Amsterdamse Bos is a large park, comparable in size to the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.
The difference being that it's totally artificially created, on unused grassland and wetlands just outside the city.
Today, I'm talking about this place in this article.
Here we go!
Amsterdamse Bos: article summary
The Amsterdamse bos story
Amsterdamse Bos was designed as a landscaped park offering visitors an unobstructed view of the landscape with a broad perspective.
It is located southwest of Amsterdam, between Amsterdam and Amstelveen, on a specially created site 4 meters below sea level.
The first part of the park opened in 1937 and the entire initial plan was completed in 1964. The park has been constantly improved throughout its existence.
Some practical information for your visit
You can enter the park from several points. However, as you pass through the main entrance, you'll see two large bunker-like constructions on either side of the road.
The one on the right is a café with a huge terrace, ideal for sitting out in summer. The building on the left is a visitor center, with reception and gift store, and a small permanent exhibition on the park's history.
Admission to the exhibition is free and open daily from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m..
Amsterdamse bos: a wide choice of activities
The park isn't just a wild green expanse where you can spend some quality time with family and friends. In fact, there's plenty to do on site.
Jogging in the Amsterdam forest
For joggers, the park has a special course with 14 sports facilities simple fences, horizontal bars, rings and balance beams for different exercises. The perfect green setting for your morning jog.
A picnic in Amsterdamse bos
Amsterdamse Bos is the perfect picnic area. Although building a fire on the ground is forbidden, barbecues are permitted, provided that the barbecue is placed on its stand at a height of over 50 cm, and that it is not placed on the ground. not in direct contact with the ground or surrounding vegetation.
Horseback riding
Two riding schools are located in the park, at either end of Nieuw Kalfjeslaan: Manege Nieuw Amstelland and De Amsterdamse Manege. At both stables, you can hire a horse for a ride in the park, provided you are a good rider.
A wide choice of water sports
You can spend a lovely day rowing along the canals through the forests or on one of the lakes. To hire a canoe or pedalo, you need to go to Lake Grote Vijver. Please note that colorfully painted poles at the water's edge show your way through the Bos canals.
Open-air theater in Amsterdamse Bos
In the summer of 1985, a group of theater actors set up an open-air theater in Amsterdamse Bos. The shows take place mainly in summer, and are very popular.
There's nothing better for a theater lover than to see Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream in a theater in the middle of the forest, with hundreds of other spectators.
I advise you to bring a blanket, a bottle of wine and a piece of cheese. After all, a Shakespeare play can be long, especially when the full text is staged.
Visit cheese farms
There are two farms in the park. The first is Boerderij Meerzicht. It's now a pancake restaurant serving soup and sandwiches, but keeps a few animals for children's enjoyment.
To get there, drive along the Bosbaan rowing lake and park your car behind it. Follow the signs through the park. The site opens March to October, 10 am to 7 pm daily except Mondays.
The other is Geitenboerderij "De Ridammerhoeve", an authentic cheese dairy. It's located in the middle of the Bos. After a few minutes' walk following the signs, you'll have no trouble finding the place. Please note closes on Tuesdays and in winter on Mondays.
Discover a historic tramway
De Electrische Museumtramlijn, the old electric streetcar line between Amsterdam's Harlemmermeestation and Amstelveen/Bovenkerk, is served by historic streetcars. This vehicle is a great attraction for children.
Visit streetcar has several stops. One is at the main entrance to the Bos.
How to get to Amsterdamse Bos
You can visit us at bike. Amsterdamse Bos is less than 4 km from Amsterdam. From bike paths have been created on both sides of the road to make it easier for you to get around. Get there via Amstelveenseweg, in the south-west of the town, and at the first major junction in Amstelveen, turn right towards the park.
You can also take the bus. From the Central Stationthe lines 170 and 172 will take you there.
Amsterdamse bos is a special place in Amsterdam. During your visit, if you want a bit of greenery, I'd recommend a visit.
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