Soesterberg can be explored from two perspectives: through military collections and the natural area of Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg. When planning, it’s worth distinguishing between the opening hours of individual collections and the various routes and seasonal outdoor activities. This lets you decide what to focus on during your stay without turning it into a fixed itinerary.

Military history in collections and outdoors

The Nationaal Militair Museum has the largest military collection in the Netherlands and displays 19 aircraft and helicopters. Its outdoor grounds in Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg offer rides in a real military vehicle, mini-quad biking and an obstacle course. These outdoor activities are seasonal, so check before travelling whether they’re available on your visit date. The park’s Monumentenroute starts at the Nationaal Militair Museum and takes about 30 minutes.

Another collection awaits you at Kamp Soesterberg: the Historische Collectie Bevoorradings- & Transporttroepen is open year-round on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with no appointment required. It presents the history of the former Intendance service branch from 1905 to 2000. The Dienstvakverzameling Militaire Administratie provides an insight into the work of the military administration before and after the Second World War.

The Regiment Technical Troops Museum at Kamp Soesterberg displays uniforms from different eras and operational deployments. It has been housed in building V15 since 9 September 2004. The collection also includes a library with more than 18,600 registered books. These different collections offer several ways to explore military history, from supply and administration to uniforms and an extensive book collection.

Park, airfield remnants and routes

Park Vliegbasis Soesterberg covers 375 hectares. More than 4,000 different plant and animal species have been observed there. The natural area is open from sunrise to sunset. The site’s history as a former airbase also shapes the landscape: its main military runway is 3,077 metres long and is the longest military runway in the Netherlands. Since 2014, cyclists have been able to cross the former Vliegbasis Soesterberg via the Wethouder Lemmenpad and ride along its runways. The surviving control tower is a prominent landmark and a reminder of the Cold War.

For a shorter route option, the Monumentenroute takes about 30 minutes. The historical audio tour through Soesterberg is seven kilometres long and can be done on foot or by bicycle. It takes you to eight historical sights and is accessed using eight QR codes. If you plan to take this tour, check the latest usage information beforehand. The Soesterberg Noord walking route passes military remains, including an old German command bunker, the Nationaal Militair Museum, monuments and aircraft. A walking route through the Munitiepark also runs through the park.

Cycling options also vary considerably in length: the Militair Erfgoed Soesterberg cycling route is 43 kilometres long and starts at Odijkplein. The southern loop of Soesterberg on the Het lint van Soest cycling route covers 16 kilometres. Those interested in historic roads will find the most authentic section of the Wegh der Weegen from the Stichtse rotonde towards Soesterberg.

Plan your stay and journey

Options range from the approximately 30-minute Monumentenroute and the seven-kilometre audio tour to cycling routes of 16 and 43 kilometres. This makes it easy to match your preferred level of activity to the time you have available.

Bus routes 575, 56 and 34 stop opposite De Basis at Zwaantje in Soesterberg. Check the latest timetable before setting off. De Basis has a bar serving coffee, tea, other drinks, sandwiches and snacks.

Discover more destinations: Soestduinen, Soest.

Back to the main travel overview: Soest.