Nationaal Militair Museum Soesterberg
Explore Dutch military history with vast aircraft, tanks, and interactive exhibits on an ex-airfield. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Nationaal Militair Museum Soesterberg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Dutch military history with vast aircraft, tanks, and interactive exhibits on an ex-airfield. Fun for all ages!
"One of the best museums we've ever visited, incredibly well done and massive!"
Book Vehicle Rides Early
Tank and jeep rides are popular! Book tickets upon arrival to avoid disappointment . :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across large indoor and outdoor spaces. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aircraft Hangar
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at a stunning collection of historic and modern aircraft suspended in mid-air.
Tank and Vehicle Displays
Indoor and Outdoor Exhibits
Get up close with powerful tanks, armored vehicles, and military machinery from various eras.
Interactive Exhibits
Throughout the Museum
Engage with history through simulations, video games, and personal soldier stories.
Outdoor Playground
Outdoor Area
A fantastic space for kids to burn energy with themed play structures and climbing opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allocate Ample Time
Family Fun Factor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is the National Military Museum worth it? Easy to get to from Amsterdam Centraal?
Book Vehicle Rides Early
Tank and jeep rides are popular! Book tickets upon arrival to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across large indoor and outdoor spaces. :athletic_shoe:
i recently went to the dutch national military museum and here are some (bad quality) pics that i took
went to the national military museum in Soesterberg (Netherlands) today. snapped some pics for you guys
Check for Special Events
The museum hosts unique events and temporary exhibitions. Plan your visit around them! :calendar:
Utilize the Cafe
A good spot to refuel with snacks and meals, especially after exploring the outdoor areas. :coffee:
I visited the nationaal militair museum in the Netherlands
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Vehicle Rides Early
Tank and jeep rides are popular! Book tickets upon arrival to avoid disappointment. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across large indoor and outdoor spaces. :athletic_shoe:
Check for Special Events
The museum hosts unique events and temporary exhibitions. Plan your visit around them! :calendar:
Utilize the Cafe
A good spot to refuel with snacks and meals, especially after exploring the outdoor areas. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Nationaal Militair Museum for its massive, well-maintained collection and highly engaging interactive exhibits, making it a top choice for families and history enthusiasts alike. While the journey might be a bit off the beaten path for some, the immersive experience and unique attractions, like vehicle rides, are widely considered worth the trip.
"Absolutely Worth It – One of the Best Museums We've Visited!
We recently visited the Nationaal Militair Museum (National Military Museum) with our boys (around 10 years old), and honestly, we weren't sure at first if it would be the right fit for them. But we’re so glad we went — it turned out to be one of the best museums we’ve ever visited.
The museum is massive and incredibly well done. It features a huge collection of tanks, planes, and military vehicles, but what really stood out were the interactive elements — video games, interviews, short films, simulations, and more. You could easily spend more than a day here and still not see everything.
Our kids had an absolute blast. There's a large indoor and outdoor playground, and even opportunities to ride in vehicles and tanks (yes, real ones!). Everything is very family-friendly.
Facilities are excellent: clean toilets, a good restaurant, a coffee shop, and lots of helpful staff throughout the museum. Highly recommended for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for a high-quality, engaging experience."
janun biber
"This is such a great museum, there is a perfect mix of history and fun interactive things for the kids. We spent 6 hours here and could have stayed longer if the kids weren’t tired. Suited our 5,7 and 9 year olds with some really emotive personal stories, great tanks and planes etc to look at as well as outdoor play areas. Special thank you to the wonderful
Man who we brought the tank ride tickets from- your kindness made my day!
I’d highly recommend for a busy day out."
Rebecca Shotton
"Visiting the National Military Museum was a fascinating experience. Unfortunately we were only able to spend a couple of hours there, but we do recommend to reserve a day for it.
Our son (13y) was amazed. Here’s a quick overview of must-do activities:
- Interactive Exhibits: Engage with hands-on displays, including military vehicles and equipment.
-Outdoor Area: Explore the outdoor exhibitions featuring tanks, planes, and helicopters. Check how to book a tank/jeep drive for kids..
-Special Exhibitions: Check if there are any temporary or special exhibitions during your visit, as they often showcase unique themes or events."
Saska Zvan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the museum from Amsterdam Centraal by taking a train to Den Dolder station, followed by a bus or a taxi. Some visitors find it easier to take the train to Den Dolder and then catch a bus. The journey typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Nationaal Militair Museum. It's a convenient option if you're traveling by car.
Absolutely! Public transport is a viable option, with train and bus connections available. Plan your route in advance using public transport apps.
Many visitors recommend taking the train to Den Dolder and then transferring to a bus. Check the NS (Dutch Railways) and local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the museum is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible for international visitors arriving in the Netherlands.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most current admission fees. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to save time.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to guarantee entry and potentially avoid queues.
Check the museum's website for potential discounts, such as for children, seniors, or group bookings. Museumkaart holders often get free entry.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Always consult the official Nationaal Militair Museum website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, tickets are typically available for purchase at the museum's entrance, but booking online is often more convenient.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kids will love the large indoor and outdoor playgrounds, interactive exhibits, and the chance to ride in real military vehicles. It's a very family-friendly museum.
Yes, the museum offers opportunities for visitors, especially children, to ride in tanks or jeeps. These rides are very popular and often require separate tickets purchased on-site.
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least 4-6 hours, or even a full day, to fully experience the museum's vast collection and interactive elements.
Information on guided tours may be available on the museum's website. These can offer deeper insights into specific exhibits.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators and ramps. It's advisable to check their website for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Nationaal Militair Museum has a good restaurant and a coffee shop where you can get snacks and meals.
The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, and beverages, perfect for a break during your visit.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the exhibition halls. Check the museum's guidelines.
The restaurant usually offers a selection of dishes, and it's worth inquiring about vegetarian or vegan options upon arrival.
Prices are generally in line with museum cafes, offering a convenient option for visitors. It's a good place to refuel.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the museum, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas. Always look for signage.
The aircraft hangar with planes suspended from the ceiling offers dramatic photo opportunities. The outdoor vehicle displays and interactive exhibits also make for great shots.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy.
Some exhibits or sensitive displays may have 'no photography' signs. Always respect these restrictions.
You can capture impressive shots of large military aircraft, detailed close-ups of tanks and vehicles, and engaging images of interactive displays and historical artifacts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vast Collection
Beyond the static displays, the museum excels in bringing history to life. Interactive exhibits are a major draw, featuring simulations, video games, and short films that allow visitors to engage with military technology and strategy. The museum also highlights the human element of conflict, with powerful personal stories from soldiers and moving displays like an authentic vehicle that hit a mine, accompanied by their accounts.
Family-Friendly Adventures
The museum's design ensures that children of various ages can find something engaging. The interactive elements, such as simulators and games, are often accessible and enjoyable for younger audiences. The staff are also noted for their kindness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive family atmosphere. With its combination of educational content and fun activities, the museum provides a memorable day out for the whole family.
Getting to the Museum
It's advisable to use journey planners like NS (Dutch Railways) or local public transport apps to map out the most efficient route for your travel date. While the journey might take around 1 to 1.5 hours, many visitors find the trip entirely worthwhile due to the museum's exceptional offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit