CASTLES & GARDENS. of Amsterdam AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE. Includes a rea ma p & transport advice

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1 AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE Includes a rea ma p & transport advice CASTLES & GARDENS of Amsterdam EXPLORE THE FORMER COUNTRY RETREATS OF AMSTERDAM S GOLDEN AGE MERCHANTS OR SEE THE CITY S OLD DEFENSIVE FORTS ALL WITHIN AN HOUR OF THE CITY CENTRE.

2 3 AMSTERDAM MAGAZINE CASTLES & GARDENS Free entrance museums Free canal cruise Free public transport Amsterdam and more 24 hours hours hours 69 GET OUT OF TOWN BUS PASS + 10 Available at the I amsterdam Visitor Centres (across from Central Station and at Schiphol Airport, Arrivals 2) iamsterdam.com/citycard CONTENTS P.04 FORTRESS STRETCH Home to many old castles, fortified towns and ruins, the picturesque fortress stretch offers a vivid window into medieval times. P.09 HISTORICAL RIVER ESTATES Take a trip south of the city and enjoy the grandeur and nature of the historical river estates that dot the banks of the winding River Vecht. P.12 PUBLIC TRANSPORT MAP P.14 LEISURE LAKES Near Amsterdam you ll find a number of lakes perfect for a day of fun on the water. Rent a boat, canoe or surfboard to explore, enjoy and relax. P.18 AMSTEL RIVER COUNTRYSIDE Follow the Amstel River out of the city and in no time at all you ll be cycling P.22 VISITOR INFORMATION Transport tips, Visitor Information Centres, where to stay, where to eat & more. past grazing cows, country houses and historic villages. a number next to an attraction corresponds to the location on the map on pp A a letter next to an attraction corresponds to the nearest Visitor Information Centre, listed on p.22 WELCOME TO THE CASTLES & GARDENS OF AMSTERDAM The countryside of Amsterdam was always a popular region for the rich merchants of the Golden Age. Each summer they would leave their primary residences in the heart of Amsterdam, retreating to extravagant castles and estates with acres of beautifully manicured gardens. South-east of Amsterdam, on the banks of the Amstel River and the River Vecht, you can still bike and boat past these historic houses. Some are open to the public while others leave you dreaming of an aristocratic life by the water At the leisure lakes of Amsterdam, meanwhile, watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers will find plenty to do, to explore and relax. P.23 TIP Many of the best attractions around the Castles & Gardens are an enjoyable bike ride from Amsterdam. See p.23 for rental options near Central Station and Amstel Station. published by Amsterdam Marketing editor-in-chief Bart van Oosterhout art direction & basic design Loes Koomen project manager Pauline Saathof designer Zlatka Siljdedic copy editor & writer Megan Roberts

3 4 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS fortress stretch Fortress stretch Home to many old castles, fortified towns and ruins, the picturesque fortress stretch part of the UNESCO World Heritage list offers a vivid window into medieval times. AMSTERDAM CASTLE MUIDERSLOT 5 TIP Travel by boat from Amsterdam to Pampus Island and Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot and get a 25% discount with your I amsterdam City Card. Boats depart Tuesday-Sunday from IJburg in Amsterdam. (+31 (0) (4 April - 1 November). FORT OSSENMARKT VISIT 1,000 YEARS OF HISTORY The charming town of Muiden is a must for boat lovers, with countless ships sailing into and out of the historic harbour. It is also home to the grand Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot, which looms over the mouth of the River Vecht, the Netherlands most beautiful river. As well as providing a historic snapshot it s also a fun-filled museum for all the family. Nearby, Naarden is one of the most remarkable examples of a preserved fortified town, with its classical town centre still encompassed by two elaborate star-shaped canals and stone walls. Weesp s forts and windmills, meanwhile, offer up a taste of the Golden Age. All of these towns are fantastic starting points for exploring the UNESCO World Heritageprotected Defence Line of Amsterdam. DEFENCE LINE OF AMSTERDAM The Defence Line of Amsterdam (Stelling van Amsterdam) is a remarkable 135-kilometre-long defensive ring made up of 46 forts and batteries as well as a multitude of dykes and sluices, encircles the Dutch capital. The Stelling was mostly constructed between 1874 and 1914 and showcases the Dutch genius for hydraulic engineering: the possibility for flooding the land lies at the heart of this defensive system, which is characterised by ingenious logistics. During both World Wars the Stelling was manned by soldiers, although it didn t witness any action. Nowadays, a large portion of this monument is open to the public and makes for a great day out for young and old. Special bike routes (in English) have been developed along the most beautiful highlights (April- October). A square castle with a drawbridge, five towers, battlements and embrasures, Muiderslot is a true medieval water stronghold on the River Vecht. Built around 1285 by Count Floris V, an ally of the French Court and later of the British King Edward, Floris was later brutally murdered by his own nobles. Some years later Muiderslot was home to Dutch Shakespeare Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft. Today, it is an informative and fun day out for the