Amsterdam is unique and diverse with hundreds of notable landmarks like the Red Light District or the Anne Frank house. But like other cities, Amsterdam can also get crowded, busy, and maybe a little overwhelming.
A great way to escape the craziness of the city is to take a trip to Amsterdamse Bos, a forest and park located on the outskirts of Amsterdam. It was designed in the 1930s by Jakoba Mulder who created the space to function as both a place for recreation and sports and a natural parkland. This makes it a great trip for families and travelers of all ages. You can travel to Amsterdamse Bos easily by car. Or, you can do it the Dutch way – by bike.
To get to Amsterdamse Bos, my friend and I rented bicycles from one of the many bicycle rental stores around the city. For a flat rate of around 10 Euros for the day, riding a bike is the cheapest mode of transport around the city, other than walking. It’s not uncommon to see city locals traveling by bike in suits or with their work gear strapped to their backs.
A quick tip! The Netherlands is considered the biking capital of the world, and for good reason. In Amsterdam, bicyclists have their own lanes and traffic lights. Make sure you understand the rules of the road before you begin riding. I also suggest sticking to low-traffic areas while you get accustomed.
By bike, the trip to Amsterdamse Bos can be long and tiring if you don’t regularly ride bicycles. But there is plenty to see along the route to the park that may be missed if you travel by car. For example, my friend and I stumbled upon the Olympic Arena for the 1928 Summer Olympics. There are also other smaller parks and a popular botanical garden at the University of Amsterdam.
Once you arrive at Amsterdamse Bos, you have plenty of activities and options to choose from. There are tons of trails to explore with paths along the water, recreational areas for sports, a farm and petting zoo, a restaurant, and even docks for boating activities. We opted for a bike ride along the water with a stop at Meerzicht Farm, a cafeteria-style restaurant, to get pancakes for lunch. The petting zoo and children’s playground make this a great stop for families with little ones.
The wildlife of Amsterdamse Bos is extremely diverse and feels bigger the more you explore it. I was amazed at the broad range of animal species that make their home there; from tiny, delicate butterflies to the beautiful Scottish Highlanders. You may also spot various types of reptiles or fish living in the marshlands and birds soaring through the treetops overhead.
A trip outside the city center is the perfect way to get some fresh air and take a break from exploring the busy streets of Amsterdam. If planning your next trip, take advantage of a day with good weather and spend it exploring, playing sports, or picnicking at Amsterdamse Bos. Safe travels!
Ready to head to Amsterdam? Check out our other stories while you plan!
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