Walk through a medieval gate into the historic quarter of Amersfoort, a charming city encircled by scenic canals.
Walk through a medieval gate into the historic quarter of Amersfoort, a charming city encircled by scenic canals.
Amersfoort is a quaint daytrip in central Netherlands and a step back to the Middle Ages. Archeological evidence suggests the area was inhabited in 1000 BC. The first settlers arrived in the 11th century. In 1259, Amersfoort was granted city rights by Henry I van Vianden, bishop of Utrecht. For over 500 years (1024 – 1528), Utrecht was a civil state of the Holy Roman Empire located in today’s Netherlands. Within 40 years of Amersfoort’s founding, a small wall with moat encircled the perimeter. A larger defensive ring was added from 1380 through 1450. Inside of the remaining medieval walls and city gates is the charming old town. Amersfoort is about 35 miles southeast of Amsterdam. A train from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport takes a half hour.
Krankeledenstraat 30, 3811 BN Amersfoort, Netherlands
The visual pinnacle of Amersfoort is the Tower of Our Lady. Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren was part of a Catholic church when finished in 1470. The church was destroyed in 1787 when stored gunpowder exploded. Fortunately, the 322 foot Gothic spire survived. Adventurous tourists enjoy a panoramic view after climbing the 346 steps during a one hour tour. Interestingly, Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren was originally coordinate zero for the Dutch grid system. This is a means of measuring locations across the Netherlands. Established in 1885, the early form of GPS is also called Rijksdriehoeks or Amersfoort coordinates.
Krankeledenstraat 30, 3811 BN Amersfoort, Netherlands
Langestraat means Long Street. The pedestrian-only street bisects old town. It stretches one third of a mile from near the Tower of Our Lady in the southwest to the Kamperbinnenpoort city gate in the northeast. Langestraat is a haven for shoppers. You will be encircled by local boutiques and national chains. Make sure to wander down the side streets for more selections, especially Krommestraat half way along Langestraat. Another popular shopping option is Utrechtsestraat (Utrecht Street). Many of these retailers are housed in centuries old buildings. Or consider two malls: Sint Jorisplein and De Nieuwe Hof.
Langestraat 4, 3811 AG Amersfoort, Netherlands
Since the 12th century, the epicenter of Amersfoort has been the Hof (means garden). Surrounding the large town square are historic facades filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. When the weather is warm, the locals gather at outside tables to socialize and listen to occasional free concerts. De Hof is especially crowded on Friday and Saturday mornings during the open-air market.
Hof, 3811 CZ Amersfoort, Netherlands
There has been a parish church anchoring the Hof (town square) since the mid-13th century. The church building evolved as the city grew. By 1534, the current St. George’s Church was finished. The clock on the tower dates back to 1429. During the Middle Ages, sentries watched over Amersfoort from the tower. Above it is an eight-side spire. Inside are a painting of Saint George plus two pulpits, all from the 17th century. Extensive renovations of Sint Joriskerk occurred in the 1960s and in 2011.
Hof 1, 3811 CJ Amersfoort, Netherlands
The Eem flows through Amersfoort. The city’s name means the ford (crossing) of Amer, the previous name for the river. The Eem feeds a system of canals encircling old town (Kortegracht, Zuidsingel and Westsingel canals) and one that cuts through the center (Langegracht). These were moats during the Middle Ages. Today, there are countless footbridges and traffic bridges acting like spokes on a wheel. This arch bridge is at Havik. The canal at the old harbor was dredged in the early 13th century. The best way to appreciate these picturesque waterways is by a slow, meandering walk. Or peddle a bicycle like a local. Or you can sign up for a sightseeing tour of the canals by boat. Or rent a dinghy for a self-guide floating tour.
Havik 37, 3811 EX Amersfoort, Netherlands
At the eastern terminus of Langestraat (Long Street) is Kamperbinnenpoort. The city gate was built during the 13th century as part of the first fortification of Amersfoort. The original name was Viepoort. Although Kamperbinnenpoort qualifies as the oldest gate, the most famous is Koppelpoort. The elaborate water and land gate was built in 1425 during the second fortification.
Kamperbinnenpoort 8, 3811 AL Amersfoort, Netherlands
Another surviving gate in Amersfoort is Monnikendam. The name (Monk’s Dam) was a tribute to Augustinian monks from De Mariënhof, a nearby medieval monastery. The impressive water gate with twin towers was built at the start of the 15th century. There is a footpath on top of Monnikendam. You can sense what it might have been like as a guard watching over the city during the Middle Ages. There is also a lovely upscale restaurant inside.
Plantsoen Oost 2, 3811 HH Amersfoort, Netherlands