whole family. Take a tour through the impressive knight s hall, towers, dungeon and armoury; stroll through the beautiful herb and vegetable gardens that still retain the atmosphere of the Dutch Renaissance and enjoy the fantastic views from the ramparts. A special interactive tour for kids where they can play dress-up and even try their hand at jousting comes highly recommended, as do the falconry displays (daily in July and August, except Monday). FREE entrance with your I amsterdam City Card open 1 April-31 October Herengracht 1, Muiden +31 (0) MUIDEN The fortified town of Muiden sits near the IJmeer, just east of Amsterdam. Dating back to the tenth century, it is now known for its peaceful streets, cosy cafés, historic landmarks and picturesque harbour. The town is a key link in the Defence Line of Amsterdam. Pass through Muiden s centuries-old walls and prepare for a stroll through one of the country s oldest communities. DE FORT PAMPUS At low tide Pampus Island used to block the access of seagoing ships to the port of Amsterdam. Late in the 19th century, an island fort was built on the site as one of a ring of 46 fortifications and batteries surrounding Amsterdam. It was abandoned in 1933 when the Zuiderzee was closed off from the North Sea to become the IJsselmeer, the biggest lake in the Netherlands. These days, the island and abandoned fort have a mysterious air and make for an interesting day out for visitors of all ages. Catch the ferry from either Muiden or Amsterdam (4 April-1 November). +31 (0) TIP Get a 25% discount with your I amsterdam City Card

4 6 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS fortress stretch 7 Weesp A grand TIM TADDER NAARDEN N aarden was once a modern military defence post and it is still one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe. From the air, the town s layout resembles a gigantic snowflake, comprising six bastions, a double rampart and a double ring of canals. This unique configuration meant Naarden was used as a rallying point for Allied bombers during World War II. Must-sees include the Town Hall dating from 1601, with its imposing crow-stepped gable, The Spanish House, one of the last remaining medieval buildings, and The Big Church with its famous 16th-century paintings illustrating scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The Arsenal was originally a weapons repository dating from 1688, and is now the home base for Dutch interior designers and a top restaurant, which in combination offer the perfect opportunity to combine history and contemporary design. The city offers plenty of good restaurants and pubs where you can experience typical Dutch gezelligheid (cosy atmosphere). Also enjoy the museums, excellent boat rides, festivals, galleries, little shops, cosy cafés and beautiful natural surroundings. D FOTOFESTIVAL NAARDEN Now entering its 14th edition, FotoFestival Naarden is held every other year and attracts tens of thousands of photography enthusiasts to the historical fortified city of Naarden. Taking place at some ten locations, this year s festival is themed around water, and will feature new series by Frans Lanting, Kadir van Lohuizen, Tim Tadder, Jimmy Nelson and dozens of other top photographers. Other highlights include tours, public interviews and a photo-book store. 14 May-21 June DUTCH FORTRESS MUSEUM Swallowed by the Zuiderzee, massacred and burned by the Spaniards, occupied by the French and Prussians and later by Napoleon s troops: the history of Naarden can be found at this fascinating museum, comprising canons, weapons, uniforms, engravings and an audiovisual presentation, plus historical reconstructions every third Sunday of the month. Visitors can also learn about the New Dutch Waterline : by flooding large sections of land with water too shallow for boats and too deep to march through, this military line of defence, designed in 1815, helped to keep Holland out of war for more than a century. Westwalstraat 6, Naarden +31 (0) FORT UITERMEER town hall, windmills, forts and the River Vecht adorn the fortified town of Weesp. The town centre boasts more than 188 national monuments. One of the most eye-catching is the town hall built in and designed by Jacob Otten Husly, the architect behind the grand Felix Meritis building on Amsterdam s Keizersgracht. These days, the town hall houses a small museum for porcelain, one of the oldest industries in Weesp ( Until the 1970s, the town was home to a chocolate factory owned and operated by the renowned Van Houten family. Today, the family s influence can still be seen in the Van Houten church and the grand 99-room Villa Casparus. E FORT UITERMEER From the centre of Weesp follow the River Vecht to the southeast, where you ll find the ruins of the Uitermeer fortress, which was blown up in World War II and is being (partially) restored. The surrounding grounds are accessible on foot and by boat. Next to the fort you ll find a lovely restaurant the perfect stop for a refreshing drink. WINDMILLS Weesp has three full-size historical windmills. The Eendragt (Unity) and Vriendschap (Friendship) mills are close together on the Vecht, and are best seen from the opposite bank, about a ten-minute walk from the centre. Windmill Vriendschap is still used for the production of wheat flour and can be visited on Saturdays. Windmill t Haantje (the Rooster), meanwhile, is located west of the centre, on the bank of the waterway Smal Weesp.

