Leusden combines traces of military history with museums, cultural activities and trails through forest and heathland. The Grebbelinie and a bunker lead to different historical periods, while smaller museums, a theatre and themed trails offer further ways to explore. When choosing what to see, you can consider whether you would rather focus on history, art or a walk with a particular theme.
Traces of the Grebbelinie and early settlement
The Grebbelinie, an old military defensive line dating from the 18th century, is still preserved in Leusden in the form of embankments, casemates and bunkers, particularly around the Asschatterkeerkade. The kade is one of the oldest surviving elements of the line: it dates from 1745 and is 2,500 metres long. After the war, it was developed into an ecological area inhabited by bats, mammals and as many as forty different bird species. Military history and ecological development are thus among the facets of this place.
The museum bunker on Langesteeg in Leusden is a German bunker. It was built in 1944–1945 and set up as a small museum at the end of 2014. The burial mounds on the Leusderhei and near Oud Leusden point to another era: they recall the area's first settled inhabitants from the Bronze Age onwards. Together, these historical connections span Bronze Age settlement, the defensive line of the 18th century and the years of the Second World War.
Museums, a tower and culture
The Oudste torentje van Nederland at Vlooswijkseweg 2 is a Rijksmonument and probably the oldest tower in the Netherlands. The tower can be climbed during special opening events, when you can enjoy the view. If you would like to plan a climb, check in advance for an announced opening, as access is limited to these occasions.
M.A.C. House Leusden is a small museum featuring modern art and special installations. Theater de Tuin offers music, cabaret, art and film. The Historische Kring Leusden offers another way to explore local history and culture: the organisation hosts talks, walks and exhibitions. The offerings have different emphases, ranging from art and stage performances to history explored on a walk.
Trails with a theme of their own
The 1.5-kilometre Filosofenpad ISVW runs across Landgoed ISVW and through the forest and heathland of Oud-Leusden. Ten figures from the history of philosophy are introduced there via QR codes with audio content. The trail thus combines a specific distance with a thematic approach; route content may be updated.
The Schutpad, the first Klompenpad walking trail, runs through the park woodland around the manor house on Landgoed De Boom. Access and signage may change; check these details before setting out. Landgoed De Boom is a varied, largely preserved cultural landscape between Leusden, Woudenberg, Achterveld and De Glind. The park woodland around the manor house is one distinct part of this landscape, while the Filosofenpad explores its themes through QR audio content.
Discover more destinations: Achterveld.
Go to the main travel overview: Leusden.
