Wiechert Beijeman unsplash
Diemen is a peaceful, green village on the outskirts of Amsterdam. This is where your walk begins, amidst water, parks and open countryside, whilst the bustling city is always close by. The village is the perfect place to step away from the hustle and bustle and explore an area where nature and history come together.
Walking along the water and through history
For centuries, water has shaped the character of Diemen. On a walk, you’ll pass the River Diem, old dykes and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. These places serve as a reminder of the time when Diemen formed an important link between Amsterdam and the hinterland. Along the water, you’ll walk along peaceful paths with views of boats, green banks and the open countryside.
Green routes and nature
Surrounding the village are various green areas where you can enjoy a lovely walk. The Diemerbos is one of the best-known spots: a spacious nature reserve with winding paths, water features and open fields. Here you can walk through young woods and past reed beds where many birds can be seen. The Diemerpolder and the green areas around the village also offer beautiful walking routes with sweeping views.
A village with its own atmosphere
During your walk through Diemen, you’ll also discover the village itself. In the centre, you’ll find shops, cafés and terraces where you can take a break. The village has a friendly atmosphere and a strong community, making it a lovely place to have a stroll before continuing on your way.
Close to the city and nature
What makes Diemen special is the combination of tranquillity and accessibility. Within minutes of leaving the village, you’re surrounded by nature, whilst Amsterdam is just around the corner. This means you can walk here along the water, through green parks and out into the open countryside surrounding the city.
Diemen may be small, but for walkers it is full of surprises. Choose your route and discover just how green and diverse this village on the outskirts of Amsterdam is.
Discover the peat meadow area of Landelijk Noord on this 33 km cycling route. Learn about land subsidence, regional products, and future-proof farming. Start at Amsterdam Noord metro station.
At 1.78 km, the Elsenhove loop is manageable for the very little ones. If you want more, take an extra lap through the small park next to the parking lot (1.5 km).
The route starts and ends in the Old Village, where you can have lunch or grab a drink on a terrace afterwards.
Discover Amsterdam through romantic, wondrous, and sometimes moving stories associated with iconic buildings and locations.
From Amsterdam, within ten minutes you can cycle from a busy early 20th-century residential area, over the Schellingwoude Bridge and under the ring road, to the tranquility of the countryside. Near Durgerdam, you get a good view of the water around which this route revolves. The area you cycle through is called Waterland.
Overcast, 17.1°C
Wind speed: 5.3 knots / 9.8 km/h
Wind direction: West
Diemen is a lovely place to explore all year round. In spring, the landscape along the River Diem and in the Diemerpolder turns a fresh shade of green, and walkers and cyclists head out into the countryside. Summer is perfect for cycling along the water or enjoying nature in the Diemerbos. In autumn, the trees and paths in the woods and along the river give the landscape warm colours, and in winter, peaceful walks and sweeping views over the polders create a special atmosphere. Hop on your bike, follow the routes along the water and through the greenery, or take a walk through the Diemerbos. This way, you can discover the surprisingly green character of Diemen in every season.