5 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS historical river estates 9 Mobile information The Gooi & Vecht region, Garden of Amsterdam! The Gooi & Vecht mobile site includes: Highlights of the region To do in a day Hiking, biking and sailing tips Information about fortresses and castles Accommodation and restaurant tips Accessibility of the region For mobile tourist information about Gooi & Vecht scan the QR code or visit Amsterdam 050 G&V ADV 128x93mm.indd :56 Utrecht Welcome to the Garden of Amsterdam Historical river estates Take a trip south of the city and enjoy the grandeur and nature of the historical river estates that dot the banks of the winding River Vecht. The winding River Vecht between Amsterdam and Utrecht is a wonderful setting for a boat trip or cycle route. The bank or water offer an open view of the imposing castles, country houses and accompanying tearooms. Rich merchants from the Golden Age once spent their summer months here a smart place to take a holiday, because at the beginning of the 17th century, the River Vecht was the most important link between Amsterdam and Utrecht. The holidaymakers only needed five to seven hours to reach their rural residence. Thankfully, it s much quicker today! C E The Miracle of the Huizer Milkmaid HAVEN VAN 'T GOOI Huizen is worth visiting. With his cozy marinas, the old harbour and fi shermen s houses, excellent catering and hotel accommodations, Huizen is an ideal stopping place for your trips in the Garden of Amsterdam and the Lakes. More information on and GEOCACHING The Garden of Amsterdam GeoTour is a multi-day geocaching game, where participants go in search of 24 buried treasures, or caches, using a GPS-enabled smartphone. An adventurous treasure hunt game for young and old, you can play by yourself, with family or with friends. The Garden of Amsterdam GeoTour takes you through the most interesting sights of the Castles & Gardens region, past impressive castles, fortresses and ancient fortified towns to the most beautiful natural areas.

6 10 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS historical river estates 11 CASTLE NYENRODE B uilt in 1290 and located in Breukelen, the name-sake of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, Castle Nyenrode was strategically positioned on the narrowest part of the bank of the River Vecht, an area heavily disputed by the Bishops of Utrecht and the Counts of Holland. In times of need, the surrounding water could be used to defend the castle. The original castle was destroyed in 1481 and again in 1511 but was rebuilt as a country retreat in the 1630s in the Dutch Renaissance style; its impressive arch, drawbridge and waterway once protected its owner from unwanted house guests and visitors. The castle currently houses a private university but can be viewed from the river. ZUYLEN CASTLE Zuylen Castle in the tiny village of Oud-Zuilen is another castle on the Vecht that became a summer retreat. Whilst retaining many of its medieval castle-like features it was converted into a country mansion in the 18th century. Its most famous resident was feminist writer Belle van Zuylen (Isabelle de Charrière). These days Slot Zuylen is a museum where the past is recalled to life through guided tours, garden walks, concerts and special events. Tournooiveld 1, Oud-Zuilen +31 (0) BOAT HIRE THE BICYCLE BOAT Combine biking and boating on the River Vecht with De Fietsboot (The Bicycle Boat). Starting at Nieuwersluis, the boat stops in Breukelen, Maarssen and Oud-Zuilen, and you can hop on and hop off as you please to continue by bike. 16 May-14 September, various days Rijksstraatweg 11 Nieuwersluis +31 (0) REDERIJ WOLFRAT Discover the wonderful lakes near Amsterdam and the River Vecht with summer mansions of the rich and famous of the Golden Age along its banks. Take a guided afternoon boat trip with lunch and dinner afterwards. Oud-Loosdrechtsedijk 165 Loosdrecht +31 (0) THE SINGER MUSEUM LAREN Laren became one of the centres of Dutch art at the end of the 19th century. The American businessman and art lover William Henry Singer built a large mansion in the centre of Laren in 1911, which became the famous Singer Museum after the Second World War, proudly displaying the works of many of the artists of the Laren School of Painting. Oude Drift 1, Laren +31 (0) BRINK TE LAREN, AVOND, GUSTAVE FRANCISCUS DE SMET

