Wandelroute langs de Amstel richting Ouderkerk aan de

a walk along the Amstel towards Ouderkerk aan de Amstel feels as if you slowly leave the bustle of the city behind you. From Amsterdam you walk along the Amsteldijk, past stately canal houses, historic country estates and characteristic houseboats. The further you walk out of the city, the greener the landscape becomes. Reed borders, meadows, pollard willows and grazing cows take over the view, while rowers glide silently over the river. Along the way you pass iconic spots such as the Riekermolen, the statue of Rembrandt and the monumental country estates Wester-Amstel and Amstelrust. Eventually you reach the atmospheric village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, where historic streets, cosy terraces and the old Kerkbrug welcome you. It is one of the most beautiful walks in which city and nature merge seamlessly.
Where does the name come from?
The route follows the river Amstel in a southerly direction to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. This village is the oldest settlement on the Amstel and arose as early as the 12th century. The addition ‘aan de Amstel’ makes clear that the village lies directly on the river, which ultimately also gave its name to Amsterdam.
Fun fact
Many Amsterdammers simply call this ‘a round of the Amstel’ (‘een rondje Amstel’). Whether you walk, cycle or run: the route along the river towards Ouderkerk has been a favourite outing for generations to escape the city bustle for a while. Within an hour you stand in the middle of the green Amstelland, while the centre of Amsterdam remains surprisingly close.