Already four (can you believe it?) weeks ago, I told you about the just wonderful nature and beautiful spots outside Amsterdam’s city borders. And I told you that I’d come back to you lovely folks, to confess some other lovely places around that are also definitely worth a visit if you are looking to escape the city buzz and enjoy the finer things of nature, for a little bit.

So, today’s the day. Here we go. 😉

Durgerdam 
So, last time, I told you already about “Broek in Waterland”, a beautiful serene little village just outside of Amsterdam. Well, this beautiful (and similar) village is even closer to my beloved Amsterdam. The most outstanding little village in Durgerdam is its little chapel that now serves as the “city hall”. It is quite the opposite of Amsterdam, with just 518 inhabitants and 120 houses. But a funny little fact is that officially, it is a part of Amsterdam. This place is very much recommended for the folks who are not too font of commuting but still crave for a little village experience.

Holysloot 
From one little village to another picturesque place. This one is for the ones who are just a little more font of a bicycle ride/travel. Holysloot is a very cute old(way back to 1164!) fishers village, therefore also naturally near the water. It was one of the first villages that the pioneers from (now) Friesland came to live and work. The name is a far translation of how the Dutchies back in the day said “low-lying ditch”. Today, this village is adored by its sweet and charming sights and the beautiful nature that one will experience on its way to Holysloot.

Muiderslot 
Ah, some sights truly function as a time-machine. This beautiful castle near Amsterdam does exactly that. The castle, named Muiderslot, has been around for more than 700 years and is surrounded by some truly beautiful castlegardens. It is one of the oldest, and best remained, castles of the Netherlands and has an incredibly rich history. Today the day, this castle is a national museum and known for the many great tours activities you can participate in near the castle. From the kids to the not so kids anymore, this place is not only educationally interesting, but also just a very gorgeous sight to behold.

Wester-Amstel
Wester-Amstel is a beautiful villa right next to the Amstel in Amstelveen, near my beloved Amsterdam. It is the oldest villa that remained, right next to the river Amstel. The park around this beautiful villa is open to the public and just a lovely little ground that is beautifully decorated with flowers and a gorgeous little chapel. Do note that this park is just a little lovely spot to stop by, if you are around, but due to the fact that its grounds are a lot smaller than the other places in this list, I’d recommend a quick stop of an hour or so at this beautiful, calming place.

Het Twiske
Last time, I told you about this beautiful national park called Zuid Kennemerland National Park. Today, I’d like to add another recommendation to the list of national parks near Amsterdam called National Landscape Laag Holland. One of my favourite “places” in this park is called “Het Twiske” and is more than 650 hectares, of which one-third is water. This is the reason why many water aficionadas love to surf, swim and sail here. As there are also many great walking and cycling routes in Het Twiske, this place is adored by many people who are looking to enjoy some untouched nature.

And even after today, the list isn’t even complete. There are endless things to do, see and experience in and near Amsterdam. Oh, how I love my place…

See you next time!

Sincerely,
Mr. J