Top 10
Highlights in Gooi & Vecht
Culture & architecture
Singer Laren
Located in the artists’ village of Laren, Singer Laren is a unique, privately-owned cultural heritage consisting of a museum, theatre and fantastic sculpture garden. The museum collection features artworks by luminaries such as Anton Mauve, Kees van Dongen and Auguste Rodin.
What is there to see?
Culture & architecture
Hilversum town hall
This listed building is one of the most well-known works of renowned Dutch architect W.M. Dudok. The Dudok route starts here, along which you can enjoy the contemporary architecture of Hilversum on foot or by bicycle. Visit the exhibition in the Dudok Architecture Centre or join a guided tour through the town hall.
What is there to do?
Nature & the outdoors
Country estates along the river Vecht
The Vecht is the most beautiful river in the Netherlands and is known for the many grand country estates and castles along its banks. Rich merchants from Amsterdam came here to escape the everyday humdrum of the city. Today, the Vecht region is still perfect for getting away from it all.
View the country estates
Nature & The Outdoors
Gooi Nature Reserve
The Gooi landscape is characterized by heathlands, forests, sand dunes, and historic fields. In fact, there are more than 2,800 hectares of nature where a fantastic time walking, cycling, or horse riding is guaranteed. Each Sunday, you can visit the sheepfold on the Blaricum heathlands.
Discover Gooi Nature Reserve
On & along the water
Loosdrecht lake area
Loosdrecht is the water sports paradise of the Netherlands. Whether it involves boating, SUP boarding, kiting, or canoeing, you will not be disappointed. Hire a boat, swim at one of the many beaches, and relax with a drink in hand at a lovely outdoor cafe beside the water. Experience the good life.
More about the lakes
On & along the water
Nautical Quarter Huizen
With its Nautical Quarter, Huizen is aptly called the harbour of the Gooi region. The Nautical Quarter conveys the atmosphere of an old Zuiderzee village. Among the many sights are the impressive historic lime kilns and the Botterwerf boatyard with beautiful, traditional ships.
Explore the Nautical Quarter
Fortresses & history
Fortress Island Pampus
A unique fortress island that is part of both the Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline. Discover the secrets of the fortress with the interactive Pampus Experience and relax on the terrace with a fine view over IJmeer lake.
Discover Pampus
Fortresses & history
Authentic fortified towns
Gooi & Vecht is home to three authentic fortified towns which form part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline. Visit the Dutch Fortress Museum in Naarden – one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe – take a city walk or go on a boat trip. Or why not cycle the Fortress Stretch route and discover Naarden, Muiden, and Weesp in a day.
More about the towns