Soest Travel Guide

Plan the ultimate Soest itinerary with our guide to the best things to do, where to eat, stay, and more.


Introduction to Soest

Soest is a beautiful town located in the heart of Utrecht, a province in the Western Netherlands. Known for its ancient architecture, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes, Soest stands out as one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Netherlands. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Soest has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Soest

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Soest is home to a wide range of culturally significant sites and attractions that attract history enthusiasts from around the world. The Royal Palace at Soestdijk, a former residence of the Dutch royal family, is a must-see attraction. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of Dutch royalty and their rich cultural heritage. Other historical sites worth visiting include Huis ten Halve, a former 17th-century castle that now houses a museum, and the ancient Roman watchtower, which offers a glimpse of the region’s Roman history.

Natural Attractions of Soest: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Soest is blessed with a natural beauty that never fails to entice visitors. The Soesterduinen sand dunes provide a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, and horse riding, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Other natural attractions include the Lange and Korte Duinen, a protected nature reserve, and the Soestmeer lake, which is ideal for swimming, boating, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Soest

Soest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless walking, hiking, and biking trails that showcase the town’s natural beauty. The 19-kilometer-long Soestdijk route takes you through the Soesterduinen sand dunes, while the Lange and Korte Duinen route allows you to explore the nearby nature reserve. The 12-kilometer-long Baarn-Soest route offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and passes through several historic sites.

Best Things to Do in Soest: Activities and Tours

Soest has a plethora of fun and exciting activities and tours on offer. The weekly Soest market is perfect for picking up fresh local produce and unique souvenirs. The friendly staff at the Soest Tourist Information Centre can help you choose the best way to explore the town. Take a guided bicycle tour of Soest to explore the historic sites, choose a horseback riding excursion, or go on a boat tour of the Soestmeer lake.

Week-Long Itinerary for Soest

Day Activity
1 Explore the Royal Palace at Soestdijk
2 Take a walking tour of the town’s historic sites
3 Enjoy a day hike in the nearby Lange and Korte Duinen
4 Visit the Soest farmers’ market
5 Explore the Soestmeer lake and take a boat tour
6 Take a horseback riding excursion in the Soesterduinen
7 Enjoy the local cafes and restaurants

Food and Drink Scene of Soest

Must-Try Dishes

Soest is known for its hearty local cuisine that features fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Dutch pea soup, stroopwafels, and bitterballen are some of the most popular local dishes. For a bigger dining experience, try out the Streekrestaurant De Pronckheer, a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in organic meat dishes made with local ingredients.

Local Beverages

The Netherlands is famous for its beer, and Soest is no exception. Try out the locally brewed Soester dark beer, Utrecht se Bierbrouwerij, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many wine bars in the town centre. If you’re looking for something non-alcoholic, try the traditional Dutch hot chocolate or Dutch coffee.

Where to Stay in Soest: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Soest offers a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly hostels to boutique hotels and luxurious guesthouses. The Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen hotel is ideal for luxury seekers, while the Stayokay Soest hostel is perfect for backpackers. If you want to enjoy the countryside, stay at the Landgoed Zonheuvel hotel or the B&B De Kattenbroek guesthouse.

What to Buy in Soest: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bring home a slice of Soest by picking up some local souvenirs and products. The weekly farmers’ market offers fresh local cheese, fruit, and vegetables, while the local chocolatier, Van Delft, offers the best-quality chocolate and sweets in the region. For something truly unique, visit the Royal Dutch Mint and have a coin made with your own photo on it.

Local Culture and Customs of Soest

Soest has a rich cultural heritage, and locals take great pride in their traditions and customs. The people of Soest are friendly and welcoming, with an open-minded attitude towards visitors. Take time to learn about their customs and traditions and respect their beliefs and way of life.

Best Time to Visit Soest

The best time to visit Soest is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and the flowers are in bloom. This is also the peak tourist season, so be sure to book your accommodation well in advance. The autumn months offer beautiful foliage, while the winter months are perfect for indoor activities like visiting museums and trying out local delicacies in cafes and restaurants.

Do’s and Don’ts of Soest

Do:

  • Respect the cultural heritage and local customs of the town.
  • Take time to explore the town’s natural beauty and history.
  • Try out local cuisines and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local cultural beliefs and values.
  • Litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Leave without visiting the local attractions and museums.

Safety and Health

Safety in Soest

Soest is a safe and welcoming town, with an extremely low crime rate. However, visitors should take standard precautions like avoiding dark alleys and backstreets at night and securing their valuables in crowded areas.

Health in Soest

Soest is a public health-conscious community that promotes healthy living, with several medical facilities and hospitals located in the town. Visitors are advised to take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and seek medical attention if they experience any health issues.

Getting to Soest: Transportation Options and Logistics

Soest is well-connected by public transportation, with regular train and bus services available. The closest airports to Soest are the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and the Eindhoven Airport. Visitors can take a shuttle bus or taxi from the airport to reach Soest.

Airports Near Soest

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Eindhoven Airport

Bus Stations Near Soest

  • Soest Zuid Bus Station
  • Soest Bus Station

Other Options

Visitors can also take a taxi or hire a car to reach Soest from nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Soest

Soest is a small town, and most of its attractions and landmarks are within walking distance from the town centre. Visitors can also rent bicycles or take a taxi to get around the town. The town is well-connected by public transportation, with buses and trains available to travel to nearby towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Soest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Soest is located close to several nearby towns and cities that also offer their own unique attractions and landmarks. Day trips to nearby cities like Utrecht, Amersfoort, and Haarlem offer a chance to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and history. The nearby Hoge Veluwe National Park is ideal for nature lovers and offers one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Netherlands.

Conclusion

Soest is a hidden gem in the Western Netherlands, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an ideal destination for travellers. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, top-notch food scene and friendly locals, Soest makes for a perfect holiday destination. Take time to explore the town’s best offerings, indulge in the local delicacies and immerse yourself in the rich Dutch history – you won’t regret it!

The Soesterduinen dunes are one of the major training areas for the Dutch army The Soesterduinen dunes are one of the major training areas for the Dutch army The The "Windhond" is a great reconstruction of one of Soest's former windmills.