Name: Het Amsterdamse Bos
Address: 1182 DB Amstelveen, Netherlands
Telephone: 06 29081628
Rating: 4.6

Recreational area including an organic farm/petting zoo, tree-top adventure course & boat trips.

Efteling

Provided by Google

Rijksmuseum

Van Gogh Museum

Anne Frank House

Keukenhof

The construction of Amsterdamse Bos began in 1930, but was interrupted by World War II and finally completed in 1970.

Construction Start

Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest parks in Europe, offering a vast expanse of diverse landscapes.

Largest Park

While often referred to as a forest, Amsterdamse Bos is actually a man-made park, featuring a variety of landscapes beyond just trees.

Artificial Forest

EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos, a glamping site within the park, is home to Scottish Highlanders, adding a touch of the Highlands to the Dutch landscape.

Unique Residents

Amsterdamse Bos is located in Amstelveen, a municipality just outside of Amsterdam, making it easily accessible for city dwellers.

Location

The park's vast polders and woods are perfect for bike rides, offering a scenic escape from the city.

Outdoor Activities

Het Amsterdamse Bos

Het Amsterdamse Bos, though geographically situated in Amstelveen, North Holland, is uniquely owned and managed by the municipality of Amsterdam. This artificial forest, conceived during the Great Depression as a job creation project, distinguishes itself through its diverse landscape, encompassing polders, waterways, and meticulously planned recreational areas. Beyond its function as a green lung for the Amsterdam metropolitan area, the Bos is home to a remarkable collection of outdoor art, subtly integrated into the natural environment. The Openluchttheater, an open-air theatre, provides a stage for performances against the backdrop of the forest, creating an immersive cultural experience. The Bosbaan, a dedicated rowing lake, has hosted numerous international rowing championships, adding a sporting dimension to the park's identity. Furthermore, the presence of Scottish Highland cattle contributes to the ecological management of the area, grazing on specific sections to maintain biodiversity and prevent the overgrowth of certain plant species.

Introduction

Het Amsterdamse Bos, larger than Central Park, offers diverse recreational activities including swimming at 'De Groote Speelweide' with a safe paddling area for children. Adjacent to the Amsterdamse Bos, Nieuwe Meer lake features three official swimming areas easily accessible by public transport, alongside beaches and coves suitable for water sports like SUP and canoeing.

Within the Amsterdamse Bos, the Ridammerhoeve goat farm provides relaxing walks, goat cuddling, cheese-making workshops, and dining options. Bike and hike along the Amstel River, explore the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes, and enjoy the polders and forests surrounding the glamping site.

For those staying at EuroParcs Amsterdamse Bos, recreational options extend to nearby Amsterdam, easily accessible for day trips. The park itself offers proximity to nature, ideal for walks. While there isn't a swimming pool on-site, the location is convenient for exploring Amsterdam's attractions, including museums, canals, and markets. A playground and animation team are available for children during peak season. Note that barbecuing is allowed using gas or electric grills only.

Recreational Activities

Het Amsterdamse Bos, located on the sunny south side of Amsterdam, is a sprawling urban forest offering a rich natural environment. Originally a reforestation project started in 1934, it has grown into one of the largest city parks in Europe, covering over 1,000 hectares and containing 150 indigenous tree species and over 200 bird species. This vast green space provides a natural habitat for diverse wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, frogs, woodpeckers, and various bird species. Rare plants, such as wild orchids, thrive among the reeds, adding to the park's ecological diversity.

Within the Amsterdamse Bos, visitors can encounter Scottish Highlanders, contributing to the unique character of the landscape. The park's extensive polders and woods are ideal for exploration via bike rides and walks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Nearby, the Amsterdam Water Supply Dunes offer further opportunities to appreciate the region's natural splendor.

The Ridammerhoeve goat farm, situated in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos, provides a charming glimpse into agricultural life. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walks, interact with the goats, and even participate in cheese-making workshops. The farm's restaurant offers a chance to savor local flavors, with options like "Breakfast with the Goats" and barbecues enhancing the experience. The Amsterdamse Bos offers an active day outdoors, surrounded by nature's splendor.

