Did you knew there is a pyramid in The Netherlands? It is in fact, the only pyramid in Europe.
Even though we are both born and raised in The Netherlands, we didn’t knew as well. When we heard of it we did some research. There is a small town in Utrecht called Austerlitz. In 1804 Napoleon’s soldiers built a 36-metre-high pyramid which is now one of the highest points of Utrecht.
Although the Egyptians never made it this far north, they definitely inspired the soldiers with their architectural masterpiece. What to do in Utrecht? Visiting this historical place, isn’t that nice?
Take a look at this guide to find out more about the Pyramide van Austerlitz.
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The Utrechtse Heuvelrug
When you have an interest in what to do in Utrecht, this is your read. When you plan to visit Utrecht it is really nice to have a walk through the Utrechtse Heuvelrug.
It is also possible to rent a bike to explore the area. It’s an oasis of calm just outside of the Randstad. With a vast natural environment and lots of historical locations, it’s lovely to spend the day, or even two. But that’s up to you!
There is no way around the Utrechtse Heuvelrug if you want to visit the pyramid.
The Pyramide van Austerlitz
Start your trip at NS Station Driebergen-Zeist and walk your way to the small town of Austerlitz. To plan a trip with public transportation in The Netherlands it comes in handy to use OV9292 and the NS reisplanner. When you plan to walk to the pyramid keep in mind that it is a one and a half-hour walk. It eventually took us three hours of walking before we arrived. The reason it took us so long was that we just bought our drone and camera and in combination with the lovely vast natural environment it’s a guarantee for success. So if you have a drone, don’t mind taking it with you.
History of the Pyramide van Austerlitz
In 1804, the French General Auguste de Marmont established an army camp (le Camp d’Utrecht) in this central location in the Batavian Republic, the present Netherlands, where over a period of several months he forged together various battalions into a large, well-trained army, capable of beating the British enemy should there be any repetition of the invasion of 1799.
In the autumn of 1804, satisfied with the military power of the new army, and to occupy his bored soldiers, Marmont had his soldiers build an earth and turf monument inspired by the Great Pyramid of Giza, which Marmont had seen in 1798 during Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign.
Even the erosion-exposed stepped surface was imitated. Construction lasted 27 days. The pyramid hill was 36 metres high and surmounted by a 13-metre-high wooden obelisk. It was named “Mont Marmont” or “Marmontberg”.
Entrance to the entrance to the Pyramide van Austerlitz
When arriving at the entrance it’s about a 300m walk till you reach the pyramid. Don’t forget to bring some cash with you. The entrance fee is around €3. They open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. and in the wintertime, they only open on Saturday. The winter season for 2019 is from the 29th of October till the 6th of April.
Even if it is closed it’s worth paying a visit, the only downside of that is that you can’t climb it.
If you are planning to visit the pyramid by car. There will be free parking spots available next to the entrance, in high season there is an opportunity it’s too busy.
More information about the Pyramide van Austerlitz can be found here.
Stay safe in the Netherlands | Travel insurance
When travelling this big wide world, I never go on an adventure without my essential travel insurance sorted out, and though the Netherlands is safe, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though you rather don’t think about the things that could go wrong, there’s always a chance that something will happen, and when that’s the case, it is better to be safe than sorry.
To help you find the right policy, I’ve listed two of my favourite options below:
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering COVID-19-related claims.
