The Soesterduinen might be my favorite nature area in the Amersfoort surroundings to visit. This wooded area is unique because of the vast sand plain, which is perfect for walking, picnicking, playing football, or climbing trees.
The area is easily accessible by car from Amersfoort and is therefore nice to visit during your trip to Amersfoort. In this blog, I will tell you more about visiting the Soesterduinen and give you some practical information.
The Soesterduinen
First, a small piece of history about the Soesterduinen. Because how did such a gigantic sand plain arise in the middle of the Netherlands?
The Soesterduinen is an area that was actually formed during the Ice Age. About 80,000 years ago, the wind blew enormous amounts of sand against the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Centuries later (in the Middle Ages), people unintentionally helped a bit; by cutting down trees and letting flocks of sheep graze, huge areas of forests and heathland disappeared.
The result is an extensive desert-like landscape, something unique in the Netherlands. For this reason, the Lange and Korte Duinen were declared a geological monument in 1997.
Why are the Soesterduinen so popular?
There are a number of reasons why the Soesterduinen are popular, but personally, I like to go there because it is a unique nature area that can be compared to a “mini-desert” in the Netherlands. The area offers a beautiful variation between sand, heath, and forest.
Other advantages are that the area (especially in the morning and on weekdays) is very quiet. Moreover, the Soesterduinen are easily accessible by car.
Walking in the Soesterduinen
The Soesterduinen is a particularly beautiful walking area. Two routes have been marked with colored posts:
- Blue route: 5 km (1.5 hours)
- Yellow route: 3.5 km (1 ¼ hours)
Both routes give you the opportunity to discover a beautiful and unique piece of nature in the Netherlands.
Practical information
As I already mentioned, the Soesterduinen are very easy to reach. The easiest way to reach the Soesterduinen is by car, but it is also possible by public transport.
Parking
I always park my car in a parking lot that borders the sand plain directly, so you can walk into the area immediately. Navigate to Sparrenlaan 22, Soest.
If the parking lot is full, navigate to Foekenlaan 25, Soest to park your car. This parking lot is next to Brasserie de Lange Duinen.
Also read: Car Rental in Amersfoort: What You Need to Know
By public transport
Reaching the Soesterduinen by public transport is a bit less practical, but not impossible. Plan your trip to Soest-Zuid station and walk about 18 minutes from there to Sparrenlaan 22, Soest to enter the area.
Also read: How to Use Public Transport in Amersfoort
Entrance fee
The entrance fee to the Soesterduinen is, just like parking, completely free.
Food and drinks
- Brasserie de Lange Duinen: In the middle of the forest lies Brasserie de Lange Duinen. This wooden house has a cozy character, a terrace where you can sit in the sun, and a playground for children.
- Restaurant de Eetvilla: This restaurant is within walking distance from the parking lot. It has a luxurious appearance, but normal prices, and is known for friendly service and nicely presented dishes.
- Restaurant de Korte Duinen: On the way back to Amersfoort is Restaurant De Korte Duinen. In my opinion, this restaurant doesn’t look very attractive from the outside, but inside it is the opposite. At De Korte Duinen, you can eat well for a reasonable price, and it is convenient to combine with the return trip to Amersfoort.
A unique piece of the Netherlands
The Soesterduinen is a unique piece of nature just a stone’s throw from Amersfoort. If you love nature and walking, visiting this nature area is definitely worthwhile. I therefore certainly recommend combining your visit to Amersfoort with a walk in this mini-savannah of the Netherlands.
