Wheelchair-accessible parks, gardens and nature areas in and around Amsterdam
Surrounded by waterways and greenery, Amsterdam is known for its nature areas and parks dotted around the city. No matter where you are shopping, having lunch, or seeing the sights, you’ll never be too far away from the trees. The other advantage of a country so in love with bicycles is that many recreational areas have well-maintained paved trails shared by hikers, cyclists, parents with strollers, and wheelchair users alike. Check out our list of suggestions for wheelchair-accessible outdoor activities below.
Oosterpark
Oosterpark in Oost is just a couple of stops away from the eastern docklands, a cool shopping and eating district in the city. A large pond with resident herons and a cluster of turtles sits in the centre, surrounded by lawns and multiple concrete paths. If you are here across a sunny weekend, check out the children’s splash pad, large climbing frame, and multiple street carts serving up cold drinks and scoops of ice cream. The park is accessed by multiple entrances that are either flat or with a ramp, and the paths are wide and well-maintained.
Diemerbos
The Diemerbos forest to the east of the city in Zuidoost is easy to access via tram, but as you enter the nature reserve, you feel you have left the hustle and bustle behind immediately. The Netherlands has a rich array of wildlife, most notably birds. Diemen Bos nature reserve is an ideal place to bring your binoculars and hope for a hawk or blue tit sighting. If you feel peckish mid-stroll, try the House of Bird Brewery nestled within the forest. Its vast outdoor garden has plenty of space for larger groups and a playground with various garden games.
Westerpark
If you find yourself to the west of the city after a morning exploring Museumplein or the leafy Jordaan, Westerpark is a neighbourhood you’ll likely wander towards. The namesake park in the area is home to a wealth of walking paths, restaurants, cafes, and even a brewery. Have a read of this complete guide to dining in the area. Our suggestion? Grab a coffee to go and take a loop around the park’s perimeter, stopping to look at the outdoor sculptures that decorate the various paths.
Bike rental
If you are in search of a little more adventure during your stay or would like to switch up your own two wheels for something new, Star Bikes Rental offers a range of adaptive bikes and wheelchair attachments. Once you are kitted out with new wheels, you can take a ride around some of the parks on this list, cross the IJ on the ferry to explore the Noord and NDSM neighbourhoods, or just do as the locals do and make it your mode of transport for the weekend.
Amsterdamse Bos
To the south of the city is another forested area that is open to visitors. Amsterdamse Bos is a vast space with asphalt paths allowing you to see wildlife, lakes, and even people riding horses. The on-site visitors centre is wheelchair accessible, with ramps into the exhibition halls, as well as fully accessible bathrooms. In the warmer months, a range of kiosks across the forest are open for coffee, ice creams, and snacks. Some kiosks also have accessible toilets available for disabled customers. Use the visitor centre to collect a map and information on bathroom facilities before starting your stroll.
Sarphatipark
If you want to inject a little green into a busy city day, Sarphatipark is a perfect place to rest. Whether you are browsing the shops in De Pijp, or picking up lunch at Albert Cuypmarkt, you can easily stop by the park and take a moment to people-watch the locals who are taking five on their weekends too. The surrounding neighbourhood is known for its lively cafe and bar culture. Check out this round-up of wheelchair-accessible locations for tips on where to eat and drink locally.
Het Twiske
This large nature reserve looking onto a scenic lake is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon while visiting Amsterdam. Het Twiske is a popular place for recreational cyclists which means there are paved routes around the area that can be shared by those walking and using wheelchairs too. However, some of the longer routes within the area are partially gravel and therefore not as suitable for wheelchairs. During the summer months, kiosks are open selling refreshments and snacks, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.
Vondelpark
Perhaps the most famous park in the city, Vondelpark is a staple for visitors all year round. Located in the west of the city, this park is bustling with families and friends on the weekends, enjoying the expanse of green lawns and the children’s playground too. Whilst strolling the wide paved pathways around the perimeter of the park, you’ll also spot the statue of the poet Vondel, the namesake of the park. There are multiple entrances to the park, which are flat, as well as wheelchair accessible public toilet near the northwest entrance.
Noorderpark
If you are staying across the IJ in the popular Noord area of the city, then Noorderpark may be your closest green spot to visit. Filled with flowers and tree-lined paths, with waterways running through the centre, it is undoubtedly one of the most unique parks in the city. Grab an ice cream or coffee and explore the walkways, or stop by Pompet, the cafe overlooking the canal, and enjoy a drink. This park has concrete paths and gated entrances that are suitable for wheelchairs of all sizes.
Rembrandtpark
A locals' favourite, Rembrandtpark is in the Nieuw-West neighbourhood, making it popular with groups of friends, young families and exercise fanatics alike. The park is home to various modern art statues, as well as a petting zoo with goats and sheep who have made a home in the city. The park's concrete pathways take you past various ponds and small rivers, with some narrow bridges that may not be suitable for powerchairs. The park can be accessed from all sides in a wheelchair.
