PRESS FEATURE Castles & Gardens The areas around Amsterdam are positively littered with culture and opportunities for recreation: picturesque villages, fortress towns and castles interspersed by wonderful nature reserves that beckon to all who enjoy walking, cycling, boating and swimming. Amstelland - Pristine Dutch landscapes just beyond the Amsterdam skyline The word “Amsterdam” does not usually conjure up images of rustling reeds, classic farm buildings and polder landscapes. But nevertheless, Amsterdam’s hinterland is nothing if not peaceful and green. Trace the Amstel River from which the city takes its name southwards and before you know it, the cityscape of Amsterdam gives way to a lovely landscape dotted with grazing cows, stately manor houses and historical villages. And merriment, too: the river’s banks are home to a host of pleasant cafés and restaurants with sun-soaked terraces waiting for you to park your bike and take a seat. The Amstel The River Amstel (from Aeme-stelle, an Old Dutch word meaning “water- rich land”), runs from Ouderkerk aan de Amstel past Amstelveen to Amsterdam, where it ends its journey at Muntplein. Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is the oldest settlement along its banks, dating as far back as the 12th century. In time, a dam was built across the river’s mouth and a small fishing village called Amstelredam developed around it – a far cry from the mighty trading port and famous city that it would one day become. Country manors In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Amstel on the south side of Amsterdam was lined with the manors belonging to the city’s wealthy elite. The traders who had struck it rich during the Golden Age of Holland used their wealth to build one luxurious estate after another, where they, with their families and retinues, enjoyed the peace and quiet of the landscape. Some of these manors are still standing, such as Oostermeer and Wester-Amstel. Ouderkerk aan de Amstel Just eight kilometres south of Amsterdam lies the picturesque village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. The village is well known for its various | Page 2 of 6 churches, unique alms houses and the historical Portuguese-Jewish cemetery, Beth Haim, dating back to 1614. The area has something of a Burgundy feel to it, due in part to the vineyard De Amsteltuin, which is open to visitors all year round and frequently organises tastings, exhibitions and workshops. Ronde Hoep Just outside Ouderkerk lies the largest construction-free area in the Randstad conurbation: De Ronde Hoep polder. With only a smattering of buildings on the edges, the polder itself is entirely reserved for cultivation and farmland birds. The 17-kilometre ring dyke is topped by a road shared by cars and bicycles, and the “Hoep round”, as it is colloquially known, is enormously popular among joggers, cyclists and those who enjoy a proper walk in the fresh air. The famous painter Rembrandt was particularly taken with this area; Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and its surroundings frequently feature in his paintings. Amstelveen After Amsterdam, the largest city on the Amstel is Amstelveen. Modern architecture enthusiasts really cannot afford to pass up an opportunity to visit the Cobra Museum in the heart of Amstelveen, close to a large shopping centre. To partake of some genuine Dutch nostalgia, visit the 150-year-old farm Clara Maria, which still makes excellent Gouda cheese and wooden clogs according to traditional ways. Cheese and clog making can also be witnessed at close hand at Rembrandthoeve, located by the Amstel to the south of Amsterdam. Uithoorn The town of Uithoorn lies some 20 kilometres south of Amsterdam, and features the Thamerkerk, a unique church located right by the water’s edge. It is also home to the fortress Fort aan de Drecht, part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam (Stelling van Amsterdam in Dutch), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking, cycling and boating Various paths and tracks for walking and cycling have been set out throughout the Amstelland area. But of course you can go boating on the Amstel River as well. Check any of the visitor (VVV) information centres for information on the best cycling, walking and boating opportunities. For the convenience of hikers and cyclists, various ferries cross the Amstel from April to September. You can also join organised boat trips down the Amstel, or hire a boat and set out under your own flag. | Page 3 of 6 Recreation at the peat lakes south of Amsterdam Swimming, boating, surfing and relaxing, on and by the waters Just south of Amsterdam lies a popular area for aquatic sports and relaxation that comprises a large number of peat lakes, such as the Ankeveense Plassen, Westeinder Plassen, Loosdrechtse Plassen and Vinkeveense Plassen. These lakes formed during and after the Golden Age of Holland due to peat excavation, creating a unique