The city of Amsterdam is busy again. Corona? Yeah, still somewhere there, but the restrictions were lifted to a minimum. Only clubs and festivals are still to come. International Amsterdammers are out and about. Bikers, as always, are taking control of the city. Tourists are back, Dam square is incredibly crowded again. Big city life, my dear. Nothing more. I like it.
Living in a big city was always one of my biggest dreams. But well. Sometimes, you just need to take a little break. Thank God, the Netherlands isn’t a big country. Better for domestic traveling. 30 minutes on the train, and you’re lying on the beach in charming Zandvoort. But what if you could take a break from the city, without leaving it? Ideal. Perfect. Wow. There are places to disconnect, to chill, just around the corner.
Gaasperplas
I’ve seen this one! This is the name I was always looking for on metro stops. Richting: Gaasperplas. Who would have known it’s a place one could use to run away from the city. And I used to live only two stops away from it. Why did I miss it? But well, my lack of knowledge about the surrounding neighborhood is not the point here.
Gaasperplas appears to be one of the best parks in the city. The main reason would be the fact that even officially it belongs to Amsterdam, it seems to be outside the city. Yeah, yeah, I know. It’s right next to the metro station, but as soon as you enter the park, the rush stays behind you.
I know what you may think. What is so special? Vondelpark is closer. True that. Completely agree. But in Gaasperplas you would be presented with more opportunities. You wanna chill next to the water and swim a bit? No problem! There is also a nudist beach for those who do not want to be limited by their clothes.
If you get hungry, just have a barbecue on dedicated spots. But what makes it different from other parks are the extra activities, including horse riding or diving. Plus, to fulfill the holiday’s mode, you can camp there from dusk till dawn in the camping area. Just check all the attractions on the map below. I promise you’ll find your thing to do!
Amsterdammse Bos
Oh, it’s huge, better have some time booked in your calendar for visiting Amsterdamse Bos. As I recently figured out, Bos in Dutch means forest. So thanks to that, you may have a picture of what kind of park it is. When I was little, my grandpa used to take me for walks to the forest. It’s amazingly relaxing, but… After some time… pretty boring. And this is exactly what I was thinking on my way to Amsterdamse Bos. Okay, I’m gonna walk for a while, connect with nature, and then… Meh.
No. Nah, it is a completely different experience. Of course, some routes of Amsterdamse Bos are typically forest paths. Birds are singing, tall trees are not allowing sun rays to bother you. Peace is in the air. Then the main paths are appearing and with them the possibilities. (Gosh, that sounds like motivational quotes from the Internet xD).
The title of the coolest activity in the park undeniably belongs to a goat farm. Who wouldn’t like to spend some time hanging out with cute goats? Especially when goat cheese is offered to buy as a souvenir. Also, don’t forget to try goat milk ice cream. I didn’t dare, but maybe you have more courage!
It’s not the only fun stuff available there! For those who prefer to spend their free time actively, there is a pretty nice place called Fun Forest. Remember climbing trees as a kid? Yeah, that’s it, but more advanced. Grab a rope and go up!
But it’s not everything. There are places to eat, swim or rent a boat (of course, pretty common service in the Netherlands!). Craves for cultural experiences are covered as well. Outdoor theater and “Museumtram” are waiting.
What I had no idea about is that in Amsterdamse Bos you can even go to a Spa & Wellness hotel. How nice is that? Massages, baths, and chill!
You know what? Just check the whole list of the attractions here!
Beyond Amsterdam Noord
Let me start by saying that the place isn’t as full of attractions as the previous two. There is a golf course and that would be it with the activities. But, it’s not always about doing stuff. Sometimes, all we need is to sit in the grass, have a walk, or quick bike ride in the countryside.
That’s why I’m introducing you to a small park and villages located just a few minutes by walk from Noord metro station. The park itself is pretty small, mostly occupied by dog walkers. You’ll find some hill, which I believe was supposed to be a viewing point. I’m not gonna lie, the view is not breathtaking. Okay. It might not be the best attempt with convincing you to go there, but give it a try sometime.
Why should you? Because, after you pass the park, all of a sudden you’re in the middle of nowhere. There is a small bridge, a path with trees on the sides and a really green golf course. Then, just walk further, and you’re in the calmest place I’ve ever experienced living in Amsterdam. Nothing else but peace. And… Oh, Oh. There are cows slowly eating grass, sheep doing whatever they do on a daily basis. Utopia, I’m telling you.
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