Vondelpark - Amsterdam

Vondelpark is the most famous, most visited and most iconic park in the Netherlands. It welcomes over ten million visitors each year. It is a city park, cultural venue and international symbol of Amsterdam all in one.

In the mid nineteenth century, Amsterdam was growing fast but living conditions were poor. There were hardly any public green spaces. In 1864, a group of wealthy citizens founded the Association for the Creation of a Riding and Walking Park. Their goal was to create a park for relaxation, fresh air, culture and public health.

At that time, the area was made up of soggy meadows south of the city. Thanks to the new association, the park was created and opened in 1865. It was first called Het Nieuwe Park, a formal park in the style of an English landscape garden, with winding paths and water features. It was aimed at the upper classes and meant for walking and horse riding. In practice, it was all about seeing and being seen.

In 1867, a statue of poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel was placed in the park. From then on, people started calling it Vondelpark, and in 1880 the name became official.

During the Second World War, the park fell into disrepair and was rarely used. After the war, its role changed from a park for the elite to a people’s park for everyone. In the 1960s it became a meeting place for hippies and a stage for art, music, dance and theatre. It slowly turned into a cultural gem of the city.

Heavy use eventually caused wear and soil subsidence. So in the 1990s and 2000s, the park was thoroughly renovated, without losing its historic charm.

Today, you can still enjoy this romantic park in English landscape style. It’s a perfect place to walk, picnic, exercise, relax or simply watch the world go by.