Naarden

Naarden is an architectural gem in the Gooi region, whose aerial view reveals an excellent six-pointed star. The city's defensive system, featuring double moats and massive bastions, has been preserved in remarkable condition. A visit to the Fortress Museum (Vestingmuseum) is highly recommended, where you can explore underground casemates and learn about the Dutch Water Line. The historic center is home to the St. Vitus Church (Grote Kerk), famous for its unique biblical paintings on the wooden ceiling and its world-class acoustics. This is also the final resting place of Jan Amos Comenius, the renowned Czech educator, whose memorial museum is located nearby. The cobblestone streets are lined with antique shops and art galleries housed in beautifully restored buildings. Gastronomically, Naarden's cozy bistros offer a blend of traditional Dutch flavors and modern European cuisine. The town is easily accessible from Amsterdam by train (Naarden-Bussum station) or by car via the A1 motorway. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the rampart walks are lush and boat tours are available in the moats.

Nearby cities

Utrecht

A historic city in the heart of the Netherlands, famous for its Dom Tower and unique wharf-lined canals.

Almere

Almere is the largest city in the province of Flevoland, built entirely on reclaimed land.

Amersfoort

Amersfoort is a historic city in the province of Utrecht with a well-preserved medieval center.

Hilversum

Hilversum is the center of the Dutch broadcasting and television industry.

Nieuwegein

Nieuwegein is a modern city south of Utrecht, established in 1971 as a planned town.

Zeist

Zeist is a city in the province of Utrecht, nestled in the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.

Soest

Soest is located in the province of Utrecht.

Tiel

Tiel is a town in the Betuwe region.

IJsselstein

IJsselstein is a town in the province of Utrecht.

De Meern

A charming town near Utrecht, combining Roman history with modern comforts in the Green Heart of the Netherlands.

Leerdam

Leerdam is located on the Linge in South Holland.

Driebergen-Rijsenburg

Driebergen-Rijsenburg is located in the province of Utrecht.

Breukelen

Breukelen is a picturesque town on the river Vecht, famous for its magnificent country estates and for giving its name to Brooklyn, New Y…

Woudenberg

A charming village in the heart of the Netherlands, known for its beautiful forests and the Henschoter Meer recreational lake.

Vleuten

Vleuten, a charming town near Utrecht, combines historic village character with modern development and proximity to the magnificent De Ha…

History & landmarks

Vianen

A historic fortified town on the Lek, once known as a 'Free City' and seat of the Lords of Brederode.

Kasteel de Haar Utrecht

Kasteel de Haar is the largest castle in the Netherlands.

Nature

Oostelijk Vechtplassen

A lake district east of the Vecht.

More places

Laren Hill

Laren Hill is located in the Gooi region.

Hilversum Moraine Ridge

The Hilversum Moraine Ridge is a chain of hills on the Gooise Zandgronden.

Zonnestraal Hill

Zonnestraal Hill is located near Hilversum on the sandy soils of the Gooi region.

Baarn Sand Hill

Baarn Sand Hill is a forested elevation near historical estates.

Soester Sand Hill

Soester Sand Hill is an open elevation in a sandy forest landscape.

National Military Museum Soesterberg

The National Military Museum in Soesterberg displays the history of the Dutch armed forces.

Dom Tower Utrecht

The Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.

Utrecht Botanical Gardens

The gardens are located in the science park of Utrecht University.