19 Best Things to Do in Amersfoort

The city of Amersfoort, located in the Utrecht province, is a Dutch city that is steeped in history. It is a relatively small city, even by Dutch standards, but packs a punch in terms of things to do. When visiting Amersfoort, what to see is plentiful and there’s no shortage of attractions to visit in a day trip to this historical Dutch city.

So, let’s dive into the list of the top things to do in Amersfoort!

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How to get to Amersfoort

Located centrally in the Netherlands, Amersfoort is the perfect day-trip destination from big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. At just under 15 minutes by train from Utrecht, Amersfoort is a must-visit, if you are staying in this area.

Pro tip: Buy your train tickets online with the Dutch Railways (NS) for hassle-free travel. On the website of NS you can also check for any discounts.

Amersfoort is very well connected to all large cities in the Netherlands by train.

Tip: Read this post about using the public transport in the Netherlands. It’s packed with tips that only a local knows!

For international travel options, check out Omio, where you can also buy train and bus tickets.

Top things to do in Amersfoort

Amersfoort is one of the hidden gems in the Netherlands, a historical city with lots to do and see. Read further to find out which are the best things to do in Amersfoort. On the handy map below I’ve marked all tourist attractions in the city. You can add the map to your Google Maps and use it even if you are offline.

1. Onze-Lieve Vrouwetoren

Kicking off the list of things to see in Amersfoort is the Onze-Lieve Vrouwetoren. This 98-meter-high Late Gothic building is one of the most eye-catching monuments in the city and can be seen throughout the city. The tower was aptly nicknamed “Lange Jan” (“Long John” in English) for its height and is the third highest church tower in the Netherlands.

You can climb the 346 steps of tower and admire the beautiful views of the city and the region.

Fun fact: The tower in Amersfoort used to be the middle point of the Dutch grid reference system until the 1960s.

2. De Hof Square

De Hof Square is the main square in the center of Amersfoort – a buzzing area made up of bars, restaurants, and wine bars. On a warm summer’s evening, it’s one of the favorite Amersfoort attractions to visit and walk around and really captures the feel of old Amersfoort.

3. Medieval Walls and Gates

Amersfoort has a rich history, steeped with historical buildings, canals, and medieval walls and gates. Some of the most famous ones include Koppelpoort, Kamperbinnenpoort, and Monnikendam.

Koppelpoort

This historical land and water gate site used to control the entry into and out of the city as well as the water levels within the city. It was built between 1380 and 1425 as a part of the second city wall. The Eem River begins officially at the Koppelpoort

Monnikendam

Monnikendam is a gateway that is made up of two round towers and a connecting arch. The gate was used to shut off the water passage below the arch. Today, one of the most popular things to do in Amersfoort is to dine at the restaurant located within the watergate.

The gate was built around 1400 and was part of the second city wall.

Kamperbinnenpoort

Kamperbinnenpoort is one of the first Amersfoort tourist attractions that you see upon entering the city. Again, it was used to control access to and from the city. It is one of the last remnants from the first city wall. It was built in the 2nd half of the 13th century.

4. Muurhuizen Street

Muurhuizen Street is considered to be one of the most beautiful streets in the entire city, and as such, is one of the most popular things to do in Amersfoort. Walking through the circular street, you feel the Medieval spirit of the city of Amersfoort. There are also many restaurants and terraces to stop off for a bite to eat.

The Muurhuizen appeared at the place where the first city wall of Amersfoort once stood, hence the name “Wall Houses”. Around 1450 the city wall was demolished and with the stones they built the houses on the newly created circular street.

5. Sint Joriskerk

Sint Joriskerk (or Saint George Church in English) is the largest church in Amersfoort. The church tower dates back to 1248 when the first church was built in this place. In the following centuries the church was enlarged and rebuilt several times, but the tower remained unchanged.

6. Flehite Museum

When visiting Amersfoort, things to do that involve museums include a visit to the Flehite Museum. The museum houses an array of local paintings and artworks. The whole collection comprises of 27 000 objects, paintings, drawings and prints. There is also a large-scale model of the city as it was in the 17th century.

The museum is housed in three historical Medieval buildings from the so-called Muurhuizen (Wall Houses) type.

7. The Mondriaan House

Another of the things to see in Amersfoort that involve museums is Mondriaan’s House – the birthplace of Piet Mondriaan (1872-1944).

Mondriaan was the founder of abstract art and one of the contributors to the Dutch art movement De Stijl. Some of his famous works can be viewed at the museum.

8. Kunsthal KAdE

The Kunsthal KAdE is one of the more interesting Amersfoort tourist attractions – a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art that has no permanent exhibitions. This gives them the freedom to constantly change the exhibitions, from one unique one to the next.

Past exhibitions include, for example, an Afro-American Art exhibition dedicated to the development of black art in the United States over the last century.

9. Musiom

Musiom is a modern museum dedicated to contemporary art by artists born in the mid-20th century. It is a fantastic museum that contains amazing artworks including paintings and glass art and not to be missed for the museum enthusiasts.

