Nature and active in Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes
From vegetable gardens and rose gardens to sprawling green spaces which are perfect for sports, there are plenty of outdoor activities to be found in Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes. In addition to the well-known parks, these neighbourhoods also offer various community projects for green-minded visitors to contribute to themselves.
Erasmus Park
Erasmus Park is something of a hidden gem in Amsterdam, with many residents admitting they never explored it until years after they moved to the city. This is a crying shame as it is the green social heart of Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes and a magical place to unwind. Relax in the sun with a picnic by the water, admire the constantly blooming flowers of the Miracle Garden or have fun with a game of football. Fancy a snack or a coffee? The cosy pavilion café Terrasmus has got you covered.
Rembrandt Park
The expansive Rembrandtpark is one of the largest in the city and offers locals a glimpse of wilderness right in the heart of the city. Here you can enjoy a lovely walk, picnic by one of the ponds, play sports or visit the goats and pigs at the petting zoo. Looking for a park where you can barbecue? Rembrandtpark is one of the best designated spots where you can light up the coals.
I can change the world with my two hands
Pick fresh herbs for tea, assemble your own flower bouquet and generally have fun with the neighbours at this green oasis in the middle of the city. I can change the world with my two hands (website in Dutch) is all about eco living, community building and establishing an alternative economy. The project shows what is possible in the field of urban agriculture, social composting and rainwater collection and irrigation. If you've always wanted to grow your own vegetables and herbs, you've come to the right place, and allotments become available regularly.
De Tuin van Jan
Hidden between Jan van Galenstraat, Jan Eef and Jan Maijenplein you’ll find De Tuin van Jan - a little piece of paradise in the middle of Amsterdam-West. This lush community garden is filled with colourful flowers, a bird grove and two large ponds for collecting rainwater. The area is also home to various butterflies, bees, birds and even bats that hunt for insects every evening!
Kas Keerweer
Kas Keerweer is housed in a historic greenhouse which dates back to when De Baarsjes was still a horticultural area. This green-fingered project was born out of a love for plants and gardening but also intended to bring the neighbourhood together through a community-focused activity programme. Find something green to brighten up your balcony or join a neighbour's dinner party under the vines.
Yoga studios
Bos en Lommer and De Baarsjes are something of a hub for yoga, with several of Amsterdam-West’s most beautiful studios being located there. Check out Tula Bos en Lommer for aerial yoga and ashtanga, Bluebirds West for pilates, flow classes and barre workouts, or head down to Yagoy West to really get your early-morning sweat on. If you fancy something more open air, keep your eye on the Park Yoga Amsterdam schedule which offers regular sessions in Rembrandtpark.
