To say that the ancient town of Naarden was enchanting is an understatement - this after all is the best-preserved fortified town in the Netherlands and is unique in that it was built in a star shape, as can be seen from the aerial view below, a screen shot from Google Earth.
Image from Google Earth
Getting there once again proved the super efficiency of the NS - Nederlandse Spoorwegen system; no need for our own wheels, as a hop on the bus from the train station took us to the main town centre.
This trip again showed just how much one would miss when sightseeing by car, but one needs to remember that just as a car needs good tyres, just so will you need a pair of good walking shoes.
If you're planning on going to Naarden, check the bus timetables, as there only was a bus every hour from the train station on the day we went; perhaps because it was out of season?
We managed to work around it, walked a little more, and eventually had to run to get to the bus on time at the end of the day! We saw a whole lot more, and I again exceeded my daily step goal while sightseeing in that beautiful country. This old mama was much fitter some six weeks later;)
After hopping off the bus, we passed a row of shops with some really nice displays along a tree-lined street; Gooise Guitaren.nl, a Barber Shop, and the Patisserie Partyshop.
It was an absolute treat walking along the narrow cobblestone streets and wider paved tree-lined streets with sights of quaint, typical Dutch-style buildings that accommodate cafés and shops, residential apartments, churches, Airbnb's, and more.
Flowers make a colourful show in every Dutch town and city, some so perfect that I would stop and check whether it was artificial but I discovered early on this journey that the most stunning and perfect flowers are for real in this country! They are the biggest flower exporters in the world after all!
The 1601 Dutch Renaissance-style Naarden Town Hall is a national monument and is open to the public from April to October. Interestingly, weddings take place in this town hall.
Throughout history, churches have played a big role in many countries, and this is evident in the Netherlands as well; I've seen the longest church in Gouda, the tallest church in Utrecht, and here in Naarden, we saw the Grote Kerk (Great Church). Why such a big church I wondered as it is a small town. The answer is that around 1400 Naarden was the capital city of the Gooi region, having a vibrant textile industry, and a seaport! One can climb the tower over weekends but have to make a reservation in advance. Notice the bicycles parked off here and there ;)
Naarden became a fortress city as it was part of the defensive line of Amsterdam in the 17th century and has a moat surrounding the city.
We finally reached the 1877 Utrechtse Poort, which was the only entry point into Naarden from Utrecht.
The Bastion Promers Barracks now accommodates the Restaurant Acquavite that specializes in traditional Italian food with a modern twist, in the words of the owners who are hands on in the kitchen.
As you can see, there are many signs here of places I have not even mentioned, so a visit to Naarden will be on our itinerary the next time I visit my son, and we will have to plan carefully, and book some of the attractions in advance.
The cobblestone streets and ancient buildings of Naarden have stood the test of time, a city that once was a fortress, is now a haven of peace filled with charm and character.
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Wow, what an amazing town my friend, and explained so beautifully, feel I've been there too.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, wish you were there, it was stunning!
An enjoyable visual and historical adventure I'm calling "The Chronicles of Naarden!" @lizelle 📸
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Haha, but seriously, that's an excellent title Nina, I must remember that for a future blog!
Thank you so much for the support ❤
With our historical link to the country we should find it fascinating. Being in one place you get to see a lot more than anticipated, the freedom of movement is sublime to us!
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Very true Joan, our ancestors hail from many parts of Europe after all, but more so from the Netherlands.
That freedom of movement and not having to look over one's shoulder, was such a treat. I loved Naarden, want to see ut from a boat next time I visit, if all goes well!
Loadshedding is just awful at the moment, I keep forgetting to check the schedule 🙈
What stands glaring before us is availability of transport when travelling, plus moving without fear, especially as woman.
Boat trips always afford a different perspective, sounds like you and your son are plotting a return soon. Good for you!
I love this kind of places that are built in a specific shape. Even if we don't get to see that from a normal angle but only from drones or images shot from above, it still feels nice being able to explore everything! We have a circular village in Romania but haven't explored it yet :)
It's really cool seeing the shape from the aerial view, we want to go on a boat ride next time I visit, hopefully in spring next year.
Time to go and explore the circular village, I'm sure that will be very special.
Boat rides are amazing! So different from any other kind of trip.
And yep, hopefully I'll visit that circular village next year as there are no other trips left for 2023 😅
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I love those flowers, I was amazed when I read that they were real though they look artificial
Their flowers are simply stunning! Thank you for popping in @iskawrites
You are welcome 🤗
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These photos make me want to go back to Europe, your depiction of Naarden is on point!
I also want to go back @crypticat😉
We want to take the boat ride around Naarden when I visit some time next year. Thank you for stopping by!