Amsterdam is famous as one of the greenest cities in Europe. The largest green areas are on the edge of the town. Parks are quite relaxing and are also a source of great entertainment here. Greenery of parks gives a fresh feeling and refreshes the mind of a person. Different parks have different source of amusement. A playground with a sandpit and a paddling pool is almost there in every park. In addition to these many parks are featured with large variety of trees and flowers, sports facility, water features paths for cyclists and many more. These parks offer relief from the busy life of the city.
Some of the Green areas of Amsterdam are -
Vondelpark –
This is the most visited and largest park in Amsterdam. It is situated close to the Leidseplein and Museumplein. One can enjoy here through walking, skating, listening to music or just watching the passers-by. Architect L.D.Zocher and his son designed the park in such a way that it gave 19th century Amsterdamer the perfect look of natural landscape. Today it is one of the most famous tourist attractions that give an essence of pleasure to people. Many summer program of free afternoon entertainment is also organized here that includes children theatre, concerts, mime artists and acrobatic displays.
Amsterdamse Bos/ Amsterdam Wood –
It is a forest type park situated in the southwest of Amsterdam and home to variant number of native trees as well as specimen trees from many countries. It is like a heaven for many kinds of insects, small animals and many species of birds especially water birds. Many small lakes are also present in this wood that are decorated with bridges, which adds to its beauty. The main attractions are horse rental, canoe rental and an open theatre. One can enjoy sailing boats, rowing, walking, jogging, cycling and fishing. Little further is the Bosmuseum, where one can view the map of the park along with the walking routes and the story about how the wood was created. Besides this a permanent exhibition in addition to provisional exhibition about planting and maintenance of the wood can also be enjoyed.
Sarphathi Park -
This is a small park at the southern edge of the center and is the best place to spend few moments away from the hectic city life. It was created in the 19th century in an English landscape style and is surrounded by houses. This park was named after a socially conscious doctor Sameul Sarpathi. In the second half of 19th century when there was a severe shortage of houses for workers, at that time Sarpathi initiated this project of formation of a colony with a park in the center. The final plan was produced and looked after by an engineer Van Niftrik. Besides houses a variety of cafes and snack bars are also present around it. This makes it a popular picnic spot and after the recent renovation it has become a famous meeting place also. People enjoy sunbathe here in summer.
OosterPark -
This spacious park is situated behind the Tropical museum on the east side of Amsterdam. The design of the park is fascinating as every section of park offers different attractive view. Several multicultural festivals are held here throughout the year, as it is a popular venue for various cultural activities. It is famous among various groups including Indians, Indonesians, Muslims and the others. Several big, monumental sculptures lie here that attracts everyone with its beauty. Thus it is a perfect place for longer moment of relaxation.
Amstelpark -
This Park lies in the southwest of Amsterdam. The main attractions include miniature train, a maze and children’s farm also. The train rides in the park the whole summer. The playground, mini-golf, mini-football and pony rides are also available for children. The Reiker Windmill that has been preserved from 1636 can also be seen on the southern tip of the park. The park is famous as a good picnic spot as it lies along the Amstel River. Bike ride along the cycling paths could also be enjoyed. Other attraction includes Rose garden, Rhododendron walk and model garden with nursery. Art exhibitions are also held here for entertainment.
Westerpark -
It is the newly expanded park that lies in the northwest of the city at a walking distance of ten minutes from central station. An old industrial complex, which was earlier a gas factory is situated in the middle of the park. Now it has been converted into a pleasant café and creative offices. Various activities are held here and now it is popular as the playground for creative artists. This entertainment complex includes a theatre, a club, art pieces, and a restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy large pond and small tennis court.
Hortus Botanicus -
This green oasis in Amsterdam was established over three hundred years ago. It was originally created as an herb garden for doctors and pharmacists. Hortus Botanicus is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. In earlier days East India Company use to bring back the exotic seeds and plants from other countries where they traded. This garden boasts a variety of remarkable plants. Nowadays plants from almost every country and environment can be seen in a special climate glasshouse. This glasshouse contains various sections of tropical, subtropical and desert section of plants. The famous cycads palm collection in the Palm house and the oldest potted plants are also a beautiful illustration for students as well as visitors. Besides this medicinal herb garden and museum café draw the concentration of the viewers.
Park Artis -
This Park is another city’s top attractions. Beautiful ponds, statues and winding pathways add to its beauty. The greenery of the place attracts the visitors easily. The park is associated with the Artis Zoo. This Zoo gives shelter to a large number of animals along with plants.
Rembrandtpark-
This Park is one of the largest parks of Amsterdam and is a favourite spot of Amsterdammers for jogging and walking. It is located in the Overtoomse district of Amsterdam in the west of the Vodelpark. It is a good place for leisure time due to the large space and quite environment.
Frankendeal -
This Park was established during the early 18th century. It is considered as a pleasurable place by Amsterdammers to spend their summer vacation. It lies near to Middenweg Street. This park includes a botanical garden where a large variety of botanical plants and trees could be seen. Even some of them are so rare that could be seen anywhere else. The park is open to public and visitors can see the rare plants along its small paths.
Beatrixpark -
It is situated next to convention and RAI center. It’s a quite and pleasant park that has been named after the Dutch Queen. It is one of the cleanest parks in Amsterdam. This cleanliness is maintained and looked after by the society so as to uphold the refreshing environment of the place.
Moreover many other small parks around Amsterdam gives a calm, pleasant and green environment to the city. Some of these parks are- Flavopark, Martin Luther King Park, Erasmus Park, Wertheimpark, Gaasperpark. Floating Gardens market gives a feeling of heaven of flowers, fruits and plants that are beautifully decorated on the houseboats on the canal.
Then there are gardens present behind every stately canal house in Amsterdam. Most of these gardens adjoin one to another with big old trees, flowers and sometimes pond also. Thus there lies a vast space of gardens inside each block of canal houses. But as the houses from all sides surround the space so these garden are not visible from the street. On the whole Amsterdam have a pleasant and green environment that helps you to come out of the hustle and bustle of your busy life schedule.
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