The picturesque little town of Baarn, which received its municipal charter in 1350, lies in wooded country north of Utrecht. This is a popular recreation area for the inhabitants of the surrounding towns, with good walking country extending in the west to Hilversum and in the south to Bilthoven.
Baarn is also noted for a number of homes belonging to the royal family.
The church in Baarn goes back to the 14th century, and the brick-built tower (heightened in the 16th century) and nave date from that period; the choir and aisles were probably added in the 15th century.
To the north of Baarn is Kasteel Groenendaal, which now houses the Nationaal Centrum voor Bos, Natuur en Landschap, an organization dedicated to the protection of the state forests.
Southeast of Baarn is the village of Soestdijk, at the far end of which stands Soestdijk Palace, the residence of Queen Juliana, the Queen Mother and Prince Bernhard. Nearby is Kasteel Drakensteyn, which is occupied by Queen Beatrix. Beyond this is Baarnse Bos, a beautiful wooded area.