Sterrenbos, Military training area and public park in Utrecht, Netherlands.
Sterrenbos is an area in Utrecht that combines green spaces with zones for military exercises, threaded by multiple walking paths. The paths follow a star-shaped pattern that gives the place its name and structures it today.
In the 18th century, the area served as a training ground for the militia society Pro Patria et Libertate outside Utrecht's city walls. The place remained dedicated to this purpose until urban development shifted it in the 19th century.
The name refers to the star-shaped arrangement of pathways that cross the grounds and give it a distinctive pattern. This layout remains visible today during a walk and shapes how the area feels.
The area is accessible via several entry points connected to the Catharijnesingel and Kruisvaart waterways, allowing flexible arrival planning. The star-shaped paths are clearly marked and easy to explore on foot.
Sterrehof was built in 1873 and marked the start of a new phase for the grounds, followed by a power station and tram depot in the early 1900s. These additions changed how people experience and move through the space.
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