7 Public Transport Transport Map Map Public Public Transport Map Bus Line Metro Line Bus Station Railway Line Railway Station Amsterdam Amsterdam City City Amsterdam City Amsterdam Central Station Amsterdam Central Station A Drie Kolommenplein 340 Drie Kolommenplein 340 J Aalsmeer Aalsmeer Aalsmeer Lakes Zwarteweg 340 Drie Kolommenplein Flora Lakes Flora Zwarteweg Holland Holland WesteinderLakes Zwarteweg Flora West- Amstel Amstela/d River Amstel River Abcoude 170 Countryside Abcoude 170 Nes a/d Countryside 174 Amstel River Nes a/d 174 Amstel 170 Amstel Countryside Abcoude Nes a/d 174 A A UithoornAmstel Uithoorn Kudelstaart Fort aan de Drecht Attractions Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot Fort Pampus Dutch Fortress Museum Fort Uitermeer Eendragt Windmill Vriendschap Windmill 't Haantje Windmill Castle Nyenrode Zuylen Castle Bicycle Boat Rederij Wolfrat Boat Rental Westeinder Boat Cruises Westeinder Paviljoen Wester-Amstel Country House De Ronde Hoep Amsterdamse Bos Amstelpark Cobra Museum Museum Jan van der Togt Fort aan de Drecht Muiden Muiden km 5 km 5 km FortressStretch Stretch Fortress 106 ctht 106 Stretch efortress V Rundervreugd ech V Rundervreugd 106 cht e V Rundervreugd Historical Historical Nigtevecht Ankeveense RiverEstates EstatesAnkeveense River Historical Nederhorst Ankeveense Nederhorst River Estates den Berg den Berg Gooimeer Gooimeer Naarden Gooimeer Naarden D Naarden Bussum Naarden-Bussum F Lakes Lakes G Lakes WSVLoosdrecht Loosdrecht WSV 122 Vreeland, Dorp Loenen Loenen Loenen Viaduct tht cehc V e t V ch Ve C Loosdrecht H Bus station Bus station BlariBlaricum cum Blaricum Laren Laren Laren OudOud NieuwLoosdrecht NieuwLoosdrecht OudLoosdrecht Loosdrecht NieuwLoosdrecht Loosdrechtse Breukelen Breukelen Breukelen WSV Loosdrecht Loosdrechtse Loosdrecht se Naarden-Bussum Naarden-Bussum Bussum Bussum Lakes Lakes Huizen Lakes Huizen Bus station Huizen 105 Nederhorst 105 den Berg Natuurmonumenten Natuurmonumenten 105 I s-graveland Natuurmonumenten s-graveland 122 Vreeland, Vreeland,Dorp Dorp s-graveland 122 VinkeveenViaduct Viaduct A Amsterdam Central Station B Schiphol Airport C VVV D VVV Naarden E VVV Weesp F VVV Bussum G VVV Loosdrecht H VVV Huizen I VVV Wijdemeren-'s Graveland J VVV Aalsmeer P+R Terrein Muiden, Muiden, P+R Terrein 110 Muiden, P+R Terrein Muiden E Weesp Weesp 110 Weesp Weesp Weesp Weesp Vinkeveense Vinkeveense Vinkeveense Vinkeveen Vinkeveen Visitor Info Centres Bus station A 170 Bus station 170 Uithoorn einderholland WestBus station 170Stationstraat einderstationstraat Stationstraat 174 Fort aan aande dedrecht Drecht Kudelstaart 172 Fort Kudelstaart Almere IJburg A dam Bijlmer ArenA A dam Bijlmer ArenA mm stse tlel ste l Hoofddorp 1 Almere Almere Pampus Amstelveen Bus station 5 51 A dam Bijlmer ArenA Amstelveen Amstelveen Ouderkerk a/d Amstel Amstelveen Bus station Amstelveen Centrum Ouderkerk a/d Amstel Centrum5 51 Ouderkerk Amstelveen Ouderkerk Ouderkerk a/d Amstel a/d Amstel Centrum a/d Amstel Ouderkerk Nigtevecht Nigtevecht el Hoofddorp Hoofddorp Hoofddorp 340 Schiphol Airport st Hoofddorp Hoofddorp Amsterdamse Amsterdamse Bos Bos Amsterdamse Am Amstelveen Bos Amstelveen Amstelveen Bus station el st stel Schiphol B Schiphol Airport Airport Amsterdam Amstel Amsterdam Amstel Amsterdam Zuid Amsterdam ZuidAmsterdam Amstel A51Am m Zuid Amsterdam 0 0 IJmeer IJburg IJburg m Pampus Pampus Amsterdam Central Station IJmeer IJmeer Brink Brink Brink

8 14 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS leisure lakes 15 lakes Near Amsterdam you ll find a number of lakes perfect for a day of fun on the water. Rent a sailboat, electric boat, canoe or surfboard to explore, enjoy and relax. THE VINKEVEEN LAKES WESTEINDERPLASSEN Located in Aalsmeer, the Westeinder (West End Lakes) form one of the biggest lakes in the country, with plenty of watersports options from swimming to sailing lessons. You can also rent a boat and go on an adventure through the network of tiny channels that link the lakes together. There are dozens of small islands, mostly privately owned, but everyone is welcome to moor their boat at Starteiland (Start Island). There are some 50 marinas along the banks of the Westeinder, some of them with restaurants, cafés and sun-drenched terraces. J TIP There s no better way to explore the Westeinder than with a boat cruise. During an hourlong tour with Westeinder Boat Cruises, the skipper will entertain you with historical facts about this delightful area, which is deeply entwined with the Aalsmeer horticultural industry ( rondvaart.nl). The Vinkeveense (The Vinkeveen Lakes) are a typical Dutch wetland area just to the south of Amsterdam, which originated during Golden-Age peat extraction. The area is characterised by more than islands, once used for drying the peat. These days, it s a great spot for young and old to enjoy some tranquility or one of the many watersports. LOOSDRECHTSE PLASSEN The Loosdrechtse Plassen (Loosdrecht Lakes) area is particularly suitable for watersports: sailing, rowing, canoeing, waterskiing and speedboating are all possible. Hire a boat or take lessons at one of the many sailing schools. If taking a boat out yourself is not your thing, then take an excursion with a speedboat or sailboat or just laze around on a terrace with a view of the water and the boats. C, F, G, I PETER BAKKER BOATING ON THE LOOSDRECHTSE PLASSEN WATER TOWER The 50-metre water tower is one of the showpieces of Aalsmeer. With its art-deco architecture and ornamentation, the vista of the tower at the water s edge is truly splendid. Close to the tower, restaurant Westeinder Paviljoen offers a breath-taking view of the lake, a perfect surf break and a beach for swimming. There are plenty of boat rental options on the Loosdrechtse Plassen, from where you can also enter the River Vecht and explore further. In warm weather, it s advisable to reserve a boat or canoe in advance. At Recreatiecentrum Mijnden ( nl) or Ottenhome (www. ottenhome.nl), you can rent boats, bikes and even camp. Bus takes you straight there.

9 16 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS leisure lakes MINI 17 Huizen Huizen literally, Houses was originally an agricultural village, about two kilometres from the sea. Later, it expanded to become a coastal town, with a thriving fishing industry with a fleet of approximately 200 boats, the largest on the IJsselmeer. The building of the Old Harbour around 1850 opened the region up and earned the town the nickname the Gooi area s harbour. After the damming of the Zuiderzee by the Afsluitdijk in 1932, industry and commerce became the driving economies. In recent years Huizen has developed into a modern town bordering the Gooimeer (Gooi Lake), with several marinas and a lively historic centre with great shopping and the medieval Dutch Reformed Church, which is surrounded by 17thcentury farmhouses. The hiking trail Huizer Milkmaid, self-guided or with a guide, takes you through the historic streets and tells the colourful story of The Miracle of the Huizer Milkmaid. Pick up a leaflet or book a guided tour at the Visitor Information Centre. Huizen is also uniquely located for hiking and watersports activities, and is home to several excellent marinas with approximately 1,500 berths. H NAUTICAL QUARTER Built around the Oude Haven (Old Harbour) where you can still see beautiful flat-bottom boats, some of them over 100 years old, Huizen s Nautical Quarter is a picturesque village including a hotel, restaurants and convivial cafés. The Nautical Quarter has been carefully constructed to resemble a Zuiderzee village from time gone by. Replicas of a village school, a café on the harbour and a town hall dating from around 1860 are an insight into the past. EVENTS HUIZERDAG Village festival with open-mic talent podium, live music headlined by different artists, a fashion show, food, drinks and much more. 11 & 12 September HAVEN FESTIVAL HUIZEN Nautical festival featuring traditional flat-bottom fishing boats, music, market, raft race, food, drinks and more. 19 September The purest water. The interesting history. The great nature. The Vinkeveen Lakes. The Vinkeveen Lakes is a typically Dutch kind of mire land, just outside Amsterdam. It originates from the Dutch Golden Age (17 th century) when peat was mined to use as fuel. It s a true water sports paradise with over small islands. They all have a characteristically long shape, because they were used to dry the peat. The beautiful Vinkeveen Lakes offer fantastic recreational opportunities for all ages. You can vinkeveenlakes.com go swimming, sailing, water-skiing, wake boarding, rowing, canoeing or even scuba diving. Or maybe you just want to take a break from busy Amsterdam and relax for a while? Tip! If you really want to experience the splendour of this area, why not go on a typically Dutch bicycle trip. Along the way you ll discover meandering little rivers, wide polder views, authentic villages, monumental farms and picturesque windmills. ondernemers vinkeveen

