Discover Amersfoort | A forward-looking medieval city (2024)

Discover Amersfoort | A forward-looking medieval city (1)

It’s no wonder that more than one million people from the Netherlands and abroad visit Amersfoort every year. With a medieval city centre, various sights, unique shopping options and a vibrant hospitality industry, there’s something for everyone. As a matter of fact, it was crowned the European City of the Year in 2024 by the Academy of Urbanism in London.

Like a local

Experience the city like a ‘keientrekker’ (boulder puller)

Experience the city like a ‘keientrekker’ (boulder puller)

Discover Amersfoort | A forward-looking medieval city (2)

© Citymarketing Amersfoort

Nicknamed the Keistad (Boulder City) Amersfoort is home to more than 160,000 Keientrekkers, as its inhabitants are called. This medieval city has been evolving for centuries and new residential areas built in the 1980s and 1990s. One such district is Kattenbroek, which is garnering worldwide praise for its unique, creative architecture. Right next to the city centre is an innovative hub called The New City. The future here is standing firmly on the shoulders of history. The original factory buildings of this former industrial area are now home to educational institutions, hospitality establishments, sustainable businesses and trendy meeting and workplaces.

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.

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© Jan de Ridder via NTBC

Culture vultures will enjoy Amersfoort's many museums and theatres. There is always an exhibition or show that suits your interests. For example, enjoy national and international exhibitions by contemporary artists at Kunsthal KAdE. Interested in the city's history and past art movements? Then treat yourself with a visit to the unique Museum Flehite. And let’s not forget the world-renowned artist Piet Mondrian, Amersfoort born and bred. You can learn all about his life at the Mondrian House. Theatre lovers will enjoy the two theatres in the city centre: De Lieve Vrouw and Flint. Visit De Lieve vrouw to discover the latest arthouse films and be pleasantly surprised by emerging theatre makers. Flint is the place to go for those who are more interested in established names.

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Amersfoort is known for its medieval city centre full of photogenic buildings, lovely views and quaint streets. The Wall Houses (Muurhuizen) are a good example of this. This circular street has an interesting story. Around the year 1500, Amersfoort was expanding so quickly that more space was soon needed. To accommodate this rapid growth, the first city wall was demolished and new houses were built on its foundations using the rubble. The iconic Koppelpoort is also part of the new city wall. Construction of this unique land and water gate started in 1380 and it is a must-see during your visit to the Keistad.

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.

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

Beer lovers will have a blast in Amersfoort! As befits a true beer city, Amersfoort boasts several breweries, such as De Drie Ringen, Rock City and 't Mirakel. Thanks to its location on the Eem River, the city had plenty of clean water and breweries started popping up everywhere. Even today, beer has a special place in the hearts of the Amersfoort residents. The special beer route is ideal for those interested in finding out more!

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.

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

Take a culinary world tour in Amersfoort

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    Over-the-top dining at Dolle Diva

    Dolle Diva is an over-the-top food bar with delicious cocktails and a breathtaking interior. A hundred crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, the bar is made of rose quartz and the plush, velvet sofas invite you to take a seat. It’s a feast for the eyes!

    Read more ondollediva-nl.translate.goog

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    The best (secret) cocktail bars

    Mojito, G&T or an Espresso Martini? At these six cocktail bars in Amersfoort, they understand the craft of shaking, building and stirring. For an even more extraordinary experience, head to WestWing! This cocktail bar is hidden behind a secret door, just like the speakeasies during the Prohibition era in the US.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    Luxury dining

    Taste the best of the best at Amersfoort's eight most upmarket restaurants. The locations and ambience of these restaurants match the quality of the food. You can dine in style on a boat at De Saffraan and in a watergate at De Monnikendam.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    Delectable vegan food

    As culinary journalist Jigal Krant puts it: "You don't need animal products to experience insanely tasty food." These vegan hotspots in Amersfoort provide all the proof you need!

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    International dining at the Kamp

    In shopping area the Kamp, you can taste the flavours of various countries and cultures, including Indian and Ethiopian cuisine, an Asian food shop and Hawaiian poké bowls.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    Meet the Amersfoort grillmasters

    Barbecuing is not just for summer! Head to these grill restaurants for some authentic BBQ flavour. Ribeye on the bone, a juicy steak or a vegan burger – whatever you choose, you will sink your teeth into a deliciously tender piece of meat.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

Sustainable

Explore three national nature reserves

Explore three national nature reserves

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

Amersfoort is the only city in the Netherlands bordering three nature reserves: the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Veluwe and the Eempolder. Of these, the Eempolder is closest to the city centre. From the city centre, you can travel to this polder region on foot or by bicycle or scooter. If you're going with the last option, this scooter route is just perfect! First, you ride past some cool locations in and around the city centre, including Het Lokaal. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch prepared with locally sourced produce at this sustainable restaurant. Afterwards, you arrive swiftly at the Eempolder for a stunning route along the water.

