Amsterdam, Badhoevedorp, Diemen

When you think of green in Amsterdam, the Vondelpark is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But did you know that our busy capital has many more beautiful parks to offer? Discover it with this cycle route.

Take for instance 'urban jungle' De Lange Bretten. At 5 km², this park is even bigger than the Vondelpark. From the industrial area, the wild nature reserve suddenly looms there. Just about everything that Dutch nature has to offer can be found in De Lange Bretten! From old dykes and stone chunks to dune sand and watercourses, the area is attractive for both people and animals.

In the Amsterdamse Bos, conceived by Jac. P. Thijsse, you can relax. Unless, of course, you are a professional rower and train fanatically on the woods course for international championships. The forest was built to ensure that even in such an urban area as Amsterdam, there is enough space to seek out nature. Near Diemen, you cycle through another forest: the Diemerbos. The tree-lined countryside alternates with open meadow landscapes, as the polders here have looked for centuries.

Winding through cosy villages, such as Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, you cycle past the 17th-century country estate Wester-Amstel. Surrounding the stately mansion is a park and forest, where you can swap your bike for a short walk. Feel like discovering exotic plants too? Then visit the historic Hortus Botanicus. In the huge greenhouses, you will see more than 6,000 plants from desert areas and the (sub)tropics.

Once you've cycled this route, you'll know for sure: fortunately, there is plenty of greenery to discover around the Dutch capital!