Staycation in the Netherlands: visit the Pyramid of Austerlitz this summer
There is a historic pyramid in the Netherlands. The striking Pyramid of Austerlitz marks the French period, around 1800. A couple of hundred years later the structure serves as a tourist attraction.
French soldiers working together
- Come with us into the time machine. First to 1804, when the French were in the Netherlands.
General De Marmont has assembled a large army. Only there is not much to do at the time. Even so, De Marmont wants to show off his military strength.
Napoleon Bonaparte's earlier Egyptian campaign inspires him. He then decides to have a pyramid built. The French soldiers work together impressively. In less than a month the pyramid is raised from the ground.
Pride
The ‘Marmontberg’ rises as a model of French pride. A tribute to Napoleon Bonaparte: a symbol, a monument to French rule.
Unfortunately for De Marmont, his own pride takes a considerable dent. King Louis Napoleon, Bonaparte's younger brother, renames the pyramid in 1806. It becomes the Pyramid of Austerlitz, a reference to a battle in the Czech lands.
A pyramid with the Lion of Waterloo in Belgium
He who builds last builds best. The Lion of Waterloo is the almost ironic ‘answer’ to the Pyramid of Austerlitz.
- Op 18 June 1815 (Battle of Waterloo) Napoleon Bonaparte is defeated.
Years later a grand peace monument follows: the Lion of Waterloo. The plinth and the lion are given a place on top of a large… pyramid. A glorious symbol of victory.
Staycation: visit the Pyramid of Austerlitz
Are you going for a staycation in the Netherlands? It is possible to visit the Pyramid of Austerlitz. The pyramid stands on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug near Woudenberg, Zeisterweg 98.
In August you can go daily, except Mondays, between 11.00 and 17.00. The opening hours do depend on the availability of volunteers. Today we could only climb the pyramid from 12.00.
Admission is €3.50 for adults (€1.50 up to and including age 12). Feel free to get in touch with the local organisation.
© dionvacation® with thanks to Vida Daurada
Magical ice between the mountains. Oases that are a feast for the eyes under the sun. Team dionvacation is made up of recreational skaters and sun lovers, people who savour life. We share that zest for life from the Weissensee all the way to the Catalan coast. The holiday home ‘Vida Daurada’ (the golden life) suits that lifestyle, between mountains and sea. All articles are written by our own travel editors. Vida Daurada sponsors the Sun destination section.
