This medieval Dutch city has a well-preserved historic center with narrow streets and a towering castle. It hosts an annual International Film Festival in November.
Amersfoort, a medieval city in central Netherlands, is home to the 15th-century Koppelpoort gate, the 98-meter-tall Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, and canals lined with centuries-old buildings. As the birthplace of painter Piet Mondrian, Amersfoort houses the Mondriaan House museum. The city also has several art museums, a weekly market on De Hof square, and is located near three nature reserves: the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Veluwe, and the Eempolder.
Museums and Art in Amersfoort
Visit the Mondriaan House, located in Piet Mondrian's birthplace, to learn about the artist's life and work. The museum includes a reconstruction of Mondrian's Paris studio from the 1920s. For local history and art, go to the Flehite Museum. Located in three 16th-century buildings, the museum's collection includes artifacts and artworks from medieval times to the present day, illustrating Amersfoort's history and that of the surrounding region.
Exploring Amersfoort's Historic Center
Start at the Koppelpoort, a 15th-century structure that combines a land and water gate. This gate spans the Eem River and was part of the city's former defenses. Walk along the Muurhuizen, a circular street that follows the old city walls, where you'll see houses built into the former fortifications. Climb the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, a 98-meter-tall church tower that marks the geographic center of the Netherlands.
Shopping and Markets in Amersfoort
Amersfoort's city center has many shops within walking distance of each other. You'll find various stores along Langestraat and Krommestraat, including local boutiques. On Saturdays, visit the market on De Hof square, where vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties. There's also a flower market every Friday on Lieve Vrouwekerkhof square.
Food and Drink Scene
Amersfoort has several local breweries. Visit De Drie Ringen, Rock City, and 't Mirakel to try their beers. For meals, go to the area around Onze Lieve Vrouwenkerkhof and Hof squares, where you'll find many restaurants and cafes. Try Dutch dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or bitterballen (deep-fried breaded balls with a savory filling) at one of the traditional eetcafés.
Nature Around Amersfoort
Amersfoort is near three nature reserves. The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is a ridge of low hills with forests and heathlands where you can hike and cycle. The Veluwe, one of the largest continuous nature reserves in the Netherlands, is home to various wildlife species. The Eempolder, a polder landscape near the Eem River, is good for birdwatching and cycling.
Getting to and Around Amersfoort
You can reach Amersfoort by train, with direct connections from Amsterdam (40 minutes) and Utrecht (15 minutes). The city has three railway stations, with Amersfoort Centraal as the main hub. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the historic center. Many people cycle in Amersfoort. You can rent bikes at the train station or at various locations in the center. For longer distances, Amersfoort has a city bus network with 10 lines covering the urban area.
