The Oude Polderwandeling
THE AMSTERDAM FOREST (7,5 KM)
PATH
THE AMSTERDAM FOREST
STARTING POINT
DE BOSWINKEL
DISTANCE
7,5 KM
DURATION
2 - 3 HOURS
TERRAIN
FOREST
DESTINATION
DE BOSWINKEL
ELEVATION GAIN
20 M
LEVEL
EASY
The Amsterdamse Bos is a popular park near Amsterdam that serves as a leisure area for many people. Hiking is one of the many reasons to visit the forest because it hides some exciting trails. One of the great hiking trails in the forest is the De Oude Polderwandeling (marked with blue signings). This hiking route starts at the Bezoekerscentrum de Boswinkel, where you can get a map of the hiking routes and information about the forest.
Hiking along the rowing-course
On the first part of the hike, you walk along de Bosbaan, a rowing course used for high-level competitions. You will see people rowing all the time, since the ‘baan’ has a length of a little over 2km it is also used by runners to do their training around it. The trail takes you through a forest next to the Bosbaan. The rowing course lays much deeper than the polder landscape you will cross later. The lowest point of the forest is 6.5 meters below sea level.
Taking a Break at Boerderij Meerzicht
Halfway the hike at the very end of de Bosbaan you can take a break at Boerderij Meerzicht, a pancake house at the edge of the forest. An ideal spot to have some food and recharge, especially if you’re hiking with children. The restaurant has a playground and a petting zoo for kids to enjoy. If you are a more avid hiker you probably want to skip this sight and take you stop a little further along the route. Where you can enjoy the silent spots in the meadows.
Discovering Polder Meerzicht and Oeverlanden
The second half of the hike takes you through the Polder Meerzicht and the Oeverlanden. Polder Meerzicht was once a lake that was drained in the 17th century to create agricultural land. Today, it’s a nature reserve that is home to many different bird species. It is located at the edge of the Nieuwe Meer, the biggest lake in the Amsterdamse Bos. Since there are no trees in the meadow you have many chances to see the birds, especially on silent days.
The Oeverlanden is a marshland that was created by the excavation of sand and gravel for the construction of Amsterdam. Today, it’s a nature reserve that is home to many different plants and animals. The area is especially popular with bird watchers, as there are many different species of birds that can be spotted here.
De Oude Polderwandeling
De Oude Polderwandeling is a great hiking trail suitable for hikers of all levels. The route is well signposted with blue signings, so you won’t get lost. The trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the Amsterdamse Bos very close to the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
