Nature and active in Weesp
Weep’s historical city centre, curl of canals and cobblestone bends serve as the major draw for visitors to this southeasterly part of Amsterdam. But its location on the city’s fringes and along the River Vecht means Weesp also serves as a gateway to the region’s lush natural scenery. Throughout the city, pockets of green and cuts of blue combine to prove that, at least here, nature reigns supreme.
The Tea Garden of Weesp
The tea garden in Weesp was the first tea garden in the Netherlands, and it’s here where you’ll find unique plants, pots and bulbs that international garden enthusiasts lust after. Wander through in the spring or summertime when the garden’s blooming, past the pistachio-coloured cabins that dot the grounds. Afterwards, relax in Theetuin Noot, a green oasis of peace, conviviality and coffee.
Walking with a Weesper
One of Weesp’s most attractive qualities is how walkable it is, so take advantage of its compactness with a city stroll. The walk of Weesp is about three kilometres long and takes you past the locals – known as Weespers – favourite spots. Begin at the City of Wesopa Theatre, then head to ice cream parlour Nelis, Wispe Brewery, Museum Weesp, Fort Ossenmarkt and the Vriendschap windmill. Find the entire route here.
The Historical Circle of Weesp Walk
A walk via the Historical Circle of Weesp takes about 1.5 hours and passes the most important and hidden places in the old centre. You’ll pass the synagogue, the churches, the lock complex, the Hoogstraat (with a stunning view over the River Vecht) and the town hall. If the Fort at the Ossenmarkt is on your bucket list, then adjust your walk slightly. In addition to the regular walks, there are also historical-themed ones to follow, such as Weesp Fortress City, Jewish Weesp, Weesp Jenever City and Catholic Weesp – and you can even combine a few at once. And if you’re not a massive walker, fear not – a combination tour only takes 1.5 hours.
Milling over history
Once upon a time, there were 25 mills in Weesp, which was then a prosperous industrial town. Now, there are only three mills left: De Vriendschap, De Eendragt and 't Haantje. The Eendragt, built in 1691, is still inhabited, while Molen 't Haantje is open to the public every year on Mill Day (always the 2nd Saturday in May) and during Open Monument Day (the second Saturday in September). In the Vriendschap flour mill, grains are still ground, in the traditional way, into flour, flakes and mixes. The resulting products can be found every Saturday between 10:00 and 16:00 in the Molenwinkel.
Cycle through Castles & Gardens
If you prefer visiting places on two wheels, you can cycle to Weesp from Amsterdam Centraal via the Castles & Garden region. One particularly dreamy day’s ride is to cycle east through Oost – along the canal past Diemen and loop down along the tree-lined River Vecht into Weesp from there. Alternatively, instead of heading south along the Vecht, continue east towards Muiden and the Muiderslot Castle. A 13th-century castle, it’s one of the Netherlands’ best-known strongholds and is open for tours where you can wander through its beautifully restored interior and gardens, including the beech-tree alley. Spend a morning here before biking down to Weesp for a well-deserved evening in the city’s resident spa to soak away the tiredness.
