When people think of the Netherlands , they often think of tulips, windmills or canals. But Dutch culture is also about everyday traditions, tastes and small rituals that you can easily experience during a day in Amersfoort. From cycling through the historic streets to sampling stroopwafels and bitterballen, here's how to enjoy some of the country's most beloved customs.
Ride like a local
The Dutch are known for their love of bicycles and there are even more bicycles than people in the country (about 17.99 million!). In Amersfoort, many residents don't even own a car; they just get around by bike, regardless of the weather. Whether it rains or the sun shines, you see people biking to work, school or the store! Often even with children on the front or back of their bikes.
Visitors to the city can rent a bike from places like FunEvent near the city center or from public transport bike stations. Biking is the perfect way to explore Amersfoort like a local!
Market
Visiting a market gives you a glimpse into everyday life in the Netherlands. The Hofmarkt on Friday and Saturday bustles with energy: locals come here for fresh bread, flowers, Dutch cheese and warm stroopwafels.
Stroopwafels are two thin waffles with caramel syrup between them. You can buy them at VerseWafels, a local stall where they are baked on the spot. It really is a Dutch delicacy you must try! Cheese like Gouda, Edam and Leyden, is a national specialty and you can taste them at the market. For example, at Marco's Kaashandel!
Dutch core culture
An important part of Dutch culture is sociability: the cozy, social feeling of spending time together. A classic way to experience this is by drinking coffee or hot chocolate with apple pie on a terrace. At Lieve Vrouwekerkhof , locals gather outside as soon as the sun shines, or even when it rains! A good example of a typical Dutch café is Bistro 't Kannetje, while Stadscafé is a real favorite among Amersfoort locals. Here you can enjoy a warm atmosphere and a slice of homemade apple pie while immersing yourself in the Dutch way of conviviality.
LGBTQ+ (party) scene
The Netherlands is known as one of the most inclusive countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage was introduced here as early as 2001, and this open attitude is very much felt in Amersfoort as well. In the city we therefore have a warm queer community with cozy meeting places. Around square De Hof , cafes like Koetje, J&D and dance bar Lapart form a lively triangle where everyone feels at home.
Every year in July, Amersfoort turns an extra cheerful color during the Pride Walk. With a large rainbow flag, residents and visitors walk through the historic city center, followed by music, performances and activities on the squares - a festive celebration of freedom, diversity and connection.
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King's day and night
Amersfoort comes alive in April for Koningsdag (April 27), King Willem-Alexander's birthday. The streets are filled with people dressed from head to toe in orange (the national color of the Netherlands), there are flea markets and the city buzzes with energy. The night before, Koningennacht (April 26), De Hof becomes the center of the party with live music, performances and cafes and bars filled with dancing and partying people!
Snack o'clock - Typical Dutch snacks
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French fries at Van Gogh
French fries at Van Gogh
Stop by the snack bar for a fries mayo with an Amersfoort croquette!
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Drink board
Drink board
A plank full of goodies to share at Bar Boteco!
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Bitterballen
Bitterballen
The typical borrel snack: bitterballen, available at every cafe!
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Drop
Drop
Dutch sweets available at the Candyshop Amersfoort!
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There is much more to experience....
