Amstelveen is a quiet haven for art modern lovers, where the Museum Cobra and Museum JAN host changing exhibition programmes of modern art, sculpture and photography. Situated in Amstelveen's ‘Old Village’, Museum JAN specialises in glass art and Dutch design. Over the years, it has assembled a rich collection of modern work by the masters in this field, as well as other sculptures and paintings. Meanwhile, Cobra's changing exhibitions feature the great names of the mid-20th-century CoBrA movement, such as Karel Appel, Constant, Corneille and Jan Sierhuis. There are also major temporary exhibitions of work by individual artists and their contemporaries from related movements and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
Deep within the Amsterdamse Bos lies a magical open-air venue, the Amsterdamse Bostheater, that has delighted theatre and music fans every summer since 1985. With a programme ranging from large-scale and offbeat theatre productions to atmospheric musical performances, the performances make for a great summer evening beneath the stars in an intimate tree-lined setting. There’s also delicious food; visitors can grab dinner, appetizers and drinks at De Lastpost, the theatre’s own café and bistro. And don't miss the Forest Film Festival throughout the summer, for screenings of your favourite new movies.
The Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is three times the size of New York’s Central Park and is entirely man-made. Spanning an impressive 1.000 hectares, this exceptional green space is among the largest city parks in Europe. You are guaranteed a hefty dose of nature, wandering the activity-packed central zones framed by quieter forests and fields of rustic flora and fauna. Along the various walking or cycling paths, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as the lush forests and open water of this nature area make a cosy home for marsh harriers, kingfishers, squirrels, grass snakes and even some highland cattle. Looking for a unique experience amongst the treetops? The Klimbos Fun Forest high-rope adventure park allows visitors to move through the trees on ropes, ladders, bridges, zip lines and other climbing elements. Enjoy an adventure with your friends, family or colleagues and feel connected by nature.
Take a breath and recharge at Spa Zuiver, right on the edge of the Amsterdam Forest. Fully equipped with music saunas, a steam bath, a caldarium, an indoor and outdoor heated pool and aroma baths, this pocket of stillness is among the few in Amsterdam where you can take your time after an intense week. Indulge in an aromatic infusion sauna ceremony for the ultimate rejuvenation
Hop aboard the historic Electric Tram from Haarlemmermeer station to Amstelveen for a nostalgic adventure (every Sunday from April to October). This magical service is run entirely by volunteers - and group bookings are also available. You can get off at any stop along the way and continue on the next tram, combining your ride with a visit to the Olympic Stadium, Amsterdam Forest, Heemparken and Museum Cobra in Amstelveen, among others.
Wander through the Zuidas botanical gardens - an oasis of calm with century-old trees and a greenhouse holding a vast collection of cacti and succulents. The entrance is free so that everyone can enjoy all the hidden corners, including a miniature Chinese landscape garden and Bonsai display. Not far from there, you'll also find De Braak Park. This national monument park, designed by Chris Broerse, is famous for its natural landscaping using wild native plants that are now rare in the Netherlands. Stroll along the ‘floating’ path to the nursery gardens and reedlands typical of the Dutch polder landscape before crossing into Dr Jac P. Thijssepark - a wilderness sanctuary in urban Amstelveen where the weaving pathways create romantic ‘garden rooms’ filled with woodland vegetation, water and rare plants.
The 17th-century Wester-Amstel estate encapsulates the spirit of a countryside getaway and is the perfect spot to get a taste of the Dutch countryside and see what life's like along the banks of the Amstel River. Wander around the grounds, which combine Dutch Classicism architecture with modern sculptures and a beautiful natural setting. The estate offers a free downloadable audio tour and various walking route suggestions, complete with an estate map.
You may not associate the Netherlands with wine, but Dutch wines have grown in popularity recently – especially those from the country's south. To experience a local vineyard closer to Amsterdam, look no further than Wijngaard de Amsteltuin – a picturesque vineyard in Amstelveen. You may never have heard of the grape varieties being used (Solaris or Johanniter, anyone?), but that only makes the experience of tasting them even more special. Purchase a selection of Amsteltuin’s white, red and rosé wines from their Wijnhuis. The vineyard is also available for events and tours upon request.
If Amsterdam’s unpredictable weather makes outdoor shopping unsuitable, head to this indoor mall in Amstelveen for shelter and retail therapy. Stadshart Amstelveen has an extensive selection of brands like Hema, Douglas, Zara, and Intertoys alongside an outpost of the iconic department store De Bijenkorf. Dodge the elements with an indoor shopping experience and enjoy a coffee break or a quick bite at the many coffee and food spots inside.
This picturesque windmill on the Amstel River dates back to 1636. Situated along the water and right on the edge of the Amstelpark, De Riekermolen makes the perfect stop along a cycling route in and out of Amstelveen towards the picturesque town of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Nearby is a bronze statue of Rembrandt in honour of the many sketches he made here. A little further downriver, don't miss Rembrandthoeve - a traditional farm dating back to the 15th century specialising in making clogs and Gouda cheese. Free tours (including cheese tastings) are available daily.
