Nature around Amersfoort

One of the nicest things about Amersfoort is that it is so nice and central. And that's not just because you can literally find the cadastral center of the Netherlands here. No, Amersfoort is also in the middle of many natural areas.

Did you know that Amersfoort is the only city in the Netherlands that borders three national landscapes! The Utrecht Heuvelrug, the Veluwe and Eempolder.

Natural areas are an indispensable part of the environment around Amersfoort. The city is in a unique location, surrounded by diverse landscapes that invite exploration and adventure. Whether you like hiking, biking or just enjoying the peace and quiet - there is something for everyone in the nature around Amersfoort.

In this guide we take you along the most beautiful spots and give you tips to fully enjoy all the natural beauty the region has to offer. Be surprised by the variety of landscapes, from vast moors to dense forests and from sand drifts to polders. Discover why Amersfoort is the perfect base for nature lovers!

The green lung of central Netherlands

Amersfoort can rightly call itself the green lung of the central Netherlands. In fact, the city borders no less than three national landscapes: the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Veluwe and the Eempolder. This unique location provides an enormous diversity of natural areas within easy reach.

Did you know that Amersfoort is the only city in the Netherlands that borders three national landscapes? This makes the city an ideal base for nature lovers. Within no time you are in the middle of nature, whether you are heading east, west or north.

Amersfoort's natural areas offer something for everyone:

• Extensive forests for wonderful hiking
• Heathlands turning beautiful purple in late summer
• Sand drifts where you imagine yourself in the desert
• Polders with wide vistas and meadow birds
• Rivers and lakes for water recreation

Whether you are looking for peace, action or adventure - in the nature around Amersfoort you will find it all. Be surprised by the diversity and beauty of this green oasis in the heart of the Netherlands.

Discover the pearls of Utrecht's Heuvelrug

The Utrechtse Heuvelrug is one of the most popular natural areas in the Amersfoort area. This vast forest area stretches from Amersfoort to the Rhine River and offers endless opportunities for hiking, biking and enjoying nature.

Characteristic of the Utrecht Heuvelrug are the rolling hills, dense forests and stately estates. The area has a rich history, traces of which are still visible everywhere. There are prehistoric burial mounds, medieval castles and 17th and 18th century stately homes.

Some highlights of the Utrecht Heuvelrug:

• Den Treek-Henschoten estate: vast forest area with beautiful hiking and biking routes
• Soesterduinen: unique drifting sand area where you can enjoy a great stroll
• Groeneveld Castle: stately estate with beautiful gardens
• Pyramid of Austerlitz: extraordinary viewpoint with a rich history

Utrecht's Heuvelrug is worth visiting all year round. In spring you can see the forests awaken, in summer the trees offer coolness, in autumn the forest colors beautifully and in winter you can enjoy hushed winter scenes.

Explore the rugged beauty of the Veluwe

De Veluwe is the largest contiguous nature reserve in the Netherlands and extends to the outskirts of Amersfoort. This vast area is known for its varied landscape with forests, moors, sand drifts and fens.

De Veluwe offers endless possibilities for outdoor activities. Whether you want to hike, bike, mountain bike or horseback ride - it's all possible here. Thanks to the vastness of the area, you can still truly experience peace and quiet here.

Some highlights of the Veluwe near Amersfoort:

• Radio Kootwijk: imposing former transmitting station in the middle of nature
• Kootwijkerzand: largest active sand drift in Western Europe
• Hoge Veluwe National Park: famous nature reserve with Kröller-Müller museum
• Veluwe wildlife spotting: red deer, wild boar and mouflon

De Veluwe is impressive in every season. In spring and summer you can enjoy blooming moors, in autumn beautiful autumn colors and mushrooms, and in winter hushed winter landscapes.

Relax in the vast Eempolder

For those who love open landscapes and sweeping vistas, the Eempolder is a must-visit. This vast polder landscape stretches from Amersfoort to Lake Eemmeer and offers a totally different nature experience than the forests and moors.

The Eempolder is a paradise for birdwatchers and lovers of peace and quiet. The area is known for its rich meadow bird population and you can enjoy biking and hiking along winding dikes and ditches.

Some highlights of the Eempolder:

• Bird watching cabin De Slaag: spot unusual meadow birds
• Bike route along the Eem: follow the river from Amersfoort to Lake Eemmeer
• Theetuin Eemnes: pause at this atmospheric tea garden in the middle of the polder
• Bunschoten-Spakenburg: visit this picturesque fishing village on Lake Eemmeer

The Eempolder is worth seeing all year round, but especially in spring and summer you can enjoy meadow birds, flowering meadows and beautiful skies here.

Plan your next nature adventure

Now that you've gotten an impression of the beautiful natural areas around Amersfoort, it's time to get out and about on your own! Whether you want to take a short walk or plan a multi-day bike ride - the possibilities are endless.

Some tips to get the most out of your nature visit:

• Check the websites of nature organizations in advance for up-to-date information and tips
• Download useful hiking and biking apps with routes and points of interest
• Bring binoculars to spot birds and wildlife
• Go out early for the best light and the best chance of seeing animals
• Respect nature and do not leave litter behind

Amersfoort is the perfect base to explore all these beautiful natural areas. After a day in nature, you can enjoy the cozy terraces and restaurants in the city. So what are you waiting for? Put on your walking shoes and go on an adventure in the nature around Amersfoort!