around the two main squares. You can visit traditional pubs like Lobbes or Blauwe Engel, or enjoy the atmosphere at the Boothill Saloon and the Irish Pub Long John. For a local craft experience, you can visit De Drie Ringen, the final microbrewery in the city.

What to see and do

Explore the roughly circular historic centre, where the Eem river flows through the old city and the Langestraat serves as a primary thoroughfare. You can wander past the Muurhuizen, which are houses built upon the foundations of the first medieval city wall, or visit the Koppelpoort, one of the best-preserved city gates in the country. The city's history is tangible in its architecture, from the large Sint Joriskerk on the main square to the various remnants of the second city wall and the Kamperbinnenpoort. For a unique local symbol, find the Amersfoortse Kei, a massive glacial boulder that has stood as a point of pride for centuries.

Choose from a variety of cultural and outdoor experiences tailored to your interests:

• Visit specialized museums such as Mondriaanhuis, which focuses on the work of artist Piet Mondriaan; Museum Flehite, showcasing local history; or Kunsthal KAdE for modern art and design.
• Experience living history during the summer months when actors reenact historical roles at locations like the Burgerweeshuis and Mannenzaal.
• Enjoy the water by hiring a boat to tour the canals, taking a bicycle boat along the Eem, or sailing on a launch.
• Explore nature in the green spaces of the city, including Park Randenbroek or the English-style landscapes of Landgoed Schothorst.
• Visit the Amersfoort Zoo located in a wooded area, or find your way to the large Sk8Park Vathorst for skating and biking.

Three days in Amersfoort

Day one, you can explore the historic heart of Amersfoort and admire the architecture of Onze Lieve Vrouwentoren.

Day two, you can wander through the area known as Den Grooten Slock or visit the nearby Amersfoortse Berg.

Day three, you can enjoy the surroundings of De Drie Ringen while taking in the local atmosphere.