Christina of Sweden in Amersfoort, 1654

In the summer of 1654, Amersfoort served as a stopping place for Queen Christina of Sweden and a small entourage. Dressed in men's clothing and accompanied by a few trusted men, she was ingognito on her way from Hamburg to the Spanish Netherlands, where she would secretly convert to the Catholic faith. A somewhat larger group of travellers led by Count Von Dohna followed her. She had arranged to meet him in Amsterdam. However, she changed course and decided to leave Amsterdam to the right. Because she did not want to be recognised, she sent her servants with a message about the change of course to Dohna's group following behind. History does not record where exactly Christina stayed in Amersfoort. For those who follow the queen on the Via Christina or the Christinapad cycle route, the city is nevertheless worth making a shorter or longer stop like she did.

Historische Routes