After the Utrecht Marathon: Amersfoort

The Route: Utrecht → Amersfoort → Schiphol Airport Logistics: NS train, about 15 minutes. Amersfoort station is about 10 minutes' walk from the old centre. Marathon Month: May Duration: 1 night

Utrecht Centraal ──(about 15 min, NS)──> Amersfoort
                                             │
Schiphol Airport (AMS) <──(about 40 min, NS)──┘

The Koppelpoort in Amersfoort is a fifteenth-century gate that is half a gate and half a bridge, because it stands where the town wall crosses the river Eem. It is a place to sit beside the water and look at it. The old centre inside the walls is small enough to cross in ten minutes.

Pay with a contactless card or OVpay and check the NS planner.

May in Amersfoort: highs of 17°C to 20°C, with sun and showers. Check opening days, because Monday closures are common.

Night One: Amersfoort

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren, a 98-metre church tower in the centre, is the town's landmark. The climb is by stairs, so skip it, and admire it from the Lieve Vrouwekerkhof square. The Mondriaanhuis, the birthplace of the painter Piet Mondrian, is a small museum with a gentle route through its rooms. Entry is around €10 and prices vary, so use the figure as a guide only. Check the current opening days.

The Muurhuizen, houses built into the old wall along the Eem, can be seen on a flat walk of about 1 kilometre. The cobbles are uneven in places, so take your time.

A hotel in the centre is the easiest option, and several small hotels and guesthouses are available. Confirm lifts and breakfast times when you book.

Dinner suits the streets around the Hof square, where cafés and restaurants have terraces. Reserve on weekends.

Arrive on Sunday evening or Monday morning, and leave luggage at the hotel on arrival.

Getting to Schiphol Airport (AMS)

Amersfoort to Schiphol takes about 40 minutes by train. Check the NS planner. Airport station is beneath Schiphol Plaza, with lifts to the terminal.