Holiday apartment in Montfoort: history, art and walking routes

Montfoort lies on the Hollandsche IJssel and combines medieval traces with art, windmill culture and the 2.5 km Waterlinieommetje walking route. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Montfoort, you will find a place whose character is revealed especially through its preserved buildings, historical stories and small cultural attractions.

History, windmill and city wall

De Knoperij is a good place to start. The tourist information office presents Montfoort’s history through historical objects, works of art and documents. At the same time, De Knoperij is Montfoort’s city museum; admission is free. For orientation around the historic monuments, the Monumentenroute Montfoort is also available there as a brochure with information about the individual monuments, at TIP De Knoperij.

De Valk Windmill stands on the old city wall and has been a prominent landmark there since 1753. On Saturdays, experienced millers are present at the windmill and are happy to show visitors around. The Molen De Valk shop sells flour as well as mixes for bread, cakes and biscuits. This makes the site a combination of architectural history, an insight into the miller’s craft and a tangible culinary souvenir.

Traces of the city’s history

Montfoort Castle was originally built in the Middle Ages on the edge of the city centre. It was constructed between 1156 and 1178 to protect the Bishopric of Utrecht from the Count of Holland. The complex includes an authentic gate and an old moat. After the French destroyed it in 1672, the castle was demolished apart from the outer bailey. The former commandery of the Knights Hospitaller is also part of Montfoort’s history; it included a chapel with a cloister.

The IJsselpoort is the only surviving city gate in Montfoort. Another link between the city’s history and water management is the Oude Sluis: it is a lock providing access from the Hollandsche IJssel to the Montfoortse Vaart. The edge of Stadspark Montfoort also offers a view of the historic city wall.

Art, water and walking routes

Galerie Montfoort is located in the basement of Montfoort’s former town hall. It displays works by its two gallery directors as well as by other artists. The Waterlinieommetje Montfoort, a 2.5 km walking route, is suitable for a shorter walk. Those who would prefer to discover the historic city through stories can request a guided tour of Montfoort: it is offered by volunteer guides through the historic old town.

This allows you to choose your holiday apartment in Montfoort according to your preferred daily rhythm and plan your stay around specific themes: De Valk Windmill, the city museum, gallery, city gate and Montfoort Castle represent cultural discoveries, while the Waterlinieommetje offers a clearly defined walk. The various options thus range from a free museum visit and a guided tour to exploring the monuments independently.

Another place to consider for your travel plans is Linschoten.

For the overview of destinations: Montfoort.