Amersfoort is a Dutch city in Utrecht municipality with a well preserved medieval town center. Visit Amersfoort for its historical buildings, narrow streets, canals and stone bridges.
Direct trains to Amersfoort run from Amsterdam (taking about 50 minutes) and from Utrecht (taking about 20 minutes). Its convenient location and quick travel times make Amersfoort a great option for a day trip from either city.
Amersfoort
The first time we visited Amersfoort was actually for a basketball match! My older son and his team played against a local team there. After the game, we decided to have lunch in the city and then take a stroll around town. We instantly fell in love with the old town of Amersfoort. Its historic buildings, narrow streets, canals, and stone bridges created a charming atmosphere.
Amersfoort Old Town
If you arrive in Amersfoort by train, you can either walk from Amersfoort Central Station to the old town (about 15 mins) or take a bus to Amersfoort Stadhuis stop just outside the old town (a 5 min ride).
If you’re travelling by car, consider parking outside the city center. There are plenty parking options within walking distance of the old town, allowing you to explore the area on foot.
Like many other small Dutch towns, the center of Amersfoort is surrounded by canals. You can enter the old town via Bollebruggang – a corridor bridge with a nice view of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren tower. It’s just a 3 min walk from the ‘Amersfoort, Stadhuis’ bus stop, which is the stop you will arrive at when taking a bus from the train station.
After crossing Bollebruggang, you can either walk along Breestraat or Langegracht. Both paths follow the canal, lined with cute old houses and many small bridges.
From Museum Flehite, continue along Nieuweweg toward Grote Spui and Kleine Spui – two small streets crossing the river Eem, overlooking Koppelpoort, the medieval city gate and watergate.
The inner city of Amersfoort has been well preserved since the Middle Ages. It is worth simply wander through its narrow streets, lined with cute old houses and historical landmarks.
Koppelpoort
he Koppelpoort is a medieval gate in Amersfoort, built in the 15th century. It serves not only as a city gate but also as a watergate over the river Eem.
Take a walk around it, exiting the old town via Kleine Spui and curcling back via Grote Spui.
The Hof – central square
City of Amersfoort developed around the Hof, its central square. From the Koppelpoort, make your way to the Hof via Vijver Street to admire the charming small Dutch houses lining both sides of the narrow street. Alternatively, take a route via Havik street for a scenic walk along the canals.
On the central square, the Hof, and its surrounding area, you will find plenty of cafes – perfect for a lunch break or a refreshing drink. Right next to the square stands Sint-Joriskerk (St. George’s Church), a notable landmark worth visiting.
Huis Tinnenburg (Groot Tinnenburg) and Cohen House
From the Hof, continue toward another notable historical landmark – House Tinnenburg. This 15th century house once formed part part of the historical city wall around Amersfoort.
Across the canal from Tinnenburg, on Zuidsingel street, stands the monumental Cohen House. Originally built in the 18th century for Benjamin Cohen, a prominent banker and tobacco merchant from Amersfoort, the house later underwent a transformation. In the 19th century, it was purchased by the Zusters van Onze Lieve Vrouw van Amersfoort (Sisters of Our Lady of Amersfoort) and converted into a monastery.
Muurhuizen (wall houses) and Plompetoren
Muurhuizen (Dutch for ‘Wall Houses’) is a long, narrow street around the old town. It marks the location of Amersfoort’s original city wall, which also included Tinnenburg House. In some spots, the street retains the appearance of a city wall rather than just a residential street in the town center.
You can’t miss Plompetoren at Muurhuizen 47. This medieval tower once served as a city prison back in the 15th century and is now recognized as a national monument.
Kamperbinnenpoort
As you walk along Muurhuizen Street, you’ll find another historic city gate – Kamperbinnenpoort. This gate was part of Amersfoort’s original city wall and it’s the oldest gate in the city, alongside Koppelpoort and Monnikendam.
Kamperbinnenpoort, originally constructed in the 13th century, faced partial demolition a few centuries later. However, it was rebuilt and restored in the 20th century.
