Discover Bussum: Heathland, Culture and Distinctive Routes

Bussum between Townscape and Landscape

Bussum combines protected townscapes, historic sites and expansive heathlands with a variety of routes. Bussum – Het Spiegel is an officially designated protected townscape. The Brediuskwartier also tells the story of the town’s development: the district in Bussum was developed in the 1920s and 1930s. Among other features, Het Mouwtje park and Willem Bilderdijk Park were created in the district along deeply excavated ditches from former sand-extraction sites.

The Bussummerheide defines the natural landscape. Together with the Westerheide, it forms the largest contiguous heathland area in the Gooi region. Those looking for a walking route connected to the town will find “Wandelen door Bussum”, a route that leads from the town centre on a walk to the heathland and back again. When planning a holiday apartment in Bussum, this contrast between the town centre, historic district and heathland can provide a useful point of orientation, depending on which experiences you want to define your stay.

Holiday Apartment in Bussum for Routes and Discoveries

Several planned routes give a stay a different rhythm. The “Van Kooten en De Bie Route” is more than 6 kilometres long and takes three hours. It leads to locations in Bussum and Naarden where television recordings were made for Van Kooten en De Bie’s programmes. At its stops, it is marked with concrete slabs bearing a logo and QR code.

The “Bussums bijzondere bomen” route can be started or finished at several points. It leads through Het Mouwtje park, the Bilderdijkplantsoen and the Brediuskwartier, passing dozens of trees, shrubs and plants that are described by experts. For longer excursions, the “Fietsroute: Bussum, rondje Tafelbergheide” cycling route, with a length of 42.6 kilometres, is also suitable. This allows you to take different interests into account when choosing accommodation: a culture-focused route, a tour through parks and plants, or an extensive cycling loop.

History in Bussum and the Surrounding Area

Historic sites are also part of Bussum’s character. Fort Werk IV is the only surviving one of the five original works in a line of forts built around 1870 in front of Naarden Fortress, which formed part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. The Algemene Begraafplaats Amersfoortsestraatweg was established in 1830 on behalf of the municipality of Naarden at the time. The complex is considered a very early, rare and well-preserved example of a general cemetery.

The Joodse Begraafplaats Amersfoortsestraatweg in Bussum is a largely preserved Jewish burial ground from the early 19th century with cultural and architectural-historical value. The associated complex was established in 1830 and includes a cemetery gate, a mortuary and two wooden grave monuments. Bensdorp’s chocolate factory provides another historical accent; it opened in Bussum in 1849. Original elements such as crowns, keystones, façade anchors, spouts and rosettes were reused in the reconstructed main building.

Culture, Cafés and Everyday Life

Filmhuis Bussum is an option for a cultural stay. It shows films that receive too little attention elsewhere and supplements its programme with offerings for in-depth exploration, education and reflection. The venue includes cinemas, a café and an upstairs room for workshops or presentations. In the centre of Bussum, on Kapelstraat and around the listed Naarden-Bussum railway station, there are cafés, restaurants and terraces. In addition, the “Wekelijkse donderdag-markt Bussum” market takes place weekly on Thursdays in Bussum.

A holiday apartment in Bussum therefore suits a trip planned around combining nature, cultural history, local atmosphere and self-organised day routes. The reviewed routes range from the more than 6-kilometre Van Kooten en De Bie Route and the walk to the heathland to the 42.6-kilometre cycling loop. In addition, townscapes, cemetery complexes, a fort, Bensdorp and Filmhuis offer very different discoveries.

To the overarching travel overview: Bussum.