Just a few minutes from the city center, on the banks of the River Amstel, lies theAmstelpark.
It's the perfect place to stroll, relax or enjoy a family picnic.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about it.
Here we go!
Amstelpark: article summary
Amstelpark: at a glance
The park was created in 1972, as one of the venues for the world's second garden fair, Floriade. Since the end of the fair, the municipality has endeavored to retain some of its attractions, and the Amstelpark is today one of Amsterdam's two most popular parks.
Local families come here to spend time with their children and enjoy a picnic. If you drop by around lunchtime, you'll be able to see them enjoying the fine weather. sharing a few Stroopwaffles and a cup of hot coffee.
Amstelpark and surrounding area
Amstelpark is located along the Amstel river. If you leave the park at the rear entrance, in the direction of Amsteldijk, you may see the course of the river, a flat countryside landscape on another bank and you can walk to a large, monumental Rieker windmill dating from 1636.
Just behind the windmill is a small bronze monument to Rembrandt, who used to walk here from Amsterdam along the river and make landscape drawings. Some of these views of the Amstel River can be found in his prints.
You can decide to walk further along the river in a southerly direction, after about 30 minutes, you'll reach a small village called Oudekerk.
This village is well worth a visit, especially if you've never been to the Amsterdam area. Oudekerk will give you a good idea of what the Dutch province is like.
Installation of special gardens at Amstelpark
Despite a huge loss of approximately 30 percent of the largest trees to disease ten years ago, the Amstelpark remains a magnificent park in all its parts preserved as a botanical garden.
You'll also find :
- Several meticulously tended gardens
- A rhododendron valley with 139 plant species
- The Rosarium
- A Belgian cloister garden
- A butterfly garden
Unfortunately, not much remains of the Japanese garden. An interesting little house imitates the architectural style of the famous Dutch architect Rietveld.
A perfect place for children
Amstelpark is a wonderful place to visit with children. At the main entrance, you'll see the station of a small train that runs through the park all summer long.
Behind the station, a small concrete bridge leads to a labyrinth. The hedge maze is quite long (380 meters), but it's not too difficult and it's great fun for kids.
Further to the left of the main entrance, you'll find other attractions for children, including a farm with sheep and goats, and the chance to take a pony ride.
Enjoy a quiet place
Amstelpark is a large park with many attractions. It's quiet and well-maintained.
There are no bicycles on site. Silence is the order of the day, and you won't find anyone listening to music on loudspeakers.
Finally, the lanes are wide with plenty of space for safe walking.
How to get to Amstelpark
Getting there is easy. Just take :
- Visit bus line 62 and get off at the Weerdestein stop.
- Your car and take exit 109 from the A10 motorway
Amsterdam's Amstelpark is a quiet place you'll love to visit. Here, you can enjoy the quiet surroundings and get away from it all!
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