Ruiterroute door het Twiske

Ride on horseback through the Het Twiske recreational area near Oostzaan. Enjoy open polders, reed beds, and quiet bridle paths in the heart of North Holland. This riding route takes you right into the characteristic North Holland polder landscape, rich in water, birds, and sweeping vistas.

Horse riding in a unique polder landscape

Het Twiske is one of the most beautiful recreational areas in North Holland. This bridle path takes you on horseback through a varied landscape of open polders, winding waterways, reed beds, and lush grasslands. It is a route that gives you space — literally and figuratively.

Directions

From the starting point at Het Twiske, you set course through the open polder landscape characteristic of the region between Oostzaan and Wormerland. You ride along wide ditches full of water lilies and reeds, while the horizon stretches far away and the sky above you holds all its space. The sound of frogs, reed warblers, and oars in the water accompanies you along the way.

Soon you pass the riparian strips and grasslands where black-tailed godwits and lapwings breed in the spring. You drive carefully along the edges of the meadow — the area calls for respect for nature. In the summer, the banks turn yellow and purple with flowering plants, and the light on the water reflects beautifully in the wide pools of the Twiske.

Halfway along the route, you pass higher embankments with views over the surrounding landscape. Here, you can see the outlines of Amsterdam in the distance — a striking contrast between city and nature. Further along, the path leads you back into the shelter of reed banks and rows of trees that provide pleasant protection from the wind.

Highlights along the way

1. Open polder landscape – Wide view over the typical North Holland polder landscape with ditches, grasslands, and vistas towards Amsterdam.
2. Reed beds and pond – The large bodies of water at the Twiske form a paradise for waterfowl and offer a soothing backdrop for rider and horse.
3. Dike paths – From the dike, you have a panoramic view that makes the ride extra special.
4. Breeding area for meadow birds – In spring, you can see black-tailed godwits, lapwings, and redshanks in the meadows along the route.
5. Silence and space – Despite the proximity of Amsterdam, the Twiske is remarkably quiet — ideal for a relaxing horseback ride.

Background story

Het Twiske is a relatively young recreational area: it was created in the 1970s through large-scale sand extraction in the polder. The deep lakes that remained have since developed into valuable nature and recreational areas. The landscape combines the characteristics of a typical North Holland peat polder with the dynamism of a recreational area. Managed by Recreatie Noord-Holland, Het Twiske offers space for walkers, cyclists, swimmers, and horse riders — each on their own paths.

Practical information

1. Starting point: Het Twiske Recreation Area, Twiskeweg, Oostzaan
2. Signposting: Follow the bridle path signs through the area.
3. Dogs: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash in breeding areas.
4. Season: Can be driven all year round; during the breeding season (March–July) pay extra attention to signs on site.
5. Accessibility: Suitable only for horseback riders; not accessible to pedestrians or cyclists on bridle paths
6. Accessibility by public transport: Take bus 391 or 394 towards Oostzaan; Het Twiske is a short bike ride from the bus stop. The area is also easily accessible by bicycle from Amsterdam Central (approx. 12 km).
7. Parking: Parking area available at the entrance to the Twiske on Twiskeweg