Naarden: Fortified Town, Museums and Nature

Naarden between Fortress, Water and Nature

Naarden is a destination for holiday days with different focuses: In Naarden-Vesting, you can experience an exceptionally well-preserved fortified town, while Naardermeer offers protected nature and opportunities for observation by the water. There are also museums, historic buildings, walks and family-friendly destinations. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Naarden can therefore tailor their stay to their own interests – with culture, exercise, nature experiences or varied days with children.

A Fortified Town with a Distinctive History

Naarden-Vesting is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands. Its star-shaped layout with double ramparts, gate buildings and bastions is considered unique in Europe. Naarden-Vesting is also part of the Hollandse Waterlinies, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stadhuis Naarden adds to the historic character: The building is a Rijksmonument dating from 1601 and was constructed in the Dutch Renaissance style.

The Grote Kerk Naarden also directs attention to the past. It has a world-famous barrel vault and a history spanning more than 500 years. Its tower offers wide-ranging views. For a guided introduction to the town's history, the Gele Loods visitor centre or VVV Naarden sells a historical town walk for Naarden in Dutch, English and German. The “Dichter bij de Stad” walk leads past 18 locations featuring impressive poems on the town walls.

Museums and Comenius in Naarden

The Nederlands Vestingmuseum is located on the Bastion Turfpoort in Naarden-Vesting. There, you can walk along the green fortification ramparts and explore underground casemates. Audio tours are offered in Dutch, English and German. The Comenius Museum focuses on the life and work of the Czech scholar Jan Amos Comenius, who lived from 1592 to 1670. The “Mundus Comenii” exhibition in the monastery hall presents his life, work and world.

The historical connection extends to Comenius’ grave in Naarden: Jan Amos Comenius died in Amsterdam on 15 November 1670 and was buried in Naarden one week later. The “Comeniusdag” is held every year at the end of March at the grave and the statue of Comenius. The Comenius Prize is awarded and the Comenius Lecture is delivered as part of the event.

The Weegschaalmuseum is located in the Spaanse Huis. In the former IJkkantoor, visitors can experience how measures and weights were verified, calibrated and adjusted in the past. At the ticket desk, visitors can also request a copy of a scavenger hunt from the educational programme.

Naardermeer and Paths through the Landscape

Naardermeer is a protected natural area with dense swamp forest and wet meadows. Rare otters and purple herons can be found there. There are five birdwatching points around the lake. The Laarzenpad leads across footbridges and through meadows; at various observation points, you can watch and listen to birds.

The moats around the fortress can also be experienced in a special way. Vestingvaart Naarden offers daily trips on classic boats through the northern part of the fortress moats. This allows you to plan a varied stay combining nature observation, walks and a trip on the water.

Family Day Trip to Speelpark Oud Valkeveen

For a day with children, Speelpark Oud Valkeveen offers more than 35 attractions and play facilities. The grounds include a private beach on the Gooimeer and a 1,500 m² indoor play hall. Children's films and series are shown in the cinema. The “Miniland” play area was developed for toddlers and preschool children; interactive shows take place daily in the theatre.

When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home in Naarden, these different holiday ideas may be decisive: The fortified town and its museums are ideal for cultural discoveries, Naardermeer for observations and paths through wet landscapes, while Oud Valkeveen offers additional family experiences.

To the main travel overview: Naarden.