The living room of Naarden

A wonderful overnight stay in the most beautiful fortified town in the heart of the Gooi region", is what we read on the website of Vesting Hotel Naarden. We drive along the canal over the bridge into Naarden Vesting, the idyllic fortified town. Almost everyone knows the aerial photograph of this fortified town with its moat, bastions and town gates. But also from the road, you get a good picture of the history and you imagine yourself centuries back. Via a street full of speciality shops and galleries, we walk to the hotel.

The Vesting Hotel is situated at a very good location, in the heart of Naarden Vesting. Between the nice streets with beautiful old houses. Directly opposite the Grote Kerk, where the nationally famous Matthäus Passion concert is held every year. Across the street is the old city hall from 1601 and in the immediate vicinity are many other cultural and historical sights. At the end of the street is also Het Arsenaal by Jan des Bouvrie. Naarden-Vesting is a charming little town.

It is nice to come into the cosy lounge of this picturesque hotel, fireplace on, a delicious cup of coffee, newspaper, fine. Vesting hotel Naarden feels like a lovely living room for everyone who wants to enjoy a snack and a drink. Of course, you can also dine there: the chefs prefer to make everything themselves and preferably use organic produce from local, small and special suppliers.

The twelve rooms are spacious and very tastefully decorated, and it is so nice that after a day of enjoying the surroundings, you can watch your favourite series via the Google Chrome box that the hotel offers as a fine extra service.

The fortified town of Naarden has impressive double town walls with a moat, bastions and town gates. Thanks to its strategic location, Naarden became part of the Dutch Waterline. Naarden-Vesting has a unique pentagonal shape and is still intact today. The Vecht and Gooi area lends itself to wonderful cycling and walking tours. The Naardermeer nature reserve is just around the corner, as is the Bussum heath. Rent a boat on the Gooimeer, yes! Or go to one of the beaches at the Gooimeer. And do you want to go to Amsterdam? Naarden is the perfect base.