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Public Transport Map

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AMERICAN EXPRESS ® YOUR CARD FOR AMSTERDAM

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Visitor Information Centres

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Central Station or Amsterdam Airport Schiphol www.iamsterdam.com/area

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A VVV Naarden (www.vvvnaarden.nl) B VVV Weesp (www.welkominweesp.nl) C VVV Aalsmeer (www.vvvaalsmeer.nl) D VVV Bussum (www.vvvbussum.nl) E VVV Hilversum (www.vvvhilversum.nl) F VVV Wijdemeren (www.vvvwijdemeren.nl) G VVV Huizen (www.vvvhuizen.nl)

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Highlights ➊ Fort Pampus ➋ Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot ➌ Dutch Fortress Museum ➍ Museum Weesp ➎ Nautical Quarter Huizen ➏ Historical Garden Aalsmeer ➐ Fort Uitermeer ➑ Cobra Museum ➒ Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest) ➓ Castle-Museum Sypesteyn

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ENJOY A DAY AT THE LAKE

Welcome in the Garden of Amsterdam

MIKE BINK©

: 17 min.

Naarden / Bussum

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Hilversum

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WHY VISIT AALSMEER?

• Beautiful surroundings with Westeinder lake

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Portengense Brug

• Only 20 minutes from Amsterdam

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• Largest flower auction in the world

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• Boat trips and events • Learn all about flowers and the Dutch flower trade

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The route back to Amsterdam is lovely; in no time at all you’ll be cycling past grazing cows and elegant country houses.

Brochures of the different cycle routes are available in the I amsterdam Visitor Centre at Stationsplein.

Escape the city and visit the historic city centre of Weesp with it’s fortresses, terraces by the water and beatiful countryside!

IJmeer

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In Amstelveen, pay a visit to the famous Cobra Museum ➑ (www.cobra-museum.nl) or the smaller Jan van der Togt Museum (www.jvdtogt.nl). Continue on to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, a picturesque village established in the 12th century on the River Amstel. The banks of the Amstel are bustling with fantastic cafés and restaurants with sunny waterside terraces.

After you’ve refuelled, visit the Netherlands’ oldest Jewish cemetery, Beth Haim.

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Take bus 172 from Amsterdam Central Station (1 hour, direct connection). After your visit, take bus 172 again to the Hortensiaplein stop. From here you can walk to Westeinder Rondvaart (20 mins total), a company that operates boat tours on the Aalsmeer lakes. You’ll float past countless islands teeming with flora and fauna. (www.westeinderrondvaart.nl)

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Set the alarm because today you’ll discover the wonderful world of flowers at the FloraHolland flower auction (www.floraholland.com). The earlier you get here, the more you’ll see (visit before 9AM). Experience the hustle and bustle of the auction floor, watch traders bidding against the clock and be amazed at the quantity of beautiful blooms traded daily from more than ten countries.

www.vvvaalsmeer.nl

Rent a bike from one of Amsterdam’s many bike rental companies and head south towards Amstelveen and the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos ➒ (Amsterdam Forest). You can also rent bikes at the entrance to the Amsterdamse Bos as well as canoes for a view of the forest from the water.

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Leisure Lakes (1/2 day and full day)

Your Card is welcome across Amsterdam

Just 10 minutes away by train from Amsterdam Central Station.

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Take a tram, metro or train from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Amstel. From there, bus 320 or 322 runs regularly to the P+R Terrein stop, Muiden (30 mins). A lovely walk through the historic centre of Muiden brings you to the medieval Muiderslot Castle ➋ (FREE entrance with your I amsterdam City Card) (www.muiderslot.nl). If you follow the canal towards Muiden, you will see the ferry to Pampus Island (www.pampus.nl) on your right hand after about 500 metres (25% discount with your I amsterdam City Card). The island and abandoned fort have a mysterious air and make for an interesting day out for visitors of all ages. Another ferry runs directly from Pampus Island ➊ to Amsterdam IJburg (www. amsterdamboatexcursion.com), from where you can take tram 26 back to Amsterdam Central Station. Get special discount (25% off) with your I amsterdam City Card from April – October www.vvvgooivecht.nl

Only 15 minutes from Amsterdam

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Fortress Stretch (1/2 day or full day)

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Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot

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Daytrips

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With the Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket you can travel 24 hours by bus, tram and metro in and around Amsterdam.

