The story
Welcome to Kleine Koppel, the place where Amersfoort’s gritty industrial past meets its creative, pulsing future. As you stand here with the water of the Eem River reflecting the sky, your guests might wonder why this stretch of land feels so different from the medieval cobblestones of the city center just a few hundred yards away. This is the doorstep of De Nieuwe Stad, or The New City, and it is the best-kept secret for those who love a bit of edge with their history.
One of the first things people ask is about the name. Koppel refers to the common lands that once lay outside the city walls. While the Grote Koppel across the water was the main hub for trade, Kleine Koppel was the hardworking sibling.
For over a century, this area was defined by the clatter of machinery and the heavy scent of production. You’re standing near the famous Prodentfabriek, the old toothpaste factory. For decades, the air here didn’t smell like river water or fresh rain; it smelled like peppermint.
When the factory doors finally closed, the city faced a choice: tear it down or let it breathe. They chose to let it breathe, and today, those industrial halls house architects, tech startups, and artisans. If you look at the architecture, you’ll see those massive, towering windows and rugged brickwork.
Your guests will notice the giant silos and the crane-like structures. These aren’t just decorations; they are monuments to the days when ships would sail right up the Eem to unload grain and raw materials. Today, those ships are more likely to be leisure boats or the Eemlijn bicycle ferry, but the spirit of movement remains.
People often ask where to find the best local flavor. Point them toward the old soap factory or the warehouses that now house places like Het Lokaal. This is where the local food movement lives.
Everything here is about the short chain—bread baked with local flour, beer brewed with local hops, and vegetables grown just down the road. It’s a circular economy in action, right here in the shadow of the old smokestacks. As you walk, notice how the area feels unfinished.
That is intentional. It is a laboratory for urban life. Whether it’s the festivals held in the open squares or the quiet hum of a coffee roastery, Kleine Koppel is a reminder that a city’s history doesn't end when the factories close.
It just changes its rhythm. So, take a moment to look back toward the Koppelpoort, the famous water gate. From here, you can see exactly where the Middle Ages ended and the modern world began.
Enjoy the view, enjoy the energy, and welcome to the new heart of Amersfoort.