Lonely Planet: 'Discover versatile Amersfoort'

It is perhaps one of the most beautiful bits of railroad in the Netherlands; the point just north of Amersfoort station where the train passes the magnificent Koppelpoort just dozens of meters away. A taste of one of the best-preserved medieval inner cities in our country.

As the historical center of the Netherlands, Amersfoort has a history that goes back thousands of years; something you can discover while walking, biking or even supping through the canals.

But did you know that the city is also one of the greenest in Europe, is full of hip hotspots and organizes Into the Woods, one of the coolest festivals in the Benelux, every year? Travel with us to Amersfoort.

Start at the Koppelpoort

Koppelpoort is the perfect starting point for a walking tour of Amersfoort's old center. Strolling through the picturesque winding streets you will soon come across even more medieval buildings; no fewer than 300 have been preserved. The Muurhuizen were built with stones from the old city wall and at the stately Tinnenburg House you can still admire the outlines of this wall.

Getting your bearings in the city center is not difficult; the late medieval Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren always peaks above the rooftops and, at 98 meters, is one of the tallest church towers in the Netherlands.

Inside the tower, you can learn more about the city's history and discover why this is the Cadastral Center of the Netherlands. If you really want to taste the history, visit city brewery De Drie Ringen. In the historic building on the Kleine Spui, the city's centuries-old brewing tradition continues and you can learn all the secrets of liquid gold.

Of course, a tour ends with a nice beer at the bar - the smooth and creamy Vuurvogel is highly recommended, brewed to a recipe hundreds of years old (dedrieringen.co.uk).

Scattered around the center you will find many more cozy cafes on squares full of terraces such as the Hof, where there is also a market every Friday and Saturday, and the Groenmarkt, where live music can often be heard at the open bandstand. On one of the city walks with a guide from the Gilde Amersfoort you will discover many more beautiful places in the inner city(gildeamersfoort.nl).

Mondrian & Maestro van Wittel

Painter Piet Mondrian, Amersfoort's most famous son, was born at Kortegracht 11 near the Monnikendam, another beautiful medieval city gate. Mondrian's birthplace is now a museum: the Mondrian House.

In the exhibition "The World of Piet Mondrian," travel after the painter. You can step into his Parisian studio, experience New York through his eyes and follow in 3D his artistic quest that led to the unfinished masterpiece the Victory Boogie Woogie(mondriaanhuis.nl).

For a second cultural highlight, you have to be just outside the former city walls. Opposite the Koppelpoort is the modern cultural center Eemhuis where you can visit the Kunsthal KAdE.

De Nieuwe Stad

A stone's throw from the Eemhuis, De Nieuwe Stad is one of Amersfoort's hippest new hotspots. Urban cafes, restaurants and stores now occupy the industrial premises of the former Prodent factory on the Eem River. Sustainability is paramount, with 300 solar panels on the roof of the old factory and shared vegetable garden boxes tended by entrepreneurs and residents alike. Right on the waterfront, city beach Zandvoort aan de Eem is a great place to relax on sunny days in one of the colorful lounge chairs(denieuwestad.nl).

A little further west on Mijnbouwweg, you'll find a new generation of Amersfoort brewers at Rock City Brewpub. The recently opened brewery/restaurant plays nicely into combining specialty beer and good food. From the open kitchen are conjured dishes that perfectly match the more than 20 Amersfoort beers on tap. Enjoy twelve hours of slow-cooked ribs or a mouthwatering smoked pulled pork sandwich in the atmospheric dining area surrounded by copper beer kettles(rockcitybrewpub.nl).

Into nature

If spring is on your mind, head out to explore the lush nature surrounding the city. At the Eemhaven, you can rent a sloop to sail in a few hours along the Eem towards the northwest to the Eemmeer, which forms the border with Flevoland. Along the way, you can look endlessly far across the open and watery peat meadow area(aanhetroer.nl).

South of the city you will find a very different scene; here stretches the forested Utrecht Heuvelrug. Rent a bike at the train station and head southwest, where you'll soon be surrounded by greenery. After every hill a different panorama awaits; drifting sand dunes are succeeded by blooming heathlands and driveways flanked by tall trees lead to imposing estates and castles.

End your bike ride at one of the many downtown cafes, where you will have earned a cold glass of Amersfoort beer after an active day!

For more information, visit www.visitamersfoort.com, Facebook or Instagram.