Discover Diemen through its waterside landscapes and layered local history. The Diemerbos lies between Diemen, Weesp and Amsterdam-Zuidoost. Historic buildings, monuments and the Saan Museum complement the natural attractions, offering different insights into the area.
Nature Areas and Trails Around Diemen
A walking route through the Diemerbos leads through young, water-rich woodland and the Banjerbossie play forest. The Rondje Diemerbos (red) passes picnic areas, a children’s play forest, bodies of water and a large grassy area for lounging. For a cycling trip, there is the Rondje Diemerscheg: the route is about 30 kilometres long and takes you through green landscapes, along picturesque dikes and past historic highlights.
On the other side of the A9, the area around the Diemerbos has more nature, including swamp woodland, wet grassland, ponds and reed beds. The Overdiemen recreation area is also nearby. There, you can walk and cycle along the Diem; the landscape includes green spaces, farms and reed beds by the water.
The Diemer Vijfhoek, also called PEN-eiland, is an artificial peninsula in the IJmeer next to the power station in Over-Diemen. It is managed by Staatsbosbeheer and is also part of the nature network along the IJmeer. De Omloop nature park in Diemen has a nature play area where you can jump over ditches, ride a raft and use a cableway. The landscape areas and activities therefore vary considerably.
Culture and History
Fort Diemerdam is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, which is protected as a UNESCO monument. Puur, the fort’s catering pavilion, is used mainly for private celebrations, corporate events and product presentations. If you are considering a visit, check the venue’s current information beforehand.
Schuilkerk De Hoop is the only preserved rural clandestine church in the Amsterdam area. The former church next to Sint Petrus Banden is now a cultural centre and is used as a wedding venue, concert hall and for other gatherings; its architectural sense of space has been preserved. The present-day Sint Petrus Banden church was built in 1910, after De Hoop had become too small. The two buildings can thus also be viewed through their successive histories.
Other landmarks represent different periods: the Stammermolen is the surviving mill stump of the Gemeenschapsmolen 2, an octagonal windmill built in 1875. Since 1896, the cast-iron Grenspaal has marked the former municipal boundary between Amsterdam and Diemen. It has been on the Dutch list of Rijksmonumenten since 1998. The Holocaust Monument commemorates Jewish residents of Diemen who were murdered during the Second World War and have no graves; a plaque lists their names.
The Saan Museum displays historic cars and cranes. Interactive screens present the company’s history, while quizzes and games complement the exhibition. The museum opens several times a year. Groups can visit by appointment on weekend days outside the scheduled opening days. Check the opening dates before travelling.
Connections and Travel Planning
Diemen has metro, bus and tram connections, including Amsterdam Metro Line 53 and Tram Line 19. Diemen Zuid station has direct connections to Schiphol, The Hague, Lelystad and Hilversum. Routes and journey times may change, so check connections before travelling. The different highlights can help with planning: nature trails and a cycling route sit alongside cultural venues, some of which can only be visited on scheduled opening dates or by prior arrangement.
For the main travel overview: Diemen.
