Amersfoort, Soesterberg, De Glind

Around 1600, there was a large boulder in the vicinity of Soesterberg. One day, Esquire Everard Meyster made a bet with a number of friends: he challenged them to drag the boulder as far as possible towards the city. A group of Amersfoort residents accepted the challenge and dragged the heavy stone all the way from Soesterberg to Amersfoort. The people of Amersfoort owe their nickname of ‘Keientrekkers’ (stone draggers) to this event. The city itself also has a nickname that refers to this folk tale: ‘Keistad’ (stone city).

Upon arriving at the Varkensmarkt, the stone throwers were rewarded with beer and pretzels. However, some residents found the action embarrassing and decided to bury the stone. It was only years later, when the shame had worn off, that the stone was dug up again. Today, it can still be admired on the Stadsring, near Arnhemsestraat.

During this cycle route you can follow the same road that the people of Amersfoort travelled with the boulder. Along the way you can enjoy beautiful windmills, a castle and charming villages and towns.