Amsterdam, Halfweg, Diemen

When thinking about Amsterdam, the only bit of greenery that might spring to mind is the Vondelpark. Outsizing the Vondelpark, De Lange Bretten is what you might call an “urban wilderness”. First a canal, then a dumping ground for excavated soil next to the city’s metro tracks, it has now developed into wild nature. Amsterdamse Bos, conceived by Jac. P. Thijsse, is a great place to relax. Unless of course you are a professional rower, in which case you will probably be exercising on the park’s Bosbaan rowing lake to get in shape for the next international championships. And, lastly, remember to visit the lovely villages along the route, such as Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.