Amersfoort: Art, History and Special Places

A combined land and water gate, a late-medieval tower more than 98 metres tall, and the museum in Piet Mondrian’s birthplace reveal different sides of Amersfoort. Art and urban history sit alongside parks, recreation areas and experiences on the water.

Gates, Tower and Museums

The Koppelpoort is a combined land and water gate dating from 1425, and can be visited as part of a guided tour. The Monnikendam water gate was built around 1420. The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren adds a different architectural note: this late-medieval tower is more than 98 metres tall. Amersfoort’s varied buildings and historical dates can be explored without following any particular walking route.

The Museum Amersfoort is housed in three typical Amersfoort Muurhuizen in the historic city centre. It showcases art and special objects, and uses a multimedia city model to tell stories from the past and present. At the Mondriaanhuis, the museum in the birthplace of artist Piet Mondrian (1872–1944), the focus is on his artistic development: visitors can follow the evolution of his work from realistic landscapes to abstract compositions with characteristic lines and shapes. The two museums thus offer different perspectives on urban history, objects and art.

Places of Remembrance and Green Spaces

The Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort is located on the border between Amersfoort and Leusden. The nearby memorial commemorates around 47,000 prisoners of the Second World War. In the underground museum and on the reconstructed courtyard, visitors can learn about the camp’s history with an audio guide in Dutch or English. The wooded grounds can be explored independently or as part of a public guided tour.

The parks also differ in their history and design. Park Schothorst was laid out in the English landscape style in the nineteenth century; Park Randenbroek has medieval origins and is listed as a Rijksmonument, a Dutch state-designated monument. At Zocherplantsoen, visitors can walk along the former city walls in the city centre. These places offer different historical connections, from landscape design to the city’s former fortifications.

’t Hammetje combines opportunities for walking, playing and sports. The grounds have play equipment, a large sand play area and a viewpoint by the De Uiverhoeve artwork. Three unusual follies are associated with former owner Willem Ham. This sets the area apart from the historic parks with its specific leisure facilities.

By Bike, on Foot and on the Water

Amersfoort gives pedestrians and cyclists more space and provides good routes between neighbourhoods. Free, supervised bicycle parking is available. A cycling route leads from Amersfoort through the Arkemheen-Eemland nature area to Bunschoten-Spakenburg. It connects a starting point in the city with a named destination, while the landscapes along the route offer a focus of their own.

Themed cruises by Waterlijn also offer different perspectives, focusing on nature, art, culture or special historical sites. A walking tour starts at Stadsbrouwerij De Drie Ringen, where visitors learn about the brewing process and sample several beers. The cruise and the brewery visit appeal to different interests, without requiring a particular itinerary.

Amersfoort borders three national landscapes: Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Veluwe and Eempolder. This regional setting adds another perspective to the city’s attractions. When planning your stay, you can choose between art and architectural history, green spaces and leisure activities, or excursions by bike or on the water.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amersfoort, Hoogland, Eemnes, Renswoude, Veenendaal, Oudewater, De Ronde Venen, Vianen.

For the main travel overview: Utrecht.