Mariah McKenna seeks out the ten best spots for a picnic in, and around, Amsterdam.

Whether it is a gathering for friends and family, a romantic date for two, or even a chance for a little alone time, a picnic is a great way to enjoy the sunny weather and relax, and Amsterdam has a host of fabulous place to choose from.  

Ten best spots for a picnic in, and around, Amsterdam:

1. Vondelpark
Vondelpark is one of the most well-known and easily accessible parks in Amsterdam. Opened in 1864, and named after Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, the park is 300 meters by 1500 meters (46 hectares) and offers an abundance of great places to throw down a blanket and relax.  
www.vondelpark.nl  

2. Amsterdamse Bos
With the motto, ‘Five years' work for a thousand men’ the planting of the Amsterdamse Bos began in 1934, a task which provided work for 20,000 unemployed people.  The last tree in this forestation project was only planted in 1967.  The Bos, which extends about two by five kilometres, is a great place to go when one feels the desire to be immersed in nature and get outside the city centre.
www.amsterdamsebos.amsterdam.nl

3. Oosterpark
Oosterpark (built in 1891), which is situated just outside the city centre on the east side of Amsterdam, is the perfect picnic spot.  There are plenty of large grass areas and ponds to enjoy, and because it lies just outside the centre, you may find less tourist and more locals from the surrounding ethnically diverse neighbourhoods.  

4. Sarphatipark
Sarphatipark, located in the neighbourhood De Pijp, is a small but pleasant park.  With the parks location just two blocks back from the Albert Cuyp market, it is the perfect place to take it easy after filling your picnic basket at the market near by.

5. Museumplein
After a long day at one of the many museums near by, Museumplein is a good spot to take a rest and enjoy a snack.  Or skip the museums all together and go straight to the large open grass area, grab a spot, and take in the amazing view of the Rijksmuseum.
www.amsterdam.info/museumquarter

6. Westerpark
If you find yourself in the west of Amsterdam near the Jordaan, a great to place to head for a picnic is Westerpark.  Westerpark has a lot to offer its visitors, from sprawling lawns, to marshlands, to a small farm for children.  When you had your fill of outdoor activities for the day head over to Westergasfabriek for a drink and some music.  
www.westerpark.amsterdam.nl

7. Amsterdamse Waterleiding Duinen – Noord Holland
If you long to get outside the city and truly commune with nature, Amsterdamse Waterleiding Dulnen (Amsterdam water supply dunes) is the pace to go.  As the name indicates, this place has been supplying Amsterdam with clean water since 1853.  The varied landscapes, rich diversity of plant and bird life, and massive (some say problematic) deer population make it a nature lovers dream.
www.kustgids.nl/awd/

8. Het Twiske
Another good place to go when you are looking to get outside the city is Het Twiske.  With six hundred and fifty hectares of 'recreation' land, two thirds of which is under water, there are a variety of activities available to visitors.  From lovely beaches to picnic on, to a scuba diving platform, an adventure-and water-playground, to a nature reserve, there is sure to be something for everyone.

9. Waterland
A few kilometres from the capital, begins the “front of Amsterdam. " Waterland, with its green meadows and wetlands, is a great place to observe cows, sheep and birds all near characteristic villages with wooden houses.   There are many popular biking, walking and boating areas where you can enjoy these activities before or after the relaxation of the perfect picnic.

10. Spaarnwoude
Just five kilometres North-East of Haarlem you will find Spaarnwoude, almost 3000 hectares of greenery, nature and tranquillity.  Here you can enjoy anything from the typically Dutch veenweidegebieden (peatlands), to monuments, parks, playing fields, a climbing wall, and a ski-slope.   Spaarnwoude is also home to the annual Dance Valley Music Festival, which takes place each summer.  And, of course, a music festival is a great place for a picnic!

For more information on some of the suggested places above go to:
www.recreatienoordholland.nl (in Dutch) and Expatica article Recreation spaces in North Holland.

Have you read:

Some yummy  picnic recipes

Some picnic fun

 July 2008

[Copyright Expatica 2008]