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Salutations Explorers! Welcome to Soest, an extraordinary gem nestled in Germany.
Nestled amidst lush forests and verdant meadows in the heart of Germany, Soest is a picturesque town that enthralls visitors with its old-world charm and modern attractions.
From exploring historic monuments to indulging in delectable cuisine and taking leisurely walks, the town offers a multitude of experiences that make it a must-visit destination.
So, whether you’re a culture vulture, an adventurer, or a foodie, Soest is the perfect place to satiate your wanderlust.
Soest, a charming town located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic atmosphere.
The city’s historic center, with its distinctive half-timbered buildings and narrow streets, attracts tourists from near and far.
If you are interested in exploring similar picturesque towns, you may also want to consider visiting erfurt in Thuringia or hattingen in North Rhine-Westphalia, both known for their well-preserved medieval architecture and rich history.
1. Kattentoren
A historic tower in the town of Soest, Germany, dating back to the 14th century.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the charming old town surrounding Kattentoren and admire the tower’s impressive architecture.
Don’t miss: Stop by the nearby St. Petri und Pauli church, also from the 14th century, and enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the summer months for a chance to attend one of the town’s many festivals and events, including the Soester Fehde, a medieval festival that takes place in June.
And don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, as the streets in the old town are cobblestone and can be uneven.
2. St Pancratiuskerk
The St Pancratiuskerk is a stunning medieval church located in the town of Soest in the Netherlands.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive Gothic architecture of the church, including the pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate stained glass windows.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the church is the beautiful organ, which was built in 1852 and is still in use today.
Also, be sure to check out the magnificent frescoes located on the walls and ceiling of the church.
Insider travel tips: – If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the church, guided tours are available.
3. Molen de Windhond
An authentic Dutch windmill located in Soest, Netherlands.
What to see or do: Visit the windmill for a tour and learn about the history of windmills in the Netherlands.
Climb to the top to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Don’t miss: Seeing the windmill in action on Saturdays when it is running and flour is being milled.
Insider travel tips: Bring cash as the entrance fee is cash-only.On Saturdays, arrive early as there can be a queue to climb the windmill.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the stairs are steep.
4. Oude Raadhuis van Soest
The Oude Raadhuis van Soest (Old Town Hall of Soest) is an iconic historic building in the center of Soest, Netherlands.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the beautiful 18th-century neoclassical architecture of the building, including the striking clock tower and elegant façade.
Inside, there are several spacious and ornate rooms with original features, including antique furniture and paintings.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive collection of historic artifacts and archives from the region, including maps, documents, and photographs.
Insider travel tips: – Take a guided tour to fully appreciate the history and significance of this landmark building.
5. Smalspoormuseum
Smalspoormuseum is a railway museum dedicated to narrow-gauge railways.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of unique trains such as steam and diesel locomotives, railcars, and maintenance vehicles from different parts of the Netherlands.
The museum also offers guided tours and special events throughout the year.
Don’t miss: A ride on the museum train that takes you through the beautiful forested area around Soest is a must.
It’s a fantastic experience for both kids and adults, especially on a sunny day.
Insider travel tips: • Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes as some of the exhibits are located on uneven terrain.
6. Museum Soest
A small but impressive museum located in the heart of Soest, showcasing the town’s history through various exhibits and artifacts.
What to see or do: Explore the fascinating collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Learn about the town’s rich brewing history and how it became a hub for beer production in the 17th century.
Check out the impressive collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, showcasing stunning textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.
Don’t miss: The museum’s famous Henk van den Berg Gallery, featuring a collection of exquisite glass art, including unique and colorful installations and sculptures.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to grab a guidebook at the reception desk to help you navigate through the museum’s collection.
The museum also offers guided tours in English, so check the schedule in advance if you’re interested.
Finally, don’t forget to visit the museum’s cozy cafe, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious pastry in a charming setting.
7. Gagelgat Natuurmonumenten
Gagelgat Natuurmonumenten is a nature reserve located in Soest, in the province of Utrecht, in the Netherlands.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve, consisting of heathland, forests, and ponds.
There are several marked trails for hiking and cycling, ranging from 2 to 6 kilometers in length.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the reserve is the Gagelgat, a large pond that forms a natural habitat for many species of birds, amphibians, and insects.
Visitors can also spot Scottish highland cattle and Konik horses grazing in the open fields.
Insider travel tips: – Bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be plentiful during the summer months.
8. Beeldentuin Marienheem
Sculpture garden in Mariënheem, a village in the Dutch province of Overijssel.
What to see or do: The garden has an extensive collection of contemporary sculptures in various styles and materials.
Visitors can stroll through the garden and admire the artworks, which are placed among the greenery and ponds.
Don’t miss: The garden has a changing exhibition, so there is always something new to see.There is also a small shop where visitors can buy art books and catalogues.
