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Image from Koen Dijkstra

On safari: wildlife spotting in Amsterdam

Aside from the pigeons on Dam Square, you’re probably not expecting to encounter much wildlife in Amsterdam. You might be surprised to learn that the Dutch Capital does have a few safari surprises in-store – and they’re not all to be found in Artis Zoo. Here is a list of the best flora and fauna to be discovered in Amsterdam so don’t forget to pack your bird-watching binoculars!

Artis Zoo

Giraffe eating hay in Artis Zoo.
Image from Arthur de Rooij

Long before people used words like ecology or nature conservation, Amsterdam was known as a centre of expertise on natural history. In the Enlightenment era, when explorers were bringing back exotic plants and animals from their travels, the Society Natura Artis Magistra was established in 1838 as a members-only zoo. Today, these zoological collections have developed into one of the city’s biggest attractions, Artis. Home to over 750 species of mammals, insects, birds, amphibians and reptiles the Zoo and Aquarium should be on the top of any nature-lovers bucket list.

Hortus Botanicus

Image from Barbara van Amelsfoort

From delicate little cacti to towering palms, those with even a mild interest in botany will be truly taken by one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, Hortus Botanicus. Originally founded in 1638 to serve as a herb garden for the city’s doctors and pharmacists, the grounds contain over 6,000 indigenous and non-native tree and plant species. In addition to a gorgeous cafe, outdoor gardens, and a ‘hothouse’ that emulates three different tropical environments, hundreds of majestic butterflies can be found frolicking inside the Butterfly House.

Amsterdamse Bos

Scottish OX springtime Amsterdamse Bos
Image from Edwin van Eis

Voted one of the greenest cities in Europe, Amsterdam takes an active approach to sustainability and conservation. The Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) is one of the largest city parks in Europe, containing 150 indigenous species of trees and over 200 species of birds. Started as a reforestation project in 1934, the Amsterdamse Bos covers more than 1,000 hectares. The park offers a natural habitat for rabbits, squirrels, frogs, woodpeckers and birds. Wild orchids and other rare plants grow amongst the reeds.

Lange Bretten & Geuzenbos

Volkstuinpark De Bretten
Image from amsterdam&partners

Known as the last city wilderness of Amsterdam, De Lange Bretten is half a kilometre wide and ten kilometres long – making it three times larger than the Vondelpark. Many different types of animals live in this nature area. Buzzards and falcons hunt here, and the water is home to thousands of frogs, toads and fish. The "muddy boot trail” (wear your wellies!) is a highlight, and the nature track meanders through an area full of character. Slightly further up, the Geuzenbos is home to many special animals including Konik horses and Scottish highlanders.

Erasmuspark

Biking through miracle garden in Erasmuspark
Image from Koen Smilde

You might be very surprised to learn that Amsterdam is home to a colony of rose-ringed parakeets, known to be living here since the 1980s. There are many rumours about how the first birds got here, but most likely they were pets that were released or escaped. There are tens of thousands of parakeets in the Netherlands and this number keeps doubling. You’ll spot tons of them in leafy residential districts like Bos en Lommer & De Baarsjes and around Erasmuspark, but truly these raucous green birds can be spotted citywide. Fun fact: Both the males and females of the species have the ability to mimic human speech.

Oosterpark

Birds in the water in Heempark of Amstelveen.
Image from Koen Smilde

Just as surprising as Amsterdam’s Parakeets are the grey herons, which can frequently be seen in Oosterpark, Flevopark or rummaging for scraps of delicious kibbling when Dappermarkt closes (we've all been there). Usually found in the warmer parts of Europe, the grey heron has become a very common sight in Amsterdam in recent decades. The herons hunt as they usually would but also eat food discarded by humans, visit Artis Zoo (especially during the feeding times of the penguins and pelicans), as well as hunt for food in gardens.

Schellingwouderpark

Family cycling near Noorderpark houseboats
Image from Koen Smilde

This huge nature reserve is located along the banks of the IJ in Amsterdam Noord with beautiful water views. Anyone looking for an inner-city safari will be able to spot a diverse range of plants, shrubs and animal species whilst walking. Keep your eyes peeled especially for kingfishers and common noctule bats. These rust-brown coloured bats are one of the largest types in Europe and live in trees to hunt for bugs, moths and mosquitoes.

Amstelpark

Who would have thought that Amsterdam is home to a small population of red squirrels and they all seem to hang out in Zuid - around the Amsterdamse Bos, Amstelpark and Beatrixpark. In 2012, environmental groups tried to help these little fellas out by building a network of rope bridges through the trees so they could safely cross between the parks without being run over. If you’re in the area, take a look upwards and see if you can spot their bushy tails trundling through the foliage.

Gaasperplas

Sailing at Gaasperplas sail boats on the water
Image from Koen Smilde

Gaasperplas Park, situated on the edge of the city in Zuidoost and surrounded by marshy, water areas is the perfect habitat for Amsterdam’s most famous amphibian species. You might be (un)lucky enough to spot a grass snake - small non-venomous reptiles that eat frogs and tiny mammals. They have a yellow band around their necks and two rows of small, dark patches on their backs. The area is also home to natterjack toads, recognisable for their yellow stripe running across their backs, yellowish-green eyes, and mating calls that can be heard up to a kilometre away.

Het Twiske-Waterland

Het Twiske is a recreation and nature area and a typical Noord-Holland peat lake area in the Zaan region.
Image from koen smilde

The varied landscapes offered by Amsterdam Noord and its surrounding areas are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. Watery Ilperveld near the village of Landsmeer makes a great day trip from Amsterdam and has dozens of islands which attract rare birds and plants. You can hike, picnic alongside the water or hire kayaks, canoes and rowing boats. Take a scenic 7-kilometre bike trip from Amsterdam along the watery landscape, before ending at Ilperveld visitor’s centre. Meanwhile, the Het Twiske-Waterland area is another gorgeous waterscape brimming with birds, small mammals – including mice and bats - and fish.

Vondelpark

Vondelpark trees
Image from Merijn Roubroeks

When the stork population was in decline a few decades ago, various breeding projects were set up by environmental groups to prevent the species from going extinct. The best place to spot these magnificent white birds is at the artificial nesting site in Vondelpark. The area is fenced off to the public but you can still often get a great view of the mating pair swooping down from their nest. Now that’s some desirable real estate!

For more wildlife adventures further afield, check out this roundup of where to spot wildlife in the Amsterdam Area.