10 MINI OUDERKERK AAN DE AMSTEL CASTLES & GARDENS The picturesque Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is located south of the centre of Amsterdam on the bank of the Ouderkerkerplas Lake. Established in the 12th century, the village is well known for its extraordinary church almshouses. Ouderkerk aan de Amstel offers a scenic refuge from the hustle and bustle of its infamous neighbour to the north. Visitors typically head to the village to take in its architecture, which includes historic churches, houses and De Zwaan (the Swan, an impressive windmill). There s also Beth Haim of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, the Netherlands oldest Jewish cemetery. It opened in 1614 and features elaborate tombstones that include human figures. The graves of more than 27,000 people have remained intact for over 400 years, and among the cemetery s most famous residents are Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel, a colleague and collaborator of Old Master painter Rembrandt van Rijn. A COUNTRY HOUSES Close your eyes for a moment and picture the 17th and 18th centuries with one enormous country house after another along the bank of the river, owned by wealthy Golden Age merchants who were escaping the bustle of Amsterdam. A few of these magnificent sites have been preserved including the privately owned Oostermeer and the fully restored 350-year-old Wester- Amstel, which hosts regular exhibitions and concerts and whose gardens are open to the public ( amstel river countryside Amstel River countryside Amsterdam s hinterland is quiet, green and unspoilt. Simply follow the Amstel River and in no time at all you ll be cycling past grazing cows, historic villages and country houses, such as the Wester-Amstel. DE RONDE HOEP AMSTEL SUMMER FESTIVAL A spectacular annual tradition, every year in the first week of June the village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel hosts this magical mix of music and culinary treats. Ouderkerk is known for its many great restaurants some with Michelin stars and they all take part, offering a taste of their menus. Meanwhile, a variety of live acts ensures a special and sunny atmosphere, no matter the weather. This year the line-up includes Voice of Holland winners O G3NE. Friday 5 June Just outside of Ouderkerk is the largest-, undeveloped area in the Randstad region of the Netherlands, the polder called De Ronde Hoep (the Round Hoop). The strange thing about it is that only the edge has been built upon, the polder itself being reserved for agriculture and meadow birds. The 17-kilometre jaunt over the dyke is very popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists. See for your favourite route. Amstelveen A lively, multicultural city home to 124 different nationalities, there s plenty to see and do in leafy Amstelveen from museums to shopping, theatre to sports. In 2014 Amstelveen was voted the second greenest city in the Netherlands, and is home to one of the largest municipal parks in Europe the Amsterdam Forest (het Amsterdamse bos), as well as the family friendly Amstelpark. The parks comprise lush forests, playgrounds, a petting zoo and offers plenty of space for a relaxing picnic. Amstelveen is also well known for its heme parks (heemparken), dedicated to native flora and which are designated national monuments. These parks are well worth a visit especially during springtime. It s an idyllic bike ride along the Amstel River from the centre of Amsterdam. A B DINING ON THE AMSTEL If you follow the Amstel River out of the centre of Amsterdam on a bike or even by boat it doesn t take long before you re passing grazing cows and historic stately homes. The banks of the Amstel are bustling with fantastic restaurants and cafés with sunny waterside terraces where you can pause to refuel, including Brasserie Paardenburg (www. brasseriepaardenburg.nl), steak house Loetje aan de Amstel (ouderkerk.loetje.com) and Lute, an ultra-modern restaurant on the site of a former explosives factory ( COBRA MUSEUM 19 In the centre of Amstelveen you will find the Cobra Museum of Modern Art. It is home to a collection of key works by artists from the avant-garde Cobra art movement. The museum presents interesting exhibitions from this unique collection, as well as temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. FREE entrance with your I amsterdam City Card Sandbergplein 1 Amstelveen +31 (0) MUSEUM JAN VAN DER TOGT Situated in the Old Village of Amstelveen, you ll find Museum Jan van der Togt. Here you ll discover a leading collection of modern glass sculptures and fine art. The museum also organises temporary modern art exhibitions every six weeks. The museum tram line a vintage tram service that operates in summer months and starts at Haarlemmermeer Station stops near the museum. Dorpsstraat 50, Amstelveen +31(0)

