Amersfoort

The city's past is visible in its many historic buildings, traditional façades and charming streets. There's a fascinating story waiting to be told around every street corner. Take a city walk with the enthusiastic guides of Gilde Amersfoort and discover all the ins & outs of Amersfoort. Prefer to unravel history from a different perspective? Then head out on the water! Go on a Waterlijn canal cruise and learn loads of interesting facts from their knowledgeable guides.

The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (The Tower of Our Lady) is another top attraction. At 98 metres tall, the church tower is visible from all corners of the city. The city owes this tower to the Miracle of Amersfoort. In 1444, a statue of the Virgin Mary was found in the outer moat. When the statue appeared to cause all kinds of miracles, Amersfoort became a world-famous pilgrimage destination. The many donations from pilgrims made it possible to build Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren.

In Amersfoort, the memory of the past boosts modern development. Find out what this looks like in De Nieuwe Stad. This 'city within a city' is located in a former industrial area right next to the historical city centre. The authentic, original factory buildings have been redeveloped into sustainable work and meeting places. There’s always something new to discover in this inventive microtown. Let your creativity flow at the Stadsatelier, satisfy your hunger at Kroast or show off your latest dance moves at FLUOR music venue.

If you decide to visit one of the other National Parks nearby, you’ll also be surprised by the diversity of nature around Amersfoort. The forests and heathlands of the Veluwe look like a completely different world in each of the seasons. And because this is one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, it allows you to go for endless walks and cycle rides through the rolling countryside. The nearby Utrechtse Heuvelrug guarantees the same wonderful experience. This slightly atypical Dutch area got its rugged and distinctive appearance during the penultimate ice age some 130,000 years ago.

Many city visitors find the main shopping streets and squares easily enough but never venture beyond the Kamperbinnenpoort. We challenge you to go through this magical gate, where you'll find yourself at the Kamp: a world filled with adventurous places. This street is home to unique shops and restaurants where you can taste flavours from all over the world. Eat without cutlery at Ethiopian restaurant Awazé or taste creations by a winner of Heel Holland bakt (the Dutch Bake-off) at Anna's Smaakatelier.

At first glance, Kattenbroek may seem like an ordinary residential area but nothing could be further from the truth. Built in the 1990s, this district was a regular destination for buses full of international tourists because of its special architecture. There are homes in every imaginable colour and shape. Architect and urban planner Ashok Bhalotra drew inspiration from the themes of 'travelling and being at home' and 'the four seasons' throughout the project. Can you recognise all of the themes? Recharge your battery with a coffee and/or an award-winning burger in shopping centre Emiclaer.