The cherry blossoms in Bloesempark last for about two weeks in March or April; temperature, wind and rainfall determine the exact period. As you explore Amstelveen, you’ll also find an extensive network of paths in Amsterdamse Bos, polder landscapes, historic gardens and art.
Forest Paths, Water and Polder
Amsterdamse Bos is a natural area with a wide range of recreational activities and more than 200 kilometres of cycling, walking and horse-riding paths. There are 50 kilometres of cycling paths; bicycles can be rented at the entrance. National and international rowing competitions are regularly held on the Bosbaan.
You can swim at Grote Vijver; there are also two children’s pools with a kiosk and toilets. Canoes can also be rented at Grote Vijver, where you can paddle along one of two designated canoe routes. Recreational facilities may be operated seasonally; check swimming conditions and canoe rental availability before your trip. Amsterdamse Bos also offers recreational horse riding, two riding stables, horse stalls and a picnic area for horses. De Boswinkel organises trips on the sightseeing boat, as well as walking and cycling excursions; booking is required. People with reduced mobility can use the Bosmobil.
Middelpolder is considered a good place for birdwatching, as numerous birds fly over and land there. Good walking paths and some muddy paths run through the polder; conditions may change after rain. The Oude Polderwandeling offers another perspective on the landscape: this 7-kilometre walking route shows what the polder landscape used to look like.
Gardens, History and Art
De Braak is Amstelveen’s oldest nature garden. Designed in 1939, it established Amstelveen’s unique nature-garden tradition. Amstelveen’s historic routes also tell stories of the past: information boards cover topics ranging from its origins as a centuries-old farming village to the Second World War.
Buitenplaats Wester-Amstel is a 17th-century country estate with a monumental manor house, a public park, ornamental gardens and winding walking paths. The park is open daily for most of the year and admission is free. Access arrangements may change during events or maintenance work.
The 400 cherry trees in Bloesempark were donated to the municipality of Amstelveen by the Japanese Women’s Club in 2000. Every spring, their blossoms attract thousands of visitors from the Netherlands and abroad; visitor numbers vary. The weather-dependent blooming period makes a visit a seasonal experience, and its exact timing cannot be determined by month alone.
The museums also each have their own focus: Museum JAN is a fine art museum with a particular emphasis on glass art. Museum Cobra focuses on the art and ideas of the Cobra movement.
Local Experiences and Getting Around
More than 3,500 vines of five varieties grow across more than one hectare at Wijngaard Amsteltuin: Solaris, Johanniter, Souvignier Gris, Pinotin and Cabernet Cortis. In summer, visitors can enjoy a High Wine or a seafood lunch among the vines. As these are seasonal offerings, check their current availability before your visit.
At Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, visitors can feed lambs with bottles of milk. There is also a goat cheese-making workshop, where visitors make their own cheese and can take it home. Check whether the workshop is available before your trip. At Speelboerderij Elsenhove, children can learn about farm animals, the environment and sustainability through play.
For getting around, Stadshart Amstelveen can serve as a landmark: it has a large, modern bus station where almost all bus routes meet. Bus route 300 also goes to Schiphol Airport. Tram line 5 takes you from Leidseplein to Stadshart in 25 minutes. As routes and journey times may change, check the current timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Amstelveen, Heerhugowaard, Alkmaar, Schermer, Weesp, Bussum, Laren, Diemen.
For the main travel overview: North Holland.