Insider travel tips: The garden is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and there is an entrance fee.
It is recommended to bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the garden is outdoors.
There are also guided tours available for groups with a reservation.
9. Landgoed De Paltz
A beautiful estate located in Soest, Netherlands, that is surrounded by lush greenery and is a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a leisurely walk to explore the estate’s numerous gardens and ponds.There’s also a theatre on the property, which often hosts plays and concerts.
Additionally, visitors can tour the beautiful estate homes to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking architecture.
Don’t miss: A visit to the “Tree Cathedral,” a unique area of the estate where tree formations create a natural cathedral that is truly stunning to behold.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can bring along a picnic basket to enjoy in the estate’s gardens, or even rent a bike to take a spin around the property.
The estate often hosts various events, so it’s worth checking their website to plan your visit to coincide with any special events.
10. De Lange Duinen
De Lange Duinen is a nature reserve located in the town of Soest in the Netherlands.
It is a series of sand dunes that stretch for 4.5 kilometers.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through the untouched dunes and observe the diverse flora and fauna.
The nature reserve is home to rare butterfly species and also provides shelter to roe deer, foxes, and rabbits.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the incredible views from the top of the dunes, which offer breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding areas.
Also, be sure to stop and listen to the sounds of the wind and the waves as they sweep across the dunes.
Insider travel tips: To get the most out of your visit to De Lange Duinen, it is recommended to plan your visit during weekdays when it is less crowded.
Also, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for hiking or cycling in a sandy terrain.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning natural beauty of De Lange Duinen.
11. Kasteel Groeneveld
Kasteel Groeneveld is a beautiful 18th-century castle located in Soest, Netherlands.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle’s interior and learn about its rich history, which includes housing French prisoners during the Napoleonic wars.
The castle also features a stunning garden and park with walking paths and picnic areas, perfect for a day out in nature.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the castle’s orangery, which houses a small museum featuring historical objects and artwork.
The castle also regularly hosts events, exhibitions, and concerts in its stunning ballroom.
Insider travel tips: – Consider renting a bike and exploring the nearby forests and sand dunes.
12. Paleis Soestdijk Park
Paleis Soestdijk Park is a historic 17th-century palace and its surrounding gardens covering an area of over 165 acres.
What to see or do: Visitors can roam around the picturesque gardens, take a stroll in the Dutch Baroque-style park, enjoy the musical fountain display or simply admire the towering trees that are several centuries old.
Don’t miss: The palace gardens house numerous interesting attractions such as the miniature palace, the icehouse, the vegetable garden and the royal burial grounds.
Insider travel tips: – guided tours of the palace are available on specific days
13. Nationaal Militair Museum
A museum dedicated to the military history of the Netherlands.
What to see or do: The museum houses an impressive collection of military vehicles, aircraft, and artillery, as well as a range of exhibits exploring the history of the Dutch military.
Visitors can also explore the outdoor exhibits, which include tanks, planes, and helicopters, or take part in one of the many interactive experiences on offer.
Don’t miss: The museum’s centerpiece, a gigantic aircraft hangar known as the ‘exhibition hall’, which houses some of the museum’s most impressive exhibits, including a number of fighter planes and a rare rocket launcher.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in military history, be sure to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for your visit – there’s a lot to see and do here! Additionally, be aware that photography is prohibited in some areas of the museum, so make sure to check the signs before snapping any pictures.
Finally, if you’re traveling with kids, consider booking one of the museum’s workshops or children’s tours to keep them engaged and entertained during your visit.
14. Botanische Tuinen Universiteit Utrecht
The Botanical Gardens of Utrecht University, located in Soest, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, covering an area of 9 hectares.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different gardens, including the Rock Garden, System Garden, Greenhouses, Evolution Garden, and Hortus Woodland.
The gardens house over 7000 different plant species, making it a beautiful and educational experience for nature enthusiasts.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the newly built Tropical Greenhouse, featuring a waterfall, butterfly garden, and a variety of tropical plants.
Another highlight is the System Garden, which groups plants based on their scientific classification.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden or grab refreshments at the onsite restaurant.
The Botanical Garden also frequently hosts special activities and events throughout the year, so check their website for updates.
It’s best to visit in the spring or summer to see the gardens in full bloom.
15. Pyramide van Austerlitz
The Pyramid of Austerlitz is a historical monument that was built in 1804 by French troops under the command of Napoleon Bonaparte.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the pyramid to enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding forest and countryside.
There is also a small museum that displays maps, artifacts, and documents related to the history of the pyramid.
Don’t miss: The annual reenactment of the Battle of Austerlitz takes place in December, where hundreds of actors in period costumes recreate the famous battle.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the climb to the top of the pyramid can be steep and slippery in wet weather.