Gemeente Naarden
Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets, learn about its eventful past at the Dutch Fortification Museum and take a boat trip along the moat. Naarden is one of the best-preserved fortified towns and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Dutch Waterlines’. After exploring the fortifications and the Naardermeer nature reserve, relax at a restaurant on the ramparts or by the old harbour.
The Fortified Town of Naarden
Naarden is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands and unique in Europe due to its star-shaped layout with double ramparts, gatehouses and bastions. Naarden is the oldest town in ‘t Gooi and one of the three fortified towns in Gooi & Vecht (alongside Weesp and Muiden).
Stroll through picturesque & historic Naarden
Discover the town through the eyes of famous poets via this poetry trail featuring impressive wall poems at 18 locations. Did you know that Naarden is one of the few towns in the Netherlands with a fully intact double rampart and canal system? These poems celebrate the history and stories of Naarden and have been created by various artists.
Naardermeer Nature Reserve
The Naardermeer is a unique protected nature reserve and the oldest nature reserve in the Netherlands. Countless rare birds, amphibians and mammals inhabit this 1,180-hectare area featuring open lakes, swamp forests, reed beds with quaking bogs and hay meadows. Take a trip on Natuurmonumenten’s electric boat or go for a walk or cycle ride through the area. Gasterij Stadzigt, with its restaurant and farm shop, is a good base for this. Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the area, dogs are not permitted here.
Discover the town through the eyes of famous poets on this poetry trail, featuring impressive wall poems at 18 locations. Did you know that Naarden is one of the few towns in the Netherlands with a fully intact double rampart and canal system? These poems celebrate the history and stories of Naarden and have been created by various artists.
The Naardermeer is a unique protected nature reserve and one of the few natural lakes in the country. Countless rare birds, amphibians and mammals make their home in this 1,180-hectare area, which features open lakes, swamp forests, reed beds with quaking bogs and hay meadows.
The Naardermeer is an ideal spot for a boat trip, walk or cycle ride. Gasterij Stadzigt, with its restaurant and farm shop selling local produce, is a good base for this (Meerkade 2a). Unfortunately, due to the unique nature of the area, dogs are not permitted here.
From the fortified town of Naarden via the tranquil Naardermeer and the Hilversumse Meent to Nederhorst den Berg — 16.7 km past UNESCO heritage and rare nature.
Walk 16.7 km past historic forts and enjoy unique birds at the vast Naardermeer in Naarden. Discover the Defence Line of Amsterdam in North Holland.
Step into your canoe and explore the fortified city of Naarden from the water. You will paddle along the moats, past Fort Ronduit, and afterwards it is also possible to explore the Zanderijvaart.
Short 5.5 km walk near Naarden and Bussum: over boardwalks through soggy swamp forest and past picturesque hay meadows by the Naardermeer.
Overcast, 17.7°C
Wind speed: 3 knots / 5.5 km/h
Wind direction: West
Naarden is the place where the rugged strength of the fortifications and the gentle curves of the water meet beneath an ever-changing sky. The weather here is a guest of honour, constantly giving the ancient walls and glistening canals a different appearance. Whether the sun bathes the Grote Kerk in light or a thick mist shrouds the ravelins in mystery: Naarden is monumental, powerful and perfectly in harmony with the elements.