Nature and active in Noord
Jump on your bike to Noord for its vast forested areas, green polder landscapes and stunning parks. There are plenty of opportunities to get active and outdoorsy, or simply find a scenic spot for a delicious picnic.
Noorderpark
Everyone can feel at home in Noorderpark. Many cultural activities and workshops are organised in the creative Yellow Pump, and De Roze Tanker is the home base for concerts and performances. Children can clamber around or build things at the Bloemenkwartier Playground, and the award-winning swimming pool complex, Noorderparkbad, is the right place to go for a refreshing dip.
Vliegenbos
The Vliegenbos, full of beautiful elms, is the oldest urban forest in Amsterdam. With its many winding paths, ancient trees, works of art and a diversity of animals its the perfect starting point for an adventure in the open air. Anyone wanting to enjoy the forest for longer can also stay overnight at the campsite.
NoordOogst
The NoordOogst agricultural project is all about sustainable and tasty food. The agenda encompasses various cultural events and courses aimed at teaching us all greener ways of thinking. Everyone is welcome to come by for a snack and drink or even to stay overnight. There are all kinds of animals on site, and the little ones can also burn off some steam in the large nature playground.
Schellingwouderpark
The Schellingwouderpark is a vast stretch of marshy woodland in Noord. Lose yourselves for hours here with a view over the River IJ on one side and a diversity of animals and plants surrounding you. Keep your eyes peeled for kingfishers and bats, among other wildlife species, and some rare varieties of shrubs and plants. It is not for nothing that Schellingwouderpark is a favourite spot amongst the biologists, ecologists and residents of Amsterdam.
Waterland cycle route
Noord is the gateway to some spectacular Dutch scenery and you’ll find dozens of signposted bike paths to help you along the way. It’s always a treat pedalling through quaint villages such as Nieuwendam, Ransdorp and Zunderdorp known for their authentic stolpboerderijen (traditional Dutch farmhouses), canal locks and impressive polder views. Alternatively, take the Waterland cycle route which passes an ancient windmill and a historic former cow market in the scenic town square of Purmerend. You can also make the optional side quest to Het Twiske - a stunning natural area perfect for swimming, boating and bird-spotting.
