Soest: Nature, Culture and Places to Visit

Soest combines nature and cultural experiences with different ways to explore the surrounding area. You can discover historic buildings on a guided walk, explore museum exhibits ranging from local history to a military collection, or choose a route based on its stated length. A windmill, regional products, horses and concerts also add their own distinctive touches to your stay.

Explore nature and history on routes

The former Vliegbasis Soesterberg developed into a unique natural area through its military use. On guided walks in Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg, visitors enter historic buildings that tell the story of the Cold War. Guided cycling trips in the park are more than ten kilometres long. The activities therefore differ in format: the walks include visits to historic buildings, while the cycling trips are stated to cover more than ten kilometres.

Two other routes can also be compared by length. The route in Munitiepark is 4.5 kilometres long. The walking route on Landgoed de Paltz is 3.9 kilometres long and takes you through the estate. Based on the stated distances, the walking route on Landgoed de Paltz is shorter. If you are choosing between these options, you have a specific comparison of route lengths without treating the different activities as equivalent.

Museums with different focuses

The Nationaal Militair Museum has the largest military collection in the Netherlands. Its Xplore area introduces visitors to the world of the armed forces in an adventurous way. The extensive collection and the dedicated, hands-on area offer two different ways to engage with the subject. Those interested in military history will find both approaches here.

Museum Soest is housed in a listed monastery dating from 1868. Its exhibits range from an old classroom and a permanent exhibition about the royal family to a section on the Second World War. There is also a wheelwright’s workshop, a fire brigade section, and information about local flora and fauna. The topics bring together local history, crafts and nature. This gives Museum Soest a different focus from the military collection at the Nationaal Militair Museum.

A windmill, regional products and horses

The De Windhond grain mill is operational and mills grain into flour products several times a week, which are sold in the mill shop. A tour of about one hour covers the mill and the milling trade. A visit therefore combines insight into the milling tradition with the products made there.

The “Proef de Streek” cycling route in Soest offers another perspective on local produce. Along the route, you can sample freshly milled flour, artisan cheese, local liqueurs and freshly baked bread, among other things. The route focuses on regional products; at De Windhond, the focus is on the mill, flour products and the milling trade.

Visitors are welcome at Stichting De Paardenkamp every day between 10:00 and 16:00 at the Vosseveld farm in Soest and at the Het Gagelgat museum farm. There, you can meet the horses and see how they are cared for. The two farms offer a different focus from visits to mills and museums.

Concerts, theatre and getting there

At Openluchttheater Cabrio in Soest, you’ll find an open-air theatre with all facilities, set in the middle of the forest. Since 2019, the Oude Kerk Soest has hosted a concert practically every month under the name “DOK-concerten”. Check the current calendar for specific concert dates. Culture lovers can choose between a concert programme and the distinctive setting of an open-air theatre.

Station Soest is one of three NS railway stations in the municipality of Soest. The other two are Station Soest-Zuid and Station Soestdijk. For your specific journey, it’s best to check the current timetable.

Discover more destinations: Soestduinen, Soest, Soesterberg, Vianen, Bunschoten, Woerden, Nieuwegein, Lopik.

For the main travel overview: Utrecht.