Amersfoortse kei

The nickname of Amersfoort is the 'keistad' or 'boulder city' because of this boulder which now is visable in the city ring near the Arnhemseweg. This 9-tons boulder (kei) was dragged from the Utrechtse Heuvelrug moors (near Soest) into the city in 1661 by 400 people because of a bet between two landowners. The people got their reward when the winner bought everyone beer and pretzels. Other nearby towns then nicknamed the people of Amersfoort Keientrekker (boulder-dragger or puller). This story embarrassed the inhabitants, and they buried the boulder under the city in 1672. Surprisingly the boulder showed up again in 1903 during construction work. It quickly became the proud of Amersfoort, and was placed in a prominent spot as a monument.