The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren (The Tower of Our Lady)
Last but not least is the historic tower on Krankeledenstraat, a standout feature of Amersfoort you can’t miss. The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren is a tall church tower built in the 15th century. This Gothic-style tower is the 3rd tallest church tower in the Netherlands (1st tallest being Domtoren in our Utrecht, and 2nd tallest – Nieuwe Kerk in Delft).
You can take a guided tour and climb the tower to enjoy the views from the top.
Lieve Vrouwekerkhof is a square located at the base of the tower, offering a variety of cafés with outdoor seating areas. It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring the city.
Museums in Amersfoort
During your visit in Amersfoort, consider exploring one of the city’s museums.
I would recommend the Dutch Cavalry Museum (Cavaleriemuseum Amersfoort), especially if you’re visiting with children (and even more so if you have boys in your group!).
If you are interested in art, be sure to visit Kunsthal KAdE – a museum of modern art in Amersfoort. Another option is The Mondriaan House – a museum dedicated to the work of Dutch painter Piet Mondriaan.
To learn about the history of Amersfoort, visit Museum Flehite – the city’s historical museum. Even if you don’t plan to visit the museum, it’s worth a stop on your itinerary as the building itself is quite eye-catching.
Around Amersfoort
If you’re open to exploring beyond the city, I recommend visiting the following nearby attractions. Each is just a 10 to 20 min drive from Amersfoort.
De Pyramide van Austerlitz
First of all, there are beautiful walks in the woods around the Pyramid of Austerlitz. It’s a great spot for families too as it has a a big playground for kids, including a few carousels (playground is free, and rides are for a small fee). Additionally, there is a cafe serving Dutch pancakes and other food, with a spacious outdoor seating area where you can relax while your kids enjoying the playground.
But the main feature of the area is the Pyramid of Austerlitz and its obelisk – an early 19th century pyramid constructed on a hill as a tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s brother Louis Napoleon, who was the king of Holland at that time, gave the monument the name “Pyramid of Austerlitz” in honor of the famous battle.
For a small fee, visitors can climb to the top of the pyramid and enjoy the panoramic views of the area.
National Military Museum
Located halfway between Amersfoort and Utrecht, the National Military Museum features a large exhibition of tanks, planes, armor, and weaponry. Lots of interesting facts to learn (via videos, information boards and stands) and a nice interactive area designed especially for kids.
For more ideas on kids-friendly destinations in this part of the Netherlands, check out my post: Favourite Places to Visit in Utrecht with Kids.
Kasteel Groeneveld
Kasteel Groeneveld, located just a 20 min drive from Amersfoort, is a Rococo-style castle that you can visit next. Surrounding the castle is a large park, perfect for walks among the trees, exploring English-style gardens, and discovering the historical ice house.
While the park, courtyard, and shop are free to visit, there is an entrance fee to explore the castle. Check their web site for more information (in Dutch).
DierenPark Amersfoort (Amersfoort Zoo)
DierenPark Amersfoort is a must see destination for families with kids. Amersfoort Zoo is very spacious, home to hundreds of animals, many play areas for children, and even a dino park.
Be sure to allow a few hours to fully enjoy the zoo. Check their web site (in Dutch) to plan your visit.
I really hope you have a wonderful time exploring Amersfoort and its surroundings.
Read next: Visit Delft – the city of Dutch Royal family and Delftware.
Liked the post? Pin it!
The canals of Amersfoort look beautiful!
What a very pretty town. I particularly liked Koppelpoort and the canals are just lovely. It looks as though there is plenty to do in and around Amersfoort and it’s nice that it’s possible to explore on foot. We’d definitely like to explore it when we are next travelling in the Netherlands.
Amersfoort looks like a beautiful place to visit, especially with all those canals. I’d be interested in visiting the museums there too.
What a beautiful town! I love the smaller locations like this where you can really get a feel for the way of life. Thanks for sharing Amersfoort with us!