Centred around a medieval old town, Amersfoort is an atmospheric city in central Holland. The area has been settled since at least 1,000 BC and flourished during the Middle Ages before evolving into an important railway junction. In the lead-up to World War II, it was the largest garrison town in the Netherlands.
Things to do in Amersfoort
Dominating Amersfoort’s skyline is the Tower of Our Lady, a soaring Gothic structure that rises to 98 metres and is the third-highest church tower in the Netherlands. Constructed in the mid-15th century, it originally belonged to a church that was destroyed during a gunpowder explosion in the 18th century. Climb to the top for sweeping panoramas across the city either during the day or at night.
Amersfoort is home to one of the finest examples of a combined water and road gate in the Netherlands, the Koppelpoort, which was originally established in the 14th century. Its impressive brick design includes a large archway that allowed small boats to pass through. Nearby is the striking Kunsthal KAdE, which showcases changing exhibitions of contemporary and modern art.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to the DierenPark Amersfoort, which is one of the most popular wildlife parks in the Netherlands. It was originally founded in 1948 and is now home to over 150 animals that include northern giraffes, hamadryas baboons and Japanese cranes. Learn about nocturnal living in The Night exhibit and stroll through the Dutch Forest to observe European badgers and wolves.
Getting around Amersfoort
Amersfoort is around 40 minutes’ drive from Amsterdam and just under an hour from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Amersfoort railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Amersfoort can easily be explored on foot.