To do in the Amsterdamse Bos

The Amsterdamse Bos Visitors’ Centre 'De Boswinkel' is the place to go for questions, to make reservations for a boat excursion through the waterways of the Amsterdamse Bos or to do an outside family-activity and buy souvenirs.

For questions about the Amsterdamse Bos you can contact the Boswinkel via telephone (020-251 7840) and e-mail (deboswinkel@amsterdam.nl) at the usual opening hours:  Wednesday to Sunday: from 10am-17 pm.

If you are feeling stressed because of your busy holiday schedule, then Hotel & Wellness Zuiver is the ideal place to unwind. With massage rooms, a restaurant, several saunas, baths, a hamam and relaxation rooms, you’ll find it hard not to de-stress. Drop by and relax!

Ridammerhoeve is a biodynamic goat farm at the centre of the Amsterdamse Bos. Visitors are welcome to look around the farm and have a chat with the staff while they work. All products made on the farm are for sale in the shop or served on the terrace. Don’t forget to taste the famous goat milk ice-cream!

Swing from tree to tree, climb a rope ladder and balance on a suspension bridge. The Fun Forest climbing park has nine different climbing courses at various heights, varying in difficulty. Good fun for young and old alike!

Will it be the cool looking police boat, the tough lifeboat or perhaps the sleek cruise ship? Mini Captain’s electric boats enable children from of four upward to experience steering their own boat. On shore, children learn about shipping and harbour life.

If you would like to see the forest from the water, you can! From May to September excursion boats chug through just about all the waterways in the Amsterdamse Bos. Excursions take one and a half hour. For more information about boat excursions or other excursions and activities, please visit the Visitors’ Centre.

Bicycle Rental Service 'De Boshalte' is situated opposite Visitors' Centre 'De Boswinkel'. They rent all kinds of bikes, like city bikes, tandems and even so-called 'elliptigo’s'. A special cycle tour of 14 km has been marked through the Bos to show you all the beauty of this forest in one trip.

The water quality of the Amsterdamse Bos waterways and lakes is excellent. So feel free to take a dip in the swimming section of the Grote Vijver. The Groot Kinderbad and Klein Kinderbad are two outside paddling pools for young children. The pools are open from May to August/September, provided temperatures reach 20° Celsius or higher. More information: Visitors' Centre.

Picture yourself snuggled up in a blanket, enjoying a special theatrical performance in the middle of a forest. From July to August, the outdoor Amsterdamse Bostheater presents performances virtually every evening. The surroundings are nothing short of stunning, and the decor is amazing. Have a pre-theatre dinner on stage or have a picnic in the stands. Performances are subject to weather conditions.

Travel in style with the Museum Tram. The Museum Tram departs from Haarlemmermeer station and takes you all the way to the Amsterdamse Bos. You can get off at the forest entrance, but also continue a few stops. It’s a fun way to travel to the Bos. Limited service (only on Sunday).

Take a magnificent walk through the Amsterdamse Bos and then enjoy the best pancakes in Amsterdam at Boerderij Meerzicht (Meerzicht Farm). Or just relax over a cup of coffee and watch the peacocks and other animals strutting around the yard, while the children explore the playground.