11 20 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS amstel river countryside Uithoorn TIP Hire a boat in Uithoorn and explore the Amstel River countryside. Aemstel Boating Marktplein 2, Uithoorn +31 (0) (0) Molen koe grachtpandje fiets & Explore Castles & Gardens of Amsterdam With the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket you can travel for 24 hours by bus, tram and metro in and around Amsterdam. This ticket is ideal to visit the Castles & Gardens region. Including bus line 858 from Schiphol Airport to Keukenhof ust to the south of Amsterdam is Uithoorn, with its charming Thamerkerk Jchurch from 1834 right on the bank of the Amstel River. There is also a lively harbour, with restaurants, shops and a weekly market on Wednesdays. Completely renovated in the 1990s, today it is open to the public for tours ( A variety of walking and cycling routes have been marked out in Amstelland (the area around the Amstel River), and many pass through Uithoorn, which also has a 60-hectare nature reserve that surrounds a lake called the Zijdelmeer. It s a fantastic spot for picnics and walks, and the grounds include a petting zoo. FORTEN PAD (FORTS PATH) The area of Uithoorn is perfect for a tour on foot or by bike along the fortifications and through a typical Dutch landscape of polders, reeds and towpath following the river. Enjoy a well deserved drink at Fort bij de Kwakel and continue your journey to the Fort aan de Drecht. Over 100 years old, the monumental former military installation Fort aan de Drecht is on the outer edge of Uithoorn and is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. Nowadays it houses restaurant Amstelfort and a typical Dutch pancake restaurant. Fun for the whole family! Price Purchase your Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket with your I amsterdam City Card and get 3.50 discount. This offer is exclusively available at the I amsterdam Visitor Centres in Amsterdam and at Schiphol Airport.

12 22 MINI CASTLES & GARDENS visitor information 23 VISITOR INFORMATION Everything you need to get the most out of your visit. VISITOR INFO CENTRES AMSTERDAM A I amsterdam Visitor Centre Stationsplein 10 (across Central Station) +31 (0) B I amsterdam Visitor Centre Schiphol Airport (Arrivals 2 at Schiphol Plaza) +31 (0) C VVV Kerkbrink (0) D VVV Agency Naarden Utrechtse Poort, Ruysdaelplein +31 (0) E VVV Agency Weesp Slijkstraat (0) F VVV Agency Bussum Wilhelminaplantsoen (0) G VVV Loosdrecht Oud-Loosdrechtsedijk (0) H VVV Agency Huizen Achterbaan (0) I VVV Agency Wijdemeren-'s Graveland Noordereinde 54B +31 (0) J VVV Agency Aalsmeer Zijdstraat (0) GETTING THERE FORTRESS STRETCH MUIDEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take metro 53 or 54 to Amstel Station; then bus, 322 or 327 to stop P+R Terrein, Muiden. Journey time approx. 35min. NAARDEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take metro 53 or 54 to Amstel Station then catch bus to stop P+R Terrein, Naarden. Journey time approx. 40min. Or catch the train to Weesp; then bus 110 to stop Westwalstraat, Naarden. Journey time approx. 50min. WEESP: from Amsterdam Central Station take metro 53 or 54 to Amstel Station then catch bus to stop P+R Terrein, Muiden; then bus 110 to stop Station Weesp. Journey time approx. 40min. Or catch the train to Weesp. Journey time approx. 20min. LEISURE LAKES WESTEINDERPLASSEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take bus 172 (direction Kudelstaart via Amstelveen) to stop Zwarteweg (Aalsmeer) or take bus 340 from Hoofddorp to the centre of Aalsmeer. Journey time approx. 60min. LOOSDRECHTSE PLASSEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take bus 170 to stop bus station Uithoorn; then bus to stop Ottenhome. Journey time approx. 120min. Or take the train to ; then bus 104 (direction Nw-Loosdrecht) to stop Acacialaan, Loosdrecht. Journey time approx. 65min. HUIZEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take metro 53 or 54 to Amstel Station; then bus (direction via Blaricum) to stop Havenstraat, Huizen. Journey time approx. 