10. Rietveld Pavilion

The Rietveld Pavilion is one of the things to do in Amersfoort that cannot be missed. It was the first ever dedicated art hall in the Netherlands, designed by no other than the famous Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld. It is located in Zonnehof, which is a mere few streets outside of the city center, that was commissioned to celebrate the 700th birthday of the city.

As of October 2019 the 033fotostad museum for photography and visual arts is housed in the pavilion.

Pro Tip: The famous Rietveld-Schröder House in Utrecht, designed by Gerritt Rietveld, is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands

11. The Amersfoort Boulder

Checking out the Amersfoort Boulder is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Amersfoort. In 1661 the 7157-kilogram boulder was dragged into the city by some 400 citizens after being incentivized with beer and pretzels by Squire Everhard Meyster. The ‘boulder haulers’ as they were known, got mocked for their act and as a result, buried the boulder. It was later dug up in 1903, some 230 years later, and can be seen on the corner of Stadsring and Arnhemsestraat.

Fun fact: Amersfoort is often nicknamed the Keistad (the Boulder City) because of this story.

12. Eem Harbour

The old Harbour in Amersfoort is rather unique as it was protected from outside invasions by means of gates that bridge the port. This meant that ships and their contents were protected from being destroyed. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Amersfoort at night as the gate entrance is lit up and is rather easy on the eyes.

13. Boat trip

You can’t visit Amersfoort without taking a boat trip along the canals. The Medieval city is amazing from the water. You’ll pass by monuments like Monnikedam and Koppelpoort and will enjoy a relaxed day on water.

The boat trips are operated form April till November by the company Waterlijn Amersfoort. They offer 4 different routes of which the Vestingvaart along the 2nd city wall is the most popular one.

14. De Nieuwe Stad

Originally a rural part of Amersfoort, De Nieuwe Stad, translating to “the New City”, went on to be an industrial center for a few decades. Today, the area is used to celebrate and acknowledge the coming together of different trades, people, and ideas from all walks of life. It’s a combination of historic buildings and factories.

Exploring the little city is a truly unique experience, and in addition to the historic buildings and factories, you’ll find a city square, an arboretum, and even a swimming pool, among other things.

15. Dutch Cavalry Museum

Step back in time when you visit the Dutch Cavalry Museum located at the site of the Bernhardkazerne Barracks. Learn about the Royal Dutch Army as you wander around the museum – it covers over 425 years of history.

By means of an impressive collection of historical artefacts – including old uniforms, paintings, and even tanks – the museum traces Dutch army’s evolution from cavalry to the modern-day tank.

16. Amersfoort Zoo

When it comes to the best things to do in Amersfoort with children, it doesn’t get better than the Amersfoort Zoo. Appropriate for little ones of all ages, as well as adults too, the zoo is home to a wide variety of animals.

If you’re looking for something a little different to do with the kids, check out the dinosaur park!

Tip: If you book your tickets in advance with a fixed date, you save 2 EUR per ticket!

17. Mannenzaal

Dating as far back as 1390, the Mannenzaal in Amersfoort was originally a site at which elderly locals were cared for during their final years. Translating directly to “Men’s Room”, the Mannenzaal underwent several renovations, and eventually the compound consisted of separate living quarters for men and women, as well as a chapel, among other things.

Visitors can explore this unique historical attraction, and on some occasions, there are even live reenactments.

As of April 2023 Mannenzaal will become part of the Flehite Museum. This section will be updated when more information is available.

Address: Westsingel 47, 3811 BB  Amersfoort

18. Courtyard of Almshouses ‘De Armen de Poth’

During medieval times, the sick in Amersfoort were cared for by the Brotherhood of the Holy Spirit – later dubbed the “brethren of de poth” – and from the mid-16th century, they did so at De Armen de Poth.

This was a place where the brotherhood took care of the old and sick. Today, there are 49 houses in the complex and all but one are occupied by elderly people. One of the houses open for visits with a guided tour. The tour also include a visit to the Rochus Chapel.

The courtyard is absolutely adorable and has a free access.

Address: Pothstraat 16, 3811 JL Amersfoort

19. National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

Built in memory of the concentration camp that was found where the monument is today, the National Monument of Kamp Amersfoort is an eye-opening yet somber experience. Approximately 47000 prisoners passed through the camp during the Second World War, including Jews, communists, and many other minorities. Sadly, Amersfoort was the site horrific abuse and executions during the ‘40s.

Today, the site has been transformed into a memorial center and museum, telling the stories of those who were imprisoned there by means of objects, documents, and photographs, making this one of the most interesting and educational things to do in Amersfoort.

Final Words

I trust that this guide will help you in exploring this gem of a Dutch city – a mere stone’s throw from Utrecht city. With so many wonderful buildings, historical gates and forts, and of course, some amazing monuments, you definitely won’t be disappointed on a visit to Amersfoort. There is also a plethora of welcoming cafes, restaurants, bars, and terraces to keep you hydrated and sustained during your stay.