About Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a very historic and attractive city to the west of Amsterdam. It has many fine medieval buildings that are well maintained. It is a busy place with a population of just under 150,000 inhabitants, but the town centre is easily explored on foot, with most of the main attractions being easily within walking distance. The railway station is one of the busiest in Holland with several tracks converging on the area.

When you stroll through the city centre of Amersfoort, you will discover a centuries-old street pattern. Admire the many historic buildings and well-tended monuments. It is a beautiful, compact city centre that is just perfect for a day on the town. Amersfoort draws more than a million day tourists every year, partly thanks to its beautiful city centre, lovely canals, great shopping opportunities, and welcoming terraces, cafés and restaurants.

What is known in Amersfoort?

Amersfoort is famous for its historic and attractive city centre, with landmarks such as the famous “Koppelpoort” and the 15th century “Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren” (Our Lady tower). Its historical well preserved city centre offers a great shopping experiences catering for everyone. Amersfoort is also known as the hometown of the famous Dutch painter “Piet Mondrian”, and has a museum dedicated to his work (“Mondriaanhuis”).

What makes Amersfoort attractive to visit?

Amersfoort is a great city to go shopping in, with everything, (and everyone) catered for, from large international department and clothing stores, to small local arts and crafts establishments. The main shopping centre is called the “Sint Jorisplein” and this houses all of the major shops and stores, but if you go for a wander down the side streets there are many small independent shops.

Amersfoort is a great city for the tourist. It has a well preserved old town with many medieval buildings and great shopping, entertainments and food.

A few museums and places to visit are:

• “Museum Flehite” is an interesting museum that is in a row of old houses,(16th century) and has an interesting collection of both artefacts and works of art that are relevant to the city and the surrounding areas.
• “Mondriaanhuis” is an art gallery and museum dedicated to the life and works of the artist Piet Mondriaan in the house where he was brought up.
• The “Lieve Vrouwe tower” is all that was left after the original church was blown up accidentally. At just under a hundred metres high, if you make the effort to climb the tower you will be able to get some spectacular views over the city.
• “Amersfoort Zoo” is much more than normal zoo. As well as all of the animals that you would expect to find in a zoo, there are exhibits such as the dinosaurs in the wood and the “Rijk der Reuzen” where you can meet the elephants.