Long before runners and picnic blankets appeared here, Park Randenbroek was an outdoor place for the happy few. Today it is a green city park where that rich past still shines through between the trees.
Centuries under your feet
From the seventeenth century the estate was not only a (summer) residence for wealthy city dwellers, but also in full use for agriculture, forestry and cattle breeding. Although you see little of that now. Still, you will discover plenty of historical traces. The rolling hills? Those are river dunes about 10,000 years old. In the nineteenth century, garden architect Hendrik van Lunteren gave the park its romantic English style with winding paths, a pond and surprising vistas along the stream.
At Van Campen for tea
Photo right: Aart van Egeteren
At the edge of the park, near the creek, Huize Randenbroek pops up. Once the country house of Jacob van Campen (yes, the one from the Palace on Dam Square), it is now bustling with modernity. On weekends you can enjoy an extensive high tea, stay overnight in style or rent the house for a special occasion.
Green with a wrinkle
Photo right: Martijn Kleimeer
Need a different perspective? Get out on the water! With a SUP from Kantje Boord you paddle relaxed along the greenery, right towards the historic city center. Rather sail without wet feet? Step aboard the Beekdalvaart from Waterlijn Amersfoort and let the canals and Heiligenbergerbeek take you into the wooded stream valley. Doing little yourself, but seeing everything. Not bad either.
Dolls & paws
Out and about with the kids? During a day in the park, chances are you'll become a little child yourself again. A small and intimate puppet theatre awaits at the Koetshuis, where you just sit and watch silently. A little further on, at Stadsboerderij De Vosheuvel, the opposite happens: there you just go about your business. It is the place for dirty hands, happy faces and making animal friends.
A green tail
Photo right: Pepijn Rep
If you walk a little further, you automatically end up in city park Elisabeth Groen. No rigidly laid out park, but a place that is literally conceived and maintained by local residents. There you will also find the Parkhuis, once the boiler house of the Elisabeth Hospital, now a lively meeting place for coffee or lunch. Perfect to end your park tour relaxed (or just busy).
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5x relaxing city parks
Whether you live in Amersfoort or just nearby, step out of the daily hustle and bustle and dive into nature, just in the middle of town. From historic parks to green spots full of life. Here you recharge, take a relaxing walk or discover special stories.
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6x The chilliest ice cream parlors
Finally! The temperatures are rising and the sun is shining brightly. With this heat, you do want to keep your cool. And what better way to do that than with a delicious scoop of ice cream? Ice cream, ice cream baby! The ice cream parlors in this blog are listed in no particular order.
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Or view all current kids activities
From the best indoor activities to experience outings for the whole family: there is always something to do. Quickly check out all the activities, choose something fun to experience and create a story to remember. Ready for action? Find out what Amersfoort has to offer them all!