Discover history by the water
The Portuguese-Israelite Beth Haim was founded in 1614 and is still in use today. The four-hectare site on the Amstel is home to around 30,000 graves. The cemetery is a Rijksmonument (Dutch national heritage site); its graves tell the story of the history and culture of Portuguese Jews in the Netherlands. Its long history and expansive, untouched grounds make Beth Haim a special place for a peaceful visit.
The cemetery is open to everyone year-round, although there may be exceptions on religious holidays. You can visit Beth Haim independently or take a guided tour by appointment. This lets you explore at your own pace or experience the site with a guide.
The Ouder-Amstel Museum also explores the history of the region. It is housed in old deacon's cottages on Kerkstraat in the center of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Old maps, models, everyday objects and photographs offer insights into different aspects of regional history. A particular focus is the region's relationship with water.
Churches, the village center and the history of technology
The Amstelkerk combines a historic site with 18th-century architecture: it stands on the site of the oldest church in Amstelland and was built in 1775 as a Neoclassical Dutch Reformed church. Notable details inside include the pulpit, the men's pew and the 1865 Flaes organ.
The center of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel has been designated a protected village landscape since 1990. It is characterized by buildings around a waterside square, where the Amstel and Bullewijk meet. The confluence and the shape of the village center give the place a distinctive character, shaped by the water.
The history of water is also reflected in technology. The Ronde Hoep pumping station was built in 1913 at the Ronde Hoep polder near Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. The old diesel engine and almost all of the original equipment have been preserved inside the pumping station, including measuring instruments and tools. These technical details add a glimpse of the work involved in managing the historic landscape.
Polder landscapes and outdoor activities
The Ronde Hoep polder is part of the Groene Hart and is an almost untouched example of how people settled previously undeveloped land in the early Middle Ages. Today, walkers and cyclists use the area. The history of the landscape and outdoor activity go hand in hand here: exploring on foot or by bike, you can experience a polder whose settlement dates back a long way.
The Ouderkerkerplas recreation area offers a different view of the waterside landscape. It includes beaches and a day-camping site. Surfers, canoeists and small-sailboat users can make use of a boat ramp and a surfing shore. Birdwatchers can spot thousands of wigeons there. Opportunities for birdwatching are seasonal; access restrictions may vary depending on the time of year. Check access conditions before your visit.
Historic routes and culture in Duivendrecht
If you want to discover local history on foot, Duivendrecht has a historic walking route. Information boards at places of historic interest tell the story of the village. Three historic walks have also been created and signposted in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. They are easy to follow; check the signposting on site.
Cycling is another way to explore different aspects of the surrounding area. The Duivendrecht cycling route runs through the Groot Duivendrechtse Polder and along the Amstel to Ouderkerk. Along the way, it passes Duivendrecht's sights. As route details may change, check the route before setting off.
As a cultural venue, De Kleine Kerk in Duivendrecht complements the historic attractions, with a focus on film, music, theater and singing. The area offers a broad range of places to explore, from cemeteries and churches to regional history, technical heritage, cultural events and routes through the polder landscape.
Discover more destinations: Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Duivendrecht, Aalsmeer, Weesp, Zandvoort, Beemster, Haarlem, Enkhuizen.
For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.