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.

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© Peter van Haastrecht

These nature reserves are fantastic, but Amersfoort itself also has beautiful city parks. After a day in the lively city centre, you can unwind in the nearby parks. If the sun is shining, fill a picnic basket and kick back and relax in one of these green havens. The city’s parks are also ideal for a short walk. If you’re looking to really add to your daily steps goal, Randenbroek Park is right around the corner. This park has existed since 1814. Before it became a public park, this estate was a summer residence for wealthy city dwellers. Traces of its posh past can still be seen with the imposing Huize Randenbroek building, the Koetshuis (Coach House) and the Orangery.

Green tips in Amersfoort

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    All-inclusive vegan & vegetarian delights

    Rozey's menu is chock-full of surprising vegan & vegetarian dishes to share. It is all-inclusive, which means unlimited exposure to new ingredients and flavour combinations!

    Read more oninstagram.com

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    Elisabeth Groen Park

    The Elisabeth Groen Park is a new city park designed with input from the local community, which gives it a unique and personal touch. There are all kinds of play elements, such as climbing trees and stepping stones, a watchtower, a dog-walking area and the Parkhuis, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink in a very laid-back atmosphere.

    Read more onwww-elisabethgroen-nl.translate.goog

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    4x out on the water

    Take a boat trip and discover beautiful Amersfoort from a different perspective. Bring your bike on the boat to the nearby village of Spakenburg or hop on board at Waterlijn Amersfoort and sail to the Vosheuvel petting zoo or another destination.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    From countryside to dunes

    There are a number of nature areas to explore around Amersfoort. From vast meadows full of cows and sheep to colourful heathlands and dunes, each one is like stepping into a new world. Which is your favourite?

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    Stroll past beautiful façade gardens

    The façades of downtown Amersfoort are stunning in themselves, but they literally come alive in spring and summer. Bright red roses and other colourful climbing plants and flowers adorn the houses. These façade gardens are more than just pretty because they also benefit the climate!

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    The Grebbe Line route

    The Grebbe Line was built in the 17th century and was used as a defensive structure until World War II. Today, these vast dikes form an ecological connecting zone and it's perfect for a bike ride to spot all kinds of animals!

    Read more onroutesinutrecht.com

Hidden gems

An unforgettable day off the beaten track

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.

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

A little outside the city centre is the characteristic Wagenwerkplaats. This workshop was founded by the Hollandse IJzeren Spoorwegmaatschappij (HIJS) rail company in 1904 for servicing freight wagons. The area was listed for demolition at the beginning of this century but, fortunately, much of the Wagenwerkplaats was spared the wrecking ball. The striking industrial buildings now house hospitality establishments, an indoor climbing centre, a music theatre and The VR Escape Room. So whether you are eager for some action or prefer to relax in a theatre – this area is one you definitely want to visit!

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.

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© Citymarketing Amersfoort

Hidden gems

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    The rhythms and melodies of Amersfoort

    Fancy a unique sound trip? Get a pleasant surprise by exploring the musical side of Amersfoort. You’ll find a symphony of sound around every corner. Resident, programmer and artist Joris Postulart is your guide through the Keistad's musical jungle.

    Read more onvisitamersfoort.com

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    Hidden vintage gems

    Do you love things with a story? Well, you’re in luck because Amersfoort has a treasure chest full of them! Browse these vintage shops where you'll find everything from antique treasures to retro vibes and from unique garments to that one perfect chair.

    Read more onwww-tijdvooramersfoort-nl.translate.goog

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    The bombastic joy of Neapolitan pizza

    Find a cosy spot and immerse yourself in the fresh vibe of Bombari pizza bar. Enjoy Italian culinary delights in a laidback atmosphere. The menu is bursting with surprising flavour combinations served on authentic Neapolitan pizza bases.

    Read more oninstagram.com

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    Kamp Amersfoort

    National Monument Kamp Amersfoort was built on the site of a World War II concentration camp. Today there is a memorial centre and underground museum where you can feel the heavy weight of its history and get a better understanding of this place.

    Read more onkampamersfoort.nl

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    Cotton printing at the Volmolen

    Amersfoort used to be known for its textile industry and national monument the Volmolen is a beautiful remnant of this. The age-old craft is alive and well here! Take a look around this special building, attend a cotton printing workshop and even spend the night in the Bed & Breakfast.

    Read more onwww-tijdvooramersfoort-nl.translate.goog

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    Film & theatre at De Lieve Vrouw

    Step inside De Lieve Vrouw, a cultural hotspot right in the bustling heart of Amersfoort. Whether you are a film buff, avid concert-goer or theatre fan, you will get your money's worth here! Be blown away by the creativity taking place in its intimate theatres.

    Read more onwww-tijdvooramersfoort-nl.translate.goog

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