Amsterdamse Bos Natural Environment

For a camping experience near Amsterdam, the Amsterdamse Bos provides a unique setting on the city's southern outskirts in Amstelveen. EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos offers a quiet location with pitches for tents and caravans. While the campsite itself doesn't feature extensive entertainment or a restaurant, it provides essential amenities such as a shop for groceries and fresh bread. Bike rentals are available, facilitating easy exploration of the forest and access to Amsterdam's city center. An e-chopper can be rented to follow routes via a downloadable app.

The campsite features a playground for children. For swimming, the Grote Vijver is the official swimming location, complemented by two children's pools. EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos offers various lodging options, including glamping tents, cabins, mobile homes, and forest lodges. Standard pitches and camperplaatsen are also available, with options for water access.

Camping in the Amsterdamse Bos allows for exploration of nearby attractions such as the Science Museum NEMO, Artis zoo, Zaanse Schans, and the fishing village of Volendam. The Muiderslot, a medieval castle, is also within reach. The campsite is equipped with WiFi, washing machines, and dryers. Note that some facilities may have limited availability outside of the high season.

Camping Experience

EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos offers a unique urban proximity experience, blending natural serenity with easy access to Amsterdam's vibrant city life. Situated on the outskirts of Amsterdam, the campsite provides an opportunity to combine a city break with a nature escape. The Amsterdam Forest, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, allows visitors to explore a vast, manicured wilderness.

The campsite's location facilitates convenient travel to Amsterdam's city center. A nearby metro station and a direct cycle path offer quick and easy transportation options. The cycle path provides an immersive experience, connecting the sights, scents, and sounds of the forest with the urban environment.

Amsterdam, easily accessible from the campsite, showcases picturesque canals, gabled buildings, and a rich cultural history. The city's museums, galleries, and nightlife are within easy reach, allowing visitors to experience the best of both worlds.

On-site amenities include bike rentals, enabling further exploration of both the forest and the city. The combination of natural surroundings and urban accessibility makes EuroParcs Het Amsterdamse Bos an ideal location for those seeking a balanced travel experience.

Urban Proximity

Within Het Amsterdamse Bos, the organic Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve offers an engaging experience with farm animals like goats, lambs, chickens, pigs, cows, and horses. Visitors can observe the farmer's daily tasks, such as feeding, milking, and cheese making. The farm shop sells homemade goat cheese, organic vegetables, and herbs sourced directly from the farm's garden and the Kennemerduinen.

Open stables allow close interaction with the animals, including the opportunity to bottle-feed young goats. The farm features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy organic lunches, coffee with goat's milk, and goat's milk ice cream. Workshops and activities like cheese making, birthday parties, and breakfast events are available, along with a Saturday organic farmers market.

Located at Nieuwe Meerlaan 4, 1182 DB Amstelveen, the farm is easily accessible for a few hours of exploration. Note that the farm is closed on Tuesdays, and until February 23rd, it's also closed on Mondays. The Goat Farm also has a playground and labyrinth. The location is known for its strong farm smell.

Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve

City Camping Het Amsterdamse Bos offers convenient access to both nature and the bustling city of Amsterdam. Located on the southern edge of the Amsterdamse Bos, the park provides a unique opportunity to camp or stay in holiday homes near the city center. Its location allows for quick trips into Amsterdam, balancing the tranquility of nature with the attractions of the Dutch capital.

The park's proximity to Amsterdam allows easy exploration by bicycle. Reviews suggest that the city is easily accessible by bike, offering a less stressful alternative to driving through the park. For those interested in cultural experiences, Amsterdam offers canal cruises, numerous museums, and historical canal houses. Families can enjoy attractions such as Artis Zoo and the NEMO Science Museum.

Beyond Amsterdam, the surrounding area offers additional attractions such as the Zaanse Schans, Alkmaar, and Volendam. The park's location also makes it a suitable base for overnight stays near Schiphol Airport. Despite this proximity, the park maintains a quiet atmosphere, although occasional disturbances from low-flying aircraft may occur.

The park provides easy access to cycling and walking routes within the Amsterdamse Bos and the surrounding polders and forests. Additionally, guests can enjoy discounted tickets to various museums, amusement parks, and zoos in Amsterdam. Canal cruises are also available, offering a unique perspective on the city's iconic landmarks.