The story: A Slice of France in the Heart of Holland: Discovering Austerlitz

A Slice of France in the Heart of Holland: Discovering Austerlitz

Posted by Claudia Moser on 6:09 PM

If you find yourself wandering through the dense, green forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, you might stumble upon a village that sounds remarkably French. Austerlitz isn’t just a quirky name on a map; it is a fascinating historical anomaly nestled in the Dutch countryside.

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone looking for a unique weekend escape, Austerlitz offers a blend of Napoleonic grandeur and serene forest trails.

The Napoleonic Connection

Unlike most Dutch villages that evolved over centuries, Austerlitz was born out of military necessity. In 1804, General Auguste de Marmont established a massive army camp here—the Kamp van Utrecht.

When Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of the French, and subsequently won the legendary Battle of Austerlitz in 1805, the settlement was officially named in honor of that victory.

The Star of the Show: The Pyramid of Austerlitz

The most iconic landmark in the area is undoubtedly the Pyramid of Austerlitz. Inspired by Marmont’s time in Egypt with Napoleon, he ordered his soldiers to build a massive earthen pyramid as a monument to the Emperor.

* The Build: It took just 27 days for the soldiers to pile up the earth and turf.

* The Obelisk: A stone obelisk now sits atop the mound, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding woodlands.

* Restoration: After years of erosion, the pyramid underwent a massive restoration and is now a beautifully preserved national monument.

What to Do in Austerlitz

If you’re planning a visit, here’s how to make the most of your day:

* Climb the Pyramid: Pay the small fee to climb the steps. On a clear day, the views of the Utrecht ridge are unbeatable.

* Forest Hiking and Biking: The village is surrounded by the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. There are countless marked trails for every fitness level.

* Beauforthuis: This former church turned cultural cafe is a local favorite. It’s the perfect spot for a post-hike coffee or to catch an intimate live music performance.

* The Beauforterbos: Explore the nearby woods where you can still see the rectangular patterns in the landscape—remnants of the old French military camp.

Motto

"A story is not like a road to follow … it's more like a house. You go inside and stay there for a while, wandering back and forth and settling where you like and discovering how the room and corridors relate to each other, how the world outside is altered by being viewed from these windows. And you, the visitor, the reader, are altered as well by being in this enclosed space, whether it is ample and easy or full of crooked turns, or sparsely or opulently furnished. You can go back again and again, and the house, the story, always contains more than you saw the last time. It also has a sturdy sense of itself of being built out of its own necessity, not just to shelter or beguile you."
by Alice Munro