Amersfoort

Looking for a nice place to spend a weekend away? Whether you're looking for a place to spend a romantic weekend with your partner or time with the kids, Amersfoort is a great place for a fun weekend. The city has a lot to offer in terms of culture and is very close to several nature reserves.

Amersfoort started out as a small hamlet and was granted town privileges in the 13th century. It grew into a real city in the Middle Ages thanks to the textile and beer industries. After a period of stagnation, Amersfoort started growing again after a railway line was built through the city.

Several new residential neighbourhoods were built after the Second World War in response to the lack of accommodation but you'll still find remains of the old mediaeval city. For example, Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren. The reward for climbing the 346 steps to the top of the tower is a fantastic view of the city. Kamperbinnenpoort, the remains of Amersfoort's first city walls, are also worth a visit.

Culture lovers must go to the Mondriaanhuis, the house in which Piet Mondriaan was born and is currently a museum dedicated to the artist. If you prefer modern art and architecture, Kunsthal KAdE is the place to be.

If you're with the kids, the famous DierenPark Amersfoort is a great place to take them. The zoo is home to elephants, hyenas, camels and white tigers. And they’ll certainly love running around the sand dunes at nature reserve Soester Duinen.

There is not a lot of street parking in the city centre but there is ample space in the parking garages and the park and ride (P+R) parking lots around the city. If you're travelling by public transport, you can walk from the station to the centre of town in no time. There are also scheduled buses that run through and around the city, which can be quite a relief after a day of sightseeing and shopping! Amersfoort is in the centre of the Netherlands and easy to reach by car from anywhere in the country if you’re renting one after flying in to Amsterdam. It's also easy to reach by public transport, less than an hour’s train journey from the capital.

Thanks to its central location, Amersfoort has something to do for everyone.