You might not realize it immediately, but with this stage, you are actually walking along the southern borders of the big city of Amsterdam. It used to be busy around Halfweg, but peace returns now as you pass through the Tuinen van West and Lutkemeerpark. It is also lovely to walk on the grassy dike along the ring canal of the Haarlemmermeer. The planes are still there, but Amsterdam also has plenty of greenery, and this walking route to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel proves it. City and nature alternate continuously.
Amsterdam Forest
Further along, you encounter plenty of greenery in the riparian areas of the Nieuwe Meer. The main route continues along the cycle path on the north bank. If the ferry is running (on weekends in summer), you can also cross the lake, which is highly recommended. You pass Grand Café de Bosbaan with its lovely terrace. After that, you walk further through a section of the Amsterdamse Bos.
Middlepolder
On the west bank of the Amstel, you will come across a second nature and recreation park: the Middelpolder. An open, expansive, yet cozy little polder that is very popular with meadow birds. Part of the Middelpolder has been redesigned with cycling, walking, and bridle paths, and nature-friendly banks, ponds, and pools have been dug in the grasslands. The meadows are only accessible outside the breeding season.
Sustainable Elsenhove
The endpoint is Polderpark Elsenhove, the green oasis between Amstelveen and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Elsenhove is a fine example of what is possible in terms of sustainability. The petting farm here is therefore not only interesting for children to visit; you will learn all sorts of things about biodiversity. For instance, the roof of one of the buildings is covered with green roof tiles featuring plants that bees love. You can buy honey in the accompanying tea house. Along the way, also take a moment to enjoy the beautiful country estates along the Amstel. Of the sixty that once existed, only three remain.
