Vondelpark restored

Vondelpark's sinking feeling

Opened in 1865, the Vondelpark is Amsterdams best-known city park, attracting upwards of 10 million visitors a year. Like much of the western Netherlands, it was built on sodden land reclaimed from ancient bogs.

As a result, the ground in the park has sunk between two and three metres over the past 100 years and many of its entrances slope noticeably downwards.

Vondelpark, a national monument

By the mid-1990s, the same time the park was given status as a national monument (Rijksmonument), it became clear that extensive intervention was required due to the water table.

During the ten-year renovation, an extensive drainage system was incorporated in the park while the heavily-trodden paths and bike routes were refurbished all without significant historic alteration to the park's appearance.

Stately surroundings

The park, spread out over 47 hectares (120 acres), is distinguished by its classic 19th century English-style landscaping and many elegant late 19th/early 20th century mansions which surround it.

In a different style, dating from 1937 and located in the park itself, is the modernist Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House), which houses a trendy cafe. Both the Vertigo cafe and the Blauwe Theehuis have terraces, making them ideal spots to sit out and people watch in the sun.

Vondelpark Open Air Theatre

The free concerts in the Vondelpark date back to the 1970s, although the Vondelpark itself has been a venue for concerts since the nineteenth century.

Throughout June, July and August the Vondelpark Open Air Theatre offers around 125 free, alfresco performances of classical music, dance, children's performances, cabaret and other types of music, varying from world music to jazz, from urban to Dutch.

The definite programme is released in May every year. The programme includes a fixed part called In de Voorhoede, which is largely reserved for new talent.

It's a wild life

Although the park is primarily intended for people, dogs are allowed to run unleashed (one of original conditions under which the park was bequeathed to the city) and a flock of sheep graze in a pasture surrounded by a shallow ditch. Nearby the sheep pasture, a stork platform serves as hearth and home for a pair of brooding storks.

High points

The Vondelpark is at its busiest on Queen's Day, with a free market (vrijmarkt) , games, and other activities oriented towards children.

At other times of the year, be sure to visit:

• The Vertigo Café, with one of Amsterdam’s favourite outdoor patios.

• The Blauwe Theehuis, another cafe with a large patio.

• The Groot Melkhuis, a family-oriented café with a playground for children.

• The Rose Garden, with some 70 species.

• The Vondeltuin, an outdoor café at the southern end of the park.