Explore this stunning green region dotted with majestic fortresses, beautifully-preserved towns and country estates lining the Vecht and Amstel rivers.

Castles & Gardens

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Taking the best of classical French brasseries and combining it with modern trends, Bel Ami offers delicious food in a grand café setting all within the charming and historic town of Bussum.

Brasserie Bel-Ami

Nardiclant is a tranquil spot to reconnect with nature as you indulge in the luxurious private wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, massage services, a jet-stream swimming pool and a terrace overlooking the landmark historical garden.

Nardiclant Estate

Head to the desk at the Visitor Centre for all the information and tips you need about exploring the local area. Browse the route maps and guides, and shop for local souvenirs.

VVV Laren

Why choose between land and water when exploring the lovely country estates of the River Vecht? De Fietsboot (Bike Boat) lets you hop on and off and continue by bike as you please! There are three departure points.

De Fietsboot

VVV Naarden

VVV Muiden

VVV Bussum

This traditional farm dates back to the 15th century and specialises in making cheese and clogs. With windmills and farms dotting the landscape, it’s hard to believe that the farm is only a 10-minute drive from Amsterdam. Rembrandt Hoeve is open to visitors seven days a week.

Rembrandthoeve

This submerged sea fort was built in the 1890s to protect Amsterdam from its enemies. Visit by boat to explore the secret tunnels, battlements and historical artefacts dotted around the island for a fascinating day out.

Fort Pampus

This museum of visual arts and design has a particular focus on glass art and Dutch design. Discover the rich collection of modern and contemporary work and a variety of changing exhibitions.

Museum JAN

Nestled behind Weesp's historical Fort Ossenmarkt, this idyllic tea garden offers a farm-to-table menu, meaning most of the produce is grown in the surrounding fields. It is the go-to spot for dreamy afternoon teas.

Theetuin Noot

Part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, this impressive fort is closed to the public, but still worth admiring. The grounds are home to an old-school escape game dubbed Escape de Kist (Escape the Chest).

Fort Uitermeer

Located in the 250-year-old town hall, Museum Hilversum has a particular focus on new media arts and photography. On top of a changing programme, the museum hosts World Press Photo and De Zilveren Camera.

Museum Hilversum

Stop by the Loosdrechtse Plassen, a network of five lakes famous for picnicking and secluded swimming with fabulous views. The open water is best for sailing, waterskiing and speedboats.

Loosdrechtse Plassen

With two theatre stages and a cinema, Schouwburg Amstelveen is one of the larger regional theatres in the Netherlands. The programme offers a range of cabaret, music, dance, music and drama performances to delight all ages.

Schouwburg Amstelveen

Visit the exhibitions and listen to the stories about the history of Naarden. The grounds have beautiful views, green ramparts, and underground passages. Many events occur, such as archery or fencing demos and book markets.

Dutch Fortress Museum

This play paradise offers the perfect, fun-filled day out for all ages. After starting out as a pancake farm, the venue has now grown into an amusement park with rollercoasters, slides, trains and climbing frames.

Oud Valkeveen

Situated in a former villa built in 1911, discover an impressive art collection of modernist gems surrounded by a tranquil sculpture garden designed by renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf.

Singer Laren

Are you looking for a unique experience in nature just outside of the busy capital? Come climb in our forest and enjoy a wonderful adventurous day! Welcome to our forest! This is the place where fun comes first. Experience the ultimate adventure in nature together! There are 10 routes that differ in height and difficulty. You will move from tree to tree with ropes, zip lines, bridges and can even make a bungee jump and free fall!

Fun Forest

Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve is situated right in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos. On this organic farm there are goats, chickens, cows, pigs, a horse and a pony. In the cellar they make cheese, yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, fresh cheese and even ice cream from goatmilk.

Goat farm Ridammerhoeve

Built in 1285, Muiderslot is possibly the Netherlands’ most impressive and best-preserved castle. Tour the remarkable knight’s hall, towers, dungeon and armoury or dress up like a real knight and try jousting.

Castle Muiderslot

Fort Ossenmarkt was built between 1859 and 1861, but no shot was ever fired. The fort is not open to the public and is used for artillery sheds, a garden shop and exhibition space. Either way, it’s a visually stirring sight and a great starting point for a walk through Weesp.

Fort aan de Ossenmarkt

Located on the city's edge, the Amsterdam Forest is the city's largest recreational area. The lush forests and grassy meadows offer plenty of space for a picnic, and the park has well-marked walking and cycling paths.

Amsterdamse Bos

This stunning botanical garden is home to tropical plants and tree species, including the world's most important collections of conifers. Pinetum regularly organises exhibitions, tours, lectures and activities for green-fingered little ones.

Pinetum Blijdenstein Gardens

VVV Weesp

With captivating lakeside views, the ambience of this two Michelin-star restaurant perfectly complements the food. Enjoy personalised attention, immaculate presentation and a selection of over 600 wines on the menu.

Aan de Poel

This protected nature area shelters rare species such as otters, purple herons and other waterbirds. The reserve can be explored by a silent boat tour led by one of the park rangers, or on a hike or cycle tour.

Naardermeer

A must-see for modern art lovers, Cobra's changing exhibitions feature the great names of the mid-20th-century CoBrA movement alongside major temporary exhibitions of individual artists and their contemporaries.

Cobra Museum

VVV Huizen

VVV Hilversum

Amsterdam would not be Amsterdam without the Amstel River. This cycle route follows the river out of town and takes you deep into the quintessential Dutch countryside and past historic towns like Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.

Amstel River

Cycleseeing Route

Discover fairy-tale castles, gardens and forts, all cycling distance from Amsterdam. Pass by the estates of wealthy 17th-century merchants. Most are well-preserved with beautifully maintained gardens.