Baarn station is now officially the first Buitenpoort on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The name translates roughly as Outdoor Gateway, and that is exactly what it is: train travellers arriving at the station are welcomed directly into the landscape, with route information, a distinctive visual identity, and deer tracks that quite literally point the way into nature.
The opening was attended by Alderman Mark Eijbaard from the Municipality of Baarn, Deputy André van Schie from the Province of Utrecht, NS Regional Director Irma Winkenius, and Froukje Bekius on behalf of the Stichting Nationaal Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug. After the official ceremony, attendees walked through the Baarnse Bos with Staatsbosbeheer, to experience the connection between the station and the surrounding landscape for themselves.
A Buitenpoort is a recognisable entry point into natural, recreational and cultural landscapes. Through a fitting visual identity, walking and cycling route information and clear signage, visitors are guided into nature from the moment they step onto the platform. The concept was previously rolled out at Bussum Zuid station, at the edge of the Goois Natuurreservaat, and is currently being developed at stations in Castricum and Nunspeet.
At Baarn, the new identity is immediately visible. The Buitenpoort logo is on the facade of the new bicycle storage facility, and large photographs of the surrounding landscape guide travellers through the station tunnel towards the forest exit. From there, deer tracks lead to an information stand with route details for walkers and cyclists. Baarn is a good base for exploring the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, with its tree-lined avenues, open heathland and the Baarnse Bos, and within easy cycling or walking distance lie Kasteel Groeneveld, Lage Vuursche, Paleis Soestdijk and the Pluismeer.
Baarn station is a natural example of a Buitenpoort. From the station, you step straight into the Baarnse Bos and discover special places like Kasteel Groeneveld, Lage Vuursche, and Paleis Soestdijk. The train gets you there comfortably and sustainably, so there is no need to bring the car! — Mark Eijbaard, Alderman, Municipality of Baarn
For National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Buitenpoort is a concrete step towards making recreational visits more sustainable and easing pressure on the park.
Just like nature itself, sustainable mobility does not stop at municipal boundaries. It is precisely through collaboration between governments, transport providers and nature organisations that we can encourage more visitors to discover the Utrechtse Heuvelrug by public transport. — Froukje Bekius, sustainable mobility project officer.
The Buitenpoort was developed in collaboration between National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug, NS, the Province of Utrecht, ProRail, municipalities on and around the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, and Staatsbosbeheer.
More information: www.npuh.nl/buitenpoorte