Not far from Amsterdam city, Amstelveen is one of the greenest municipalities in the region Randstad in the Netherlands. It is possible to reach the area by bike following different routes, discovering the several parks along the Amstel River and the wide polders. To explore the urban environment, the cultural cycling route takes the visitor on a stunning ride to no less than 15 parks, including six botanical gardens and two botanical gardens are crowned ‘national monument’.
The beautiful botanical gardens of Amstelveen are famous nationally and internationally. The parks are definitely most impressive in the spring, but they are still worth a visit in other seasons. Hunt for Bog Asphodel, Bog Pimpernel, Leafy Spurge, Water Soldier, Greater Celandine or any of the hundreds of other rare plant species. Plants and herbs that are indigenous to the Netherlands are shown in enchanting compositions.
The Dr. Jac. P. Thijssepark and De Braak were designed by Chris Broerse. Just before the Second World War, as director of the public garden service, he conceived the plan to turn the old moor lake De Braak into a park. Broerse was a big fan of Dutch plant species and together with Koos Landwehr, the manager of a plant nursery, he developed a plan to use only ‘native’ Dutch plants. Because there was no Dutch name for this kind of park, Broerse invented the term ‘heempark‘, which roughly translates as ‘habitat park’.
A few years after De Braak, Broerse and Landwehr also designed the Dr. Jac. P. Thijssepark. They did not imitate nature but created new landscapes with scenic characters. The parks reflect the expertise and beauty of current Dutch landscapes. The Dr. Jac. P. Thijssepark consists of several ‘garden rooms’, each with its own atmosphere. De Braak, with its wide views, is much more open. Both parks were granted national monument status in 2011. Nearby, Dr. Koos Landwehrpark is a beautiful piece of meadowland between the residential areas of Amstelveen. In the middle of the park there is a large pond with swampy areas. In the fields grow plant species such as blue knot, spanish rider and pool rhombus.
To enjoy the ‘green’ areas of Amstelveen a good idea is to stay at the Alp de Veenen Boutique Hotel, located on the canal of the old city of Amstelveen. The hotel boasts a long tradition of hospitality and the family Alp will welcome the guests personally. It is literally around the corner of Amsterdam and the 25 rooms are equipped with all the conveniences and services as bike rentals to discover Amstelveen’s parks.
A simple and convenient way to explore the Amsterdam Area is with the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket. The convenient multi-purpose ticket offers unlimited public transport by bus, tram, train and metro. It is possible to purchase the ticket online or at the I amsterdam Store and selected transport ticket counters. Tickets are available for one, two or three consecutive days, so that it is possible to use it for a day trip, weekend break or three-day excursion.
The Flora Journal 