landscape of international significance that abounds with plant life, birds and fish, including some rare species. The area offers excellent opportunities for walks and hikes, cycling, swimming, boating, diving and surfing. And during good frosty winters, skating enthusiasts from far and wide flock to these lakes. Cycling, hiking, canoeing and boating maps are available, and the areas around the lakes are dotted with water-sports businesses ranging from boat builders and repair garages to shipbrokers, sail makers, boat-tour organisers and sailing and water-skiing schools. And of course there are plenty of restaurants and cafés to enjoy. Fortress Stretch Charming towns with imposing forts History comes to life in Weesp, Muiden and Naarden, just a few kilometres southeast of Amsterdam, each of them fortress towns with rich histories and verdant ramparts. The Defence Line of Amsterdam Weesp, Muiden and Naarden are all part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, or Stelling van Amsterdam, as it is called in Dutch. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this defence line was constructed between 1880 and 1920. The tactical idea behind the line was that, in case of war, large parts of the areas around Amsterdam could be flooded with water, stopping enemy advance. September of every year is Defence Line Month, with lots of activities organised around the Defence Line; during this month, the forts are also open to the public more frequently and with extended opening hours. The entire Defence Line runs for 135 kilometres and comprises 45 forts, a large number of which can be found in the so- called Fortress Stretch, running from Muiden to Naarden and Weesp. Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot in Muiden The fortress town of Muiden lies on the edge of the IJmeer Lake. It is a simple, quiet and verdant little town, with a harbour straight out of a | Page 4 of 6 living-room painting and cosy cafés and restaurants. It is also home to Muiderslot: a true and proper castle with a moat, drawbridge, five towers, crenellations and firing slits. Built around the year 1280 by Floris V, Count of Holland, this medieval castle looks out over the River Vecht. You can explore the castle on your own or as part of a guided tour. Muiderslot castle saw its true glory days during Holland’s Golden Age, when it was home to the famous writer and poet PC Hooft. A tour is available through the rooms that he tastefully redecorated. Muiden also boasts Muizenfort fortress, built during the second half of the 19th century to strengthen the Defence Line of Amsterdam. A historically themed walk might well start with a quiet wander through this old fortress’s casemates. Fort Island Pampus A ferry service runs between Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot in Muiden and the fortress island of Pampus. This island lies in the IJsselmeer lake and was built towards the end of the 19th century to serve as a fortress. Grab a map and wander through its passageways, and feel the wind in your hair as you drink in the view of Amsterdam and the boats on the lake. Fort Island Pampus is open for visitors from April to October, and can also be reached from Amsterdam-IJburg in July and August using the Sailboat, an additional ferry service. Naarden Once upon a time, Naarden was a state-of-the-art military defence post, and survives today as one of Europe’s best-preserved fortified towns. Its unique six-bastion star-shaped fortifications, with double walls and a double moat, are outstanding. The town boasts many splendid old buildings, such as The Arsenal – Het Arsenaal in Dutch. While it began life as a weapons storage, it is now the home base of well-known Dutch interior designer Jan de Bouvrie and a high-quality restaurant – a rare chance to combine history, modern design and the good life in one! Weesp The fortified town of Weesp can list among its points of pride a stately town hall (a World Heritage Site), windmills, forts and the River Vecht. While in Weesp, the 17th-century Ossenmarkt fortress, and the round fortress Uitermeer at the water’s edge, are certainly worth a visit, as is the unique tower mill that goes by the name of ‘t Haantje. | Page 5 of 6 Historic castles along the River Vecht The River Vecht, meandering from Utrecht to Amsterdam, is a wonderful waterway to sail on and cycle along. Both on its surface and from its banks, one is treated to beautiful views of impressive castles, stately manors and their pretty tea pavilions. During the early 17th century, the River Vecht formed the main mode of travel between Amsterdam and Utrecht, allowing the wealthy elite of Amsterdam to travel to their manors in a “mere” five to seven hours. The medieval castle Slot Zuilen, in Oud-Zuilen, was converted into a French-style country house in 1752, and during that century was home to the enlightened and rebellious female author Belle van Zuylen – so if you have the time, do drop by for a visit.