De wandelroute langs de Amstel richting Ouderkerk aan

The walking route along the Amstel towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is one of the most beautiful ways to discover Amsterdam from a completely different side. From the city centre you walk past stately canal houses, historic houseboats and cosy terraces, after which the city slowly gives way to the green landscape of Amstelland. Along the way you pass iconic spots such as the Magere Brug, De Ysbreeker, the Riekermolen and the historic country estates Wester-Amstel and Amstelrust. The further you walk, the more meadows, reed borders and grazing cows determine the view. Eventually you reach Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, an atmospheric village with monumental houses, cosy terraces and a rich history. The contrast between the bustling city and the quiet polder landscape makes this walk a real Amsterdam classic.
Where does the name come from?
The route follows the river Amstel in a southerly direction to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, one of the oldest villages along the river. The name Ouderkerk refers to the old church (oude kerk) that stood here as early as the 12th century, while ‘aan de Amstel’ emphasises the location on the river. That same river later also gave its name to Amsterdam: Amstelredamme, or the dam in the Amstel.
Fun fact
Many Amsterdammers simply call this trip ‘a round of the Amstel’ (‘een rondje Amstel’). For generations it has been a beloved route to walk, run or cycle. The special thing is that within an hour’s walk you exchange the bustle of the capital for an age-old polder landscape, while you have hardly left the city. This makes it one of the few places where you can change worlds so quickly.