The Amsterdam Forest in Amstelveen is a beautiful city park with countless opportunities for recreation. Three times larger than New York's Central Park, with an endless network of trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riding. Take a dip in one of the natural swimming ponds, explore the extensive canoe network, discover extraordinary plants and animals or enjoy international festivals and performances in the Amsterdam Forest.
4 things to see and do in and around the Amsterdam Forest
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Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
Goatfarm Ridammerhoeve
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Spotting highland cows
Spotting highland cows
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Take a historic tram to the Forest
Take a historic tram to the Forest
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Climbing trees at Fun Forest
Climbing trees at Fun Forest
Walking and Cycling Amsterdam Forest
With 50 kilometres of cycle path and seven walking routes through different parts of the forest, the Amsterdamse Forest is a wonderful place for hikers and cyclists. Rent a bike at the entrance to the Forest or explore all the hiking trails.
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Beautiful spots in and around the forest
With a park this big it's impossible to see everything. Here are some of our tips and highlights
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Bloesempark
Bloesempark
Every spring, 400 cherry blossom trees draw crowds of visitors from near and far. Even outside the flowering period, Cherry Blossom Park offers tranquility. Explore this Japanese gem in the Netherlands.
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De Amstelveense Poel
De Amstelveense Poel
The soothing sounds of the water, the fresh air, and the beautiful views make a walk around the pond truly relaxing.
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Schinkelbos
Schinkelbos
This area consists of rugged open terrain. In addition to Scottish Highlanders, Exmoor ponies also roam here freely to keep the grass short.
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Schotse begrazing
Schotse begrazing
The southern part of the Amsterdamse Bos is getting more and more self-sufficient. Highland cattle keeps the grass short in a natural way.
A good place to start: Visitors' Centre 'De Boswinkel'
Start your visit to the Amsterdamse Forest in the Boswinkel. It is the reception and information desk for the forest. You’ll find everything you need to make your day in the Amsterdamse Forest a success. Special excursions and activities are also regularly organised.
What's On in the Forest
Scottish highlanders in the Amsterdam Forest
In winter and summer you can spot Scottish Highlanders in the Amsterdamse Forest. Be surprised by these impressive animals during your walk in the Amstersamse forest.
See where to spot them
The Amsterdamse Bostheater
Unique performances amongst the greenery and under the stars. Every summer, the Bostheater programme offers a modern adaptation of a classic play. The Bostheater also hosts concerts by top Dutch and international artists. Enjoy music & theatre and in the open air.
More about The Amsterdamse Bostheater
Events & Festivals - Some of the biggest festivals in the area take place in the Amsterdam Forest
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Places to eat
Spending a day in the woods is bound to make your stomach growl. Here are some tips for places in and around the Amsterdam Forest to go for a meal.
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De Boshalte
De Boshalte
A great spot to enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich or a cup of coffee with a sweet treat before renting or returning your bike.
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Oude Dorp
Oude Dorp
The old town of Amstelveen is located near the edge of the Amsterdam forest and is filled to the brim with spots for every taste (and budget)
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Boerderij Meerzicht
Boerderij Meerzicht
Traditional and pimped-up Dutch pancakes in this farm, with their own playground and small petting zoo. A great spot for kids.
Exercising in the Amsterdam Forest - Swimming, canoeing or rowing. Running, horse riding, hockey or cricket. Individually or as a club. The Amsterdam Forest is a wonderful green location for sports and games.
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Running
Choose one of the three marked running routes, work on your fitness with the Boscross fitness trail or go on an adventure on the cross-country circuit.
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Horse Riding
The Amsterdamse Forest has 21.5km of horse riding paths, two riding schools, two locations where you can park your horse and even a real horse picnic area. Discover the Forest on horseback!
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Rowing
The Bosbaan regularly hosts national and international competitions. Fancy rowing on the Bosbaan? Join a club.
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Canoeing
Rent a canoe at the Grote Vijver (‘Large Pond’) and explore the wetland forest with one of the two plotted canoe routes. The Bosbaan also hosts regular canoe competitions.
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Swimming
Delightful and safe swimming in open water. A swimming area is roped off in the Grote Vijver. For younger children there are two good paddling pools in the Forest.
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Hockey
Three hockey clubs with a grand history and the famous Wagener Stadium; The Amsterdamse Forest is a magnet for all hockey enthusiasts.
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Cricket
In the Forest you will find one of the few grass wickets in Europe. The perfect place for international cricket matches.
Overnight stays in Amstelveen
FAQ
Running, walking, cycling, rowing, canoeing, climbing and horseback riding.
Petting goats at Riddamerhoeve, spotting Scottish Highlanders, spa & wellness, bird watching and climbing at funforest.
You can park at the Hoofdentree Parking, Duizendmeterweg and Geitenboerderij. If you go by public transport, you can get the bus stop of Nijenrodeweg.