Why a Boat Trip Through Amersfoort Is a Must-Do Experience
- Moneeb Tariq
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
If you ever thought Amersfoort was pretty from land, just wait until you see it from the water.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a new way to experience the city, a boat trip in Amersfoort is an absolute must. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy this peaceful, picture-perfect experience.
To explore Amersfoort’s canals at my own pace, I rented a boat from Kaantje Boord Verhuur (www.kantjeboordverhuur.nl), located just outside the historic center. The process was straightforward and the owner (Joes) provided helpful guidance before departure.
📸 Highlights Along the Way
The route takes you through some of the city’s most picturesque and historic spots:
Monnikendam: A beautifully preserved medieval water gate that you pass at the beginning of the route. It sets the tone for the architectural charm that follows.
The wall houses: Built on top of the original city walls, these unique houses are a highlight of the route. Look out for the more well-known ones like "Bollenburgh" at number 19 and "Tinnenburg" at number 25, each with its own character and story.
The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren: One of the tallest church towers in the Netherlands, rising dramatically above the city’s rooftops.
Museum Flehite: A historic museum housed in three medieval wall houses, located right along the canal.
The Koppelpoort: While the water gate canal itself is closed to boat traffic, you can still enjoy a view of this iconic medieval structure from the water.
🗺️Route Details (Boat Trip in Amersfoort)
From the rental point, the route takes you straight toward the old city. Just before entering the city center, you reach an important intersection where the canal forms a circular loop through the historic city centre.
At this point, you must turn left to follow the designated route. Here’s where it gets interesting: Whether or not you can complete the full round trip depends on the status of the canal gate on Kortegracht.
✅ If the Kortegracht gate is open, boats are allowed to continue through and complete a full loop through old city.
❌ If it’s closed, you can still enter the inner city canals, but you’ll need to return via the same route
Either way, the journey offers a peaceful and scenic view of Amersfoort’s historic charm, passing under low bridges and alongside centuries-old architecture.
✨ Tips Before You Go
Check the weather: A sunny day makes all the difference.
Bring a jacket or sweater: Even on warm days, it can get breezy on the water.
Book in advance: I didn’t, but it would be wise to do so.
Pack drinks or snacks: There’s nothing like a floating picnic through the city.
Bring a camera or phone with a wrist strap: Trust me, you'll want photos.
✅ Final Thoughts
Seeing Amersfoort from the water gives you a whole new appreciation for the city. It’s quiet, relaxing, and incredibly photogenic. So if you're planning a trip to Amersfoort, make some time to explore it by boat. It might just be the highlight of your visit.
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