IVN Nature Excursion – Amersfoort and the Water

A cycling/hiking excursion with nature guides from IVN Amersfoort and surrounding areas.

Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Starting location: Eemplein Eemzijde
Cost: free
Registration: not required
Dogs: Not allowed, except for service dogs
Wheelchairs: Not suitable for people using wheelchairs or walkers

Since the Middle Ages, Amersfoort has developed into a modern city with a population of over 160,000. Natural conditions have played a major role in that development. Geological processes and various climate changes have shaped the landscape. This resulted in dry highlands and wet lowlands with extensive swamp forests. This development began at a ford—a shallow crossing—between the Amersfoortse Berg (Utrechtse Heuvelrug) and the Hogeland (Gelderse Vallei). The waters of the streams flowing from the Gelderse Vallei converged into a river, which later came to be known as the Eem. This ford facilitated trade by water and land and, over time, became an important location that needed to be defended. Amersfoort grew into a fortified city with city walls and city and water gates. This is how a man-made landscape came into being: the city as a rock.

But the water could also rage fiercely, resulting in countless floods. Thus, the water was not only a friend but also an enemy of the city. It was not until the twentieth century, with the construction of the Afsluitdijk and the Valleikanaal, that this threat was finally averted.

During this excursion, we’ll take a journey through time and the landscape—both by bike and on foot—as it has been shaped by water and influenced by humans. We’ll also explore the various biotopes that have emerged as a result and the natural values found within them.