Discover Hilversum
Hilversum, the media city, is unique and diverse, with a passion for innovation and a love of green spaces. Experience the vibrant heart of Gooi & Vecht.
Gemeente Hilversum
A city brimming with architecture
Hilversum exudes the boldness of modern masters. In the iconic Town Hall, architect Dudok’s masterpiece, you can sense the 20th century’s drive for innovation. The city is an open-air museum of architecture; from Dudok’s clean lines to the glass splendour of the Media Park and the stately villas in the leafy neighbourhoods.
Peace & bustle
Hilversum is a city of ‘peace and bustle’. Stroll through the Boombergwijk, one of the country’s most beautiful villa estates, or follow the famous Dudok Route past architectural masterpieces. Just a stone’s throw from the bustling centre, you’ll find the vast Westerheide and the Hoorneboegse Heide, where you can come face to face with Scottish Highland cattle. Special feature: the Zanderij Crailoo nature bridge, between Hilversum and Bussum, is the largest ecoduct in the world.
B Buzzing with media and creators
As the media capital of the Netherlands, Hilversum is bursting with creative energy. In the interactive Media Museum of Sound & Vision, you can delve into the world both on and off the screen, whilst pop venue De Vorstin and the Hilversum Photography Museum bring colour to the city with music and modern photography. From major television events to intimate concerts: here, history is made every day in sound and vision.
Everything close by
Hilversum combines urban allure with a green, almost village-like sense of security. Settle down on a sunny terrace on the Kerkbrink, sample local flavours in the specialist shops on Gijsbrecht van Amstelstraat, or find peace and quiet in the hidden garden of Pinetum Blijdenstein. In Hilversum, you experience the best of both worlds.
Routes in and around Hilversum
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Het Voetstappenpad
Walk the iconic Voetstappenpad: 26 km through heathland, forest, and estates around Hilversum. One of the oldest walking routes in the Netherlands.
- Start location
- Hilversum
- Distance
- 26.0 km
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Kunstroute 'De schilders van Laren & Blaricum'
Famous painters such as Piet Mondrian and Anton Mauve were inspired by the beautiful surroundings of the villages of Laren and Blaricum. Where did they live and work? And where did they find inspiration for their – now famous – paintings?
- Start location
- Laren
- Distance
- 5.5 km
Hilversum Highlights
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Image & Sound
Beeld & Geluid is the place where media come together. For the museum visitor interested in how media work and the school pupil attending a workshop on fake news. For the editor looking for a clip for a television programme. For the artist creating new work using archive material and for the researcher writing a publication on diversity in the media. Beeld & Geluid houses one of the largest archives in the world and preserves various types of media, such as radio and television programmes, video (games), print media, political prints, GIFs, websites and objects. The colourful building in Hilversum stands out from afar. It was designed by Neuteling & Riedijk Architects. The coloured glass panels were designed by Jaap Drupsteen. If you look closely, you can see a scene from Dutch television history in each panel. In the Atrium, upon entering, you will see the ‘Wall of Fame’, featuring (award-winning) media personalities on various glass panels. The media archives are located in the canyon beneath the entrance bridge.
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Hilversum Photography Museum
As the leading photography museum in the central Netherlands, Fotomuseum Hilversum specialises in exhibiting photography and explores the boundaries of the medium by combining it with other art forms. Both its exhibitions and its own collection are characterised by a strong social commitment. Fotomuseum Hilversum amazes, moves and connects. It is a vibrant place for inspiration and encounters, offering a wide range of exhibitions. In addition, lectures, guided tours, masterclasses and special children’s activities are regularly held in connection with the exhibitions. The museum is also home to the Zilveren Camera, the most important journalistic photography competition in the Netherlands. Fotomuseum Hilversum is partly housed in the old town hall, right in the heart of Hilversum’s shopping district. In the historic entrance hall with its beautiful ceiling paintings, it feels as though time has stood still. The modern extension at the rear of the building, with its light-filled galleries spread over three floors, literally adds an extra dimension to the museum. Pop into the cosy café for a nice cup of coffee and be sure to visit the museum shop for original gifts and the finest photography books.
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Hotel Villa Trompenberg
Boutique Hotel Villa Trompenberg is situated in one of the most beautiful residential areas in the Netherlands. Start your day with a good cup of coffee in the conservatory or make yourself comfortable in the cosy lounge. Will you choose the hustle and bustle of the media city of Hilversum or the tranquillity of the Goois Nature Reserve and the Loosdrecht Lakes area? Each of the 10 luxury rooms features a unique design, with a balcony, marble fireplace and/or bath.
Weather forecast for Hilversum
Overcast, 17.6°C
Wind speed: 2.4 knots / 4.5 km/h
Wind direction: West
The weather in Hilversum
Hilversum is an inspiring destination all year round. Spring blankets the villa estates in a sea of blossom, summer brings balmy evenings on the terraces along the Kerkbrink, autumn dyes the vast heathland a deep purple, and winter creates a warm, almost cinematic cosiness in the town centre.