Things To Do
in Soest
Soest is a charming town located in the province of Utrecht in the Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful historic buildings, picturesque streets, and lush green surroundings. Soest is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of cycling and hiking trails to explore.
Visitors can also enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in this welcoming and vibrant town.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Dank je wel" - Thank you
- "Alsjeblieft" - Please
- "Hoe gaat het?" - How are you?
- "Tot ziens" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Soestdijk Palace gardens, enjoying the beautiful floral displays. Take a leisurely stroll and capture the stunning architecture of this historic site.
Head to the Soesterduinen, a unique sandy area perfect for hiking and outdoor activities. Pack a picnic to enjoy surrounded by nature's beauty.
Dine at a local restaurant in the town center, sampling traditional Dutch cuisine. Enjoy a relaxing walk through the charming streets of Soest after your meal.
Visit the historic ruins of the Kasteel Ter Borch, an impressive site with rich history. Take time to explore the nearby park for stunning views.
Discover the local museum, where you can learn about Soest's intriguing past. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the town's heritage.
Finish your day with a guided evening ghost tour, uncovering the secrets of Soest's past. Share laughs and chills with fellow travelers as you explore.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Characterized by a rich cultural heritage and historical architecture.
- Access to beautiful natural parks and recreational areas.
- Strong sense of community and friendly atmosphere.
- Proximity to larger cities like Amersfoort and Utrecht for additional amenities.
- Good public transport connections, making travel to surrounding areas convenient.
- Limited job opportunities within the town itself, often requiring commutes to nearby cities.
- Smaller entertainment and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
- Potentially higher property prices due to demand for housing in scenic areas.
- Transportation options may be less frequent during off-peak hours.
- Some may find the pace of life slower than in larger metropolitan areas.
Best Activities in Soest
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful sand dunes and forests of Soestduinen by going on a hiking adventure.
Enjoy the scenic surroundings of Soest by cycling through the countryside and forested areas.
Take a tour of the historic Soestdijk Palace and its gardens for a cultural and leisurely experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Soest with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Soest
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful panoramic views of Soest and its surroundings.
A picturesque park with a windmill and scenic vistas, perfect for photography.
Sand dunes and forests provide stunning natural landscapes for photography and sightseeing.
Food in Soest
Soest Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dutch dish made of mashed potatoes and other vegetables, often served with sausage and gravy. It can be found at local restaurants such as Eetcafé Centraal and De Kleine Melm.
Must-Try!
Miniature, fluffy pancakes typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with butter. Visitors can enjoy poffertjes at De Smickel and various food stalls during local events and markets.
A popular pastry from the nearby city of Den Bosch, consisting of a large profiterole filled with sweet cream and topped with rich, dark chocolate. It can be savored at Patisserie Strik or Maison Sucre.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Soest better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A weekly organic market offering a wide variety of locally-produced goods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and artisanal breads. Visitors can also sample a range of street food such as Dutch fries, herring sandwiches, and stroopwafels.
This museum hosts an annual food festival featuring traditional Dutch street food, including oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts), haring (herring), and kibbeling (battered and fried fish). The event provides an excellent opportunity to experience authentic local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Soest, it is important to be punctual for social and business meetings. Arriving on time is seen as a sign of respect for others' time.
Dutch people appreciate direct and straightforward communication. It's important to express your opinions clearly and honestly while being respectful.
Respecting personal space is crucial in Dutch culture. People value their privacy and physical distance, so it's important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Soest with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Soest
Ensure a smooth experience
In Soest, Netherlands, tipping is not obligatory, but it is appreciated. As a general practice, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip for good service at restaurants, cafes, and bars is considered customary.
Cash is widely accepted in Soest, but credit and debit cards are also commonly used for payments. It is advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments, markets, and local vendors, while larger businesses and tourist attractions usually accept card payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Soest.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Soest, Netherlands. The weather is generally mild and a great time to see the beautiful flowers in bloom.
Another great time to visit Soest, Netherlands. The weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
A lovely time to visit Soest, Netherlands. The fall foliage is stunning, and the weather is still pleasant for outdoor excursions.
Though cold, Soest, Netherlands is still charming in winter. The holiday lights and festive atmosphere make it a magical time to visit.
Soest at Night
Hiking in Soest
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature reserve featuring sandy hills and heathlands, perfect for hiking and enjoying scenery.
Surrounded by a park and woods, this area offers a variety of trails for hiking amidst historical landscapes.
Located near Amersfoort, this area combines urban and natural landscapes with trails suitable for leisurely hikes.
A striking national park with numerous hiking trails, rich in flora and fauna, only a short drive from Soest.
This scenic area features sand dunes and forests, ideal for those looking for diverse terrains to explore.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Soest through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Soest by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in the Netherlands, located approximately 60 km from Soest.
A major airport in the Netherlands, approximately 120 km from Soest.
An international airport located approximately 75 km from Soest, serving the Rotterdam and The Hague areas.
Located in Belgium, approximately 150 km from Soest; it is one of the main airports serving Brussels.
A significant international airport in Germany, roughly 150 km from Soest.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population of the Netherlands, including those who identify as native Dutch.
A significant minority group with roots in Turkey, often comprising families that have been in the Netherlands for generations.
Another key minority group with origins in Morocco, representing a notable presence in various Dutch cities.
A community with historical ties due to the colonial past of the Netherlands in Indonesia.
This group originates from Suriname, which is a former Dutch colony, and has a diverse cultural heritage.
Includes various groups from other European countries, such as Polish, German, and British expats.
Comprises individuals from various African nations, contributing to the multicultural fabric of the region.
Includes groups from different Asian countries, enhancing the diversity within Soest.
The Soul of Soest
Discover the essence of Soest through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Soest, with several local clubs and a strong community following the game.
Field hockey has a significant presence in Soest, with clubs offering training and competitive play for various age groups.
Tennis is a widely played sport in Soest, with numerous tennis clubs providing facilities and coaching for enthusiasts.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in Soest, with clubs that organize both recreational and competitive leagues.
Running is a favored activity among residents, with local events and running clubs promoting fitness and community spirit.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Soest.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Soest offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with an increasing number of establishments dedicated to plant-based cuisine, such as De Gouden Koe. Additionally, many traditional Dutch dishes can be modified to suit vegetarian and vegan preferences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance will find that many dining venues in Soest provide gluten-free alternatives. Restaurants like Eetvilla Van den Brink offer gluten-free versions of local specialties, ensuring that individuals with dietary restrictions can savor the authentic flavors of the region.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Soest with these cultural adventures.
