Naarden is one of many fortified towns in the Netherlands in which the old centre has remained relatively untouched while the urban sprawl develops outside the old walls. Located just half an hour south east of Amsterdam, Naarden makes a gentle weekend break, with enough to keep you entertained without feeling overwhelmed or overrun by other tourists.
The 19th-century vesting – or fortification – is one of the most complete in the country, but Naarden’s history actually dates back to around 1000. The vesting is home to 172 listed buildings, ranging from the old town hall, which dates from 1601 and is open to the public on summer weekends, to humble cottages.
In 2016, Naarden, Bussum and Muiden merged into a single local authority area, which is currently one of the richest in the country.
Five things to do
Visit a fortress
Naarden is a vestingstad – fortified town – so a visit to the fort is a must. The town is part of the Unesco-registered New Dutch Water Lines, an 85-kilometer-long defensive line running from Muiden to the Biesbosch, which could be opened and flooded if Amsterdam came under attack. The museum itself is housed in the fortification cellars and you can prowl around the ramparts at will. On the third Sunday of every month, the cannons are fired.
Climb a church tower
Naarden’s Grote Kerk may seem rather large for such a small place, but when it was built in around 1400, the area was the capital of the ‘t Gooi region, with a thriving textile industry and a sea port. The church tower is open to visitors on weekends from April to October. Climb all 235 steps for a wonderful view over the surrounding area.
Go shopping
Marktstraat and the surrounding area are packed with quirky little shops – not the main chains you will find in any high street – so if you feel like a little retail therapy, there is lots of choice. And, of course, there are plenty of cafes and bars to spend time in as well.
Take a boat tour
Travel around the fortifications and moat by boat and get a different view of the town. The trips leave from the jetty at the Arsenal and cost €12.50 for an adult, €7.50 for a child over the age of three. You can also organise a private tour by emailing info@geleloods.nl. In spring you can take a special early bird bird-watching trip.
Get weighed
The Weegschaalmuseum or weighing machine museum is dedicated to the history of, well yes, weighing machines. It is an extraordinary collection, run by a dedicated team of volunteers – and even if you are not a fan of old technology, a visit is a great way to get to see inside an old town house and admire a lovely little city garden. Entry is free to Museumkaart holders.
Where to eat
We had lunch at Brasserie Bon, which offers classic fare, from oysters to duck breast, and has a good wine list. The terrace on the edge of the moat is wonderful in sunny weather. There is plenty of choice around the church and the market square, all offering traditional Dutch cafe food.
Where to stay
There is one hotel in the old centre, the Naarden Vesting Hotel, which offers 14 rooms and is located opposite the church. If you’ve always wanted to try sleeping in a “bedstee” cupboard bed you can do so here.
The “vesting” also has a couple of b&bs. Otherwise, look further afield and combine your visit with spending time in the other nearby fortress towns.
How to get there
There is ample parking on the edge of the fortifications, and you won’t need your vehicle while visiting the city centre. Or take the train to Naarden-Bussum train station and then bus 110 or walk (15 minutes). You can also rent bikes at the station.
Anything else?
The next Naarden Photo Festival will take place from June 17 2027 throughout the town centre. The Naarden Art Fair, in and around the church, takes place during the last week in January every year. At Easter the church hosts a performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion, which continues throughout the day on Good Friday.
