6 hours in Castles & Gardens: country estates and gardens
Cycle along a scenic riverside path to explore the picturesque village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, marveling at the extravagant country estates of the Castle & Gardens region. During this 6-hour tour, you’ll also stroll through elegant gardens, explore a historic cemetery, and delve into clog-making.
Visit a real cheese and clog farm
From 9:00 to 10:00
Start the day by renting a bike and follow the riverside biking paths to the Rembrandt Hoeve, a traditional farm specialising in making cheese and clogs. Located just outside Amsterdam in the middle of the Dutch Polder, this farm dates back to the 15th century. See for yourself how Gouda cheese is made and clogs are carved.
Walk the gardens of Wester-Amstel
From 10:00 to 11:00
The Amstel River is dotted with fine country houses and river estates dating from the 17th century when Amsterdam’s wealthy merchants would leave their homes in the heart of Amsterdam and retreat to their rural estates during the summertime. The Wester-Amstel is one of the oldest remaining estates. Nowadays, you can follow a free audio tour as you explore the grounds and ornamental gardens of the Wester-Amstel before continuing your journey throughout the region.
Have lunch by the river
From 11:30 to 12:30
Continue your cycle on to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a picturesque village established in the 12th century on the River Amstel. Ouderkerk is home to many renowned restaurants and cafes, with most of the popular spots located along the river. The hip Restaurant Jamie van Heije is a popular choice with diners, as is Loetje aan de Amstel across the river, with its buzzing riverside terrace. Have a read of this guide to restaurants and bars in the Castles & Gardens region for more tips.
Explore a historic Jewish cemetery
From 13:00 to 13:30
After you’ve refuelled, visit the Netherlands’ oldest Jewish cemetery, Beth Haim, a fascinating place for a tranquil stroll. Filled with ornately carved marble gravestones that feature beautiful inscriptions in Dutch, Portuguese and Hebrew, the graves belong to Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled to the Netherlands in the 17th century, as well as their descendants.
Admire impressive modern art in Amstelveen
From 14:00 to 15:00
Continue your cycle to Amstelveen. The city is the second greenest city in the Netherlands, and there are plenty of places to discover while you’re there. We recommend paying a visit to the famous Cobra Museum - a must-see for lovers of modern art. Here, changing exhibitions feature the great names of the mid-20th-century CoBrA movement, such as Karel Appel, Constant, Corneille and Jan Sierhuis. Likewise, drop by the smaller Museum JAN while in Amstelveen, which specialises in glass art and Dutch design.