50min. AMSTEL RIVER COUNTRYSIDE OUDERKERK AAN DE AMSTEL: from Amsterdam Central Station take metro 54 to Bijlmer ArenA; then bus 146, 171, 175 or to stop Brug/Hoger Einde, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Journey time approx. 35min. AMSTELVEEN: from Amsterdam Central Station take bus 142, 170, 172 or 174 to stop bus station, Amstelveen. Journey time approx. 40min. UITHOORN: from Amsterdam Central Station take bus 174 (direction Wilnis via Amstelveen) to stop Alfons Arienslaan, Uithoorn. Journey time approx. 60min. HISTORICAL RIVER ESTATES BREUKELEN: from Amsterdam Central Station catch the train to Breukelen. Journey time approx. 30min. OUD-ZUILEN: from Amsterdam Central Station catch the train to Breukelen; then bus 120 (direction Utrecht Centraal) to stop Zuilenselaan, Oud-Zuilen. Journey time approx. 60min. SELECTION OF ACCOMODATIONS & RESTAURANTS FORTRESS STRETCH Hotel Hart van Weesp Affordable two-star hotel in the centre of Weesp. Herengracht 35, Weesp +31 (0) Rechthuis Muiden This converted 17thcentury courthouse is now a hotel and restaurant. Every September it hosts the annual Swing on the Brink festival. Googweg 1 Muiderberg +31 (0) huis.nl Restaurant Acquavite Situated in an old barrack, Restaurant Acquavite offers you the chance to enjoy a dinner inside the town fortifactions. Adriaan Dortsmanplein 3 Naarden +31 (0) acquavite.nl LEISURE LAKES Amrath Hotel Lapershoek A monumental hotel and restaurant. Utrechtseweg (0) lapershoek Blaricum B&B In the heart of Het Gooi with room for up to ten. Molenveenweg 15 Blaricum +31 (0) CornelisZ Restaurant open seven days a week, from early morning until late at night. Vaarboom 1, Huizen +31 (0) Hampshire Hotel Newport, Huizen Right in the Gooi with breathtaking views over the Gooi and marina. Labradorstroom 75 Huizen +31 (0) com/hampshire-hotelnewport-huizen Rent a Houseboat Houseboat rental in peaceful, green surroundings with private garden and waterside terrace. Old Spoordijk ws 22 Aalsmeer +31 (0) Westeinder Paviljoen Enjoy a breath-taking view over the lake while having a nice lunch or dinner at the same time. Kudelstaartseweg 22 Aalsmeer +31 (0) paviljoen.nl AMSTEL RIVER COUNTRYSIDE Brasserie Paardenburg Affordable and high quality food with an amazing view on the Amstel. Amstelzijde 55 Ouderkerk a/d Amstel +31 (0) burg.nl BIKE RENTAL IN AMSTERDAM Hire a bike and explore the best of Amsterdam s castles & gardens for yourself. MACBIKE City bikes, tandems, electric bikes, child seats, cargo bikes and more. Stationsplein 5, +31 (0) , YELLOW BIKE Three locations close to Central Station, offering guided tours and more. Nieuwezijds Kolk 29, +31 (0) , AMSTERBIKE Offers electric scooter rental as well as standard bikes. Piet Heinkade 11A, +31 (0) , FIETSPOINT AMSTEL Julianaplein 1, Amsterdam +31 (0) Loetje aan de Amstel Well known in the entire area, Loetje aan de Amstel serves the best steak you ve ever had. Amstelzijde Amstelveen +31 (0) Lute An ultra-modern restaurant on the site of a former explosives factory with a great ambiance. Oude Molen 5 Amstelveen +31 (0) Restaurant Pancakefort and Amstelfort Two restaurants which are situated in an authentic fort, a special experience and fun for the whole family. Grevelingen Uithoorn dam.com HISTORICAL RIVER ESTATES Belle van Zuylen Seasonal French cuisine next to Castle Zuylen and the River Vecht. Dorpsstraat 12 Oud Zuilen +31 (0) De Willigen Logies Located directly on the Vecht, accommodation consists of seven stylish and luxuriously appointed rooms. Nigtevechtseweg 186 Vreeland +31 (0) I AMSTERDAM CITY CARD Get free access to more than 40 of Amsterdam s major museums, a canal cruise through the city centre and free public transport on all metro, bus and tram lines operated by GVB Amsterdam. www. iamsterdam.com/citycard AMSTERDAM & REGION DAY TICKET Discover Amsterdam and the surrounding area with the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket a special 24-hour public transport pass valid on metros, trams and buses (except trains) operated by GVB, Connexxion and EBS. Special offer: combine the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket with the I amsterdam City Card. Explore the Amsterdam Area and its attractions and save money by picking up the Amsterdam & Region Day Ticket for just 10*. *This offer is exclusively available at the I amsterdam Visitor Centres at Central Station and Schiphol Airport.

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