Note: The mood lighting will be hung in phases over the next few weeks.
Looking for presents in a historic center full of twinkling lights: it is one of those traditions where look forward to every year. But this year it will be extra special. Because the mood lighting in downtown Amersfoort has been completely renewed! And not without reason - the decorations have been designed exclusively for Amersfoort. Contemporary designs that each tell stories about the city. Thus, past and present come together twinkling.
At the bottom of the article you will find a Google Maps map with the full route.
Light gates: welcome to the center
Amersfoort is a fortified city where the old city walls once encircled the downtown area in two protective rings. And at three spots where the second wall once stood, you’ll now find magical light gates that mark the entrance to the city center. Our walk starts at the light gate at the beginning of the Kamp.
© MK Illumination
If you walk through it, you’ll come across Restaurant De Aubergerie almost immediately. It’s the perfect place to start the route with a full stomach. At this BIB Gourmand-awarded restaurant, you can enjoy French culinary delights while taking in the view of the brand-new atmospheric lighting.
Shining over the Kamp
We continue walking across the Kamp, toward the Kamperbinnenpoort. For centuries, traders, travelers and pilgrims entered the city via this route - a lively gateway full of inns where you could eat, sleep and lose your horses. Not the least Amersfoorters lived on this street: from merchants and the wealthy bourgeoisie to the mayor and even the city artist. In the cozy side streets you will find traces of the craftsmen who once lived and worked here.
The name Kamp first appeared in 1388 as “Coecamp”: the fenced-in area between the double city walls where livestock was kept. The rugged image of the bull thus refers to Amersfoort’s rich past as a livestock trading town. Young bulls were fattened here, ready for the market.
Tip: Be sure to look up! The monumental buildings on this street are beautifully preserved and shine extra beautifully under the new tree lighting.
Gateway to the past
The Kamperbinnenpoort is the only remaining city gate of the first city wall. There used to be a double moat in front of it and a drawbridge. Now mood lighting beautifully highlights the niches above the gate, niches from which enemies were once fought with crossbows, lances or hot pitch. Fortunately, today you just walk safely under it.
The Langestraat in a new light
On the other side of the Kamperbinnenpoort you step straight onto the Langestraat; Amersfoort's largest shopping street and a where Mecca for shopping for the holidays. On the facades you spot the new lighting specially designed for the city. The graceful wrought iron curl is inspired by the lanterns from the Muurhuizen, while the fixture is modern. A perfect mix of old and new, exactly like Amersfoort itself. The mood lighting hangs from the wall bracket with a playful nod to the oldest city coat of arms from 1233.
Canals with a glow-up
Via the Groenmarkt and the Appelmarkt, we end up on the Havik, one of the city's most beautiful canals. The tree lighting here is designed so that the light is subtly reflected in the water. From the Havik, walk toward the Grote en Kleine Spui. Be sure to stop at the view of the illuminated Koppelpoort with its linden trees. Breathtakingly beautiful!
Tip: On the Grote Spui 5A you will find Gula Delicatessen. Where else can you find such an assortment of chocolate?
Playful Treasures
We continue our walk to Krommestraat, the place to go for a personal or unique Christmas gift. Feel free to pop into Tara-Boeddha, Dille & Kamille, or Roots. In this cozy little street, you’ll spot a gold-colored ball and ring among the festive lights. They symbolize “playing in the city”: from children letting loose in the streets to adults enjoying festivals and events. In Amersfoort, there’s always something to do.
Floating freshwater fish
Through the Hof, the route continues to Kortegracht, where you will find the Vishal. Here eye-catching chandeliers full of luminous fish sparkle. A reference to the centuries when fish were sold here. The four chandeliers hang above the old fish benches, where the catch was once cleaned. Look up and discover zander, carp, bream and roach that literally light up the history of this place.
Tip: At the Mondrian House, visit the spectacular 3D video presentation The World of Piet Mondriaan.
And byrrrr
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Mooierstraat
From Kortegracht, turn right into Mooierstraat before the museum. In this shopping area you will find special stores and atmospheric lighting that, with color and clean lines, subtly refers to Mondriaan's work.
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Lieve Vrouwekerkhof
Amersfoort has always been a hospitable city for pilgrims, travelers and refugees - even the tower was built with their donations. That hospitality is reflected in the mood lighting in the trees: the open crowns symbolize the open arms with which the city welcomes its guests.
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Varkensmarkt
We continue the route to the Varkensmarkt, which has recently been redesigned. It has become a real meeting place and shows how the city center will change in the coming years: with more space for pedestrians and greenery. Look around and spot the differences in lighting!
Patron saint of Amersfoort
We end up at Sint Jorisplein. In the Riddergang, on Sint Jorisplein , and along Sint Jorisstraat, one thing immediately catches your eye: the letter “J” appears everywhere in the decorative lighting. This is no coincidence, of course. The shopping center’s logo references Saint George, the patron saint of Amersfoort. According to legend, he saved a king’s daughter from the clutches of a dragon —a timeless symbol of the struggle between good and evil.
© MK Illumination