Westerborkpad 8
BAARN - AMERSFOORT (10,8 KM)
PATH
WESTERBORKPAD 8
Long Distance Hiking Path (LAW)
STARTING POINT
STATION BAARN
DISTANCE
10,8 KM
DURATION
1 - 2 HOURS
If you walk a stage of the Westerborkpad you will never deviate far from the railroad track. The trail that provides the reflection for which this walking path was created. A trail that recalls the most cruel events in the recent history of the western world. About the deportation of Jews from Amsterdam to camp Westerbork. Stage eight of the Westerborkpad is literally a constant reminder of this, because during this stage the track never leaves your side.
The stage starts in the wooded area in which Baarn station is located. From here you walk out of the town in a straight line parallel to the track. When you leave Baarn you will immediately notice that this is a real transition stage on this Long Distance Hiking Path. You walk out of the wooded area and actually see Amersfoort looming in the distance. The entire walk takes you to Amersfoort through the Eemdal, which is a wide and rural environment.
The Eemdal
You walk in an almost straight line towards Amersfoort on the footpath that is parallel to the track and wedged between these railroads and a river called Eem. A river that both rises and flows in the Netherlands and is therefore sometimes called the longest river in the country while it is only 18 km long. You walk against the current because the river rises in Amersfoort.
"Every now and then you hear a train rushing past on the track in the distance ..."
Farms and lawns
During the walk you will be surrounded by the thundering sound of trains rushing by. These also emphasise the significance of the route and make you think about the reasons why the path was constructed. The area is very rural and is characterised by a number of farms and lawns. Once you have arrived in Amersfoort, just before you reach the central station, you pass the Jewish cemetery with a monument that commemorates the anonymous victims of the Amersfoort camp. A monumental end to a short stage.
Do you want to hike this trail yourself? Check out the full hike below or at Komoot. Would you like to take another hike in the Netherlands? Take a look at the overview page.