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Take the train from Amsterdam Central Station to NaardenBussum (towards Amersfoort Vathorst or Zwolle via Weesp, platform 11). From Naarden-Bussum, take bus 110/151 to Naarden (50 mins total). Walk around this preserved fortified town and visit the Dutch Fortress Museum ➌. From Naarden, take bus 110 or 602 or cycle to Muiden. A lovely walk through the historic centre of Muiden brings you to the medieval Muiderslot Castle ➋ (FREE entrance with your I amsterdam City Card). From Muiden, take bus 110 to Weesp. Rent a bike at the bus/train station (Fietspoint, €12.50) and follow the River Vecht. The riverbank offers unimpeded views of the imposing castles (such as those at Breukelen and OudZuylen), ornate country estates and accompanying tearooms.

Don’t forget to stop by at Fort Uitermeer ➐. Next to the fort you’ll find a lovely restaurant – the perfect stop for a refreshing drink or good meal. To discover all the forts and castles in this area, download the English app with free audio tour (search for ‘Layar’ and then ‘Fortenland’ in the app store).

From Weesp, trains back to Amsterdam run every 15 minutes.

See www.vvvgooivecht.nl for cycle routes.

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Forts and country estates (full day)

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Fortress Stretch Home to many old castles, fortified towns and ruins, the picturesque fortress stretch – a UNESCO World Heritage site – offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval times.

Leisure Lakes

Amstel River Countryside

Just outside Amsterdam you’ll find a number of lakes perfect for a day of fun on the water. Rent a sailing boat, electric boat, canoe or surfboard to explore, enjoy and relax.

Amsterdam’s hinterland is quiet, green and unspoilt – no wonder it was prime real estate for wealthy Golden Age merchants looking to escape the city. Retrace their footsteps along the River Amstel.

Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot

Uithoorn

Muiden is also home to the grand Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot – built around 1285 – which looms over the mouth of the River Vecht. Take a tour through the impressive knight’s hall, towers, dungeon and armoury or dress up like a real knight and try your hand at jousting. The castle’s theme in 2016 is ‘Living in the Middle Ages’, and the Kemenade chamber has been transformed into a medieval interior. A great day of fun for the whole family.

Just to the south of Amsterdam is Uithoorn, with its charming Thamerkerk church from 1834 right on the River Amstel. The Fort aan de Drecht, completely renovated in 2000 and part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, can also be seen here. The more-than-a-century old former military installation is located on the edge of Uithoorn. A variety of walking and cycling routes have been marked out in Amstelland (the area around the River Amstel), or discover the area from the River Amstel itself.

Free entrance with your I amsterdam City Card www.muiderslot.nl

www.aemstelboating.nl

Historical River Estates Take a trip south of the city and enjoy the grandeur and nature of the historical river estates that dot the banks of the River Vecht.

The River Vecht that winds between Amsterdam and Utrecht is a wonderful setting for a boat trip or bike ride. Both offer unimpeded views of the imposing castles, country houses and accompanying tearooms. Wealthy Golden Age merchants once spent their summer months here. The holidaymakers ‘only’ needed five to seven hours to reach their rural residences. Thankfully, it’s much quicker today!

Country Houses It’s easy to imagine you have been transported back to the 17th or 18th century as you pass one grand country estate after the next. The banks of the River Amstel were favoured by wealthy Golden Age merchants looking to escape the bustle of Amsterdam. A few of these magnificent buildings have been preserved – including the privately owned Oostermeer and the fully restored 350-year-old Wester Amstel, which hosts regular exhibitions and concerts and whose gardens are open to the public.

Castle-Museum Sypesteyn The aristocrat C.H.C.A. (Henri) van Sypesteyn (1857-1937) dreamed of a grand monument to his family, of which he was the last male descendant. That dream became reality: between 1912-1927 he designed and built Castle-Museum Sypesteyn.

The museum features portraits of family members and a varied collection of weapons, porcelain, glass, silver, statues, clocks and other items. The grounds with garden and park are also a pleasant place to take a stroll. A drink and light meal on the terrace or in the castle itself are the perfect way to end a visit.

Loosdrecht Lakes

Muiden

BRINK TE LAREN, AVOND, GUSTAVE FRANCISCUS DE SMET ©

The Loosdrechtse Plassen (Loosdrecht Lakes) are particularly suitable for water sports: sailing, rowing, canoeing, water-skiing and speed-boating are all possible. If taking a boat out yourself is not your thing, than join an excursion with a speedboat or sailing boat or just relax on a terrace and admire the view from dry land.

The fortified town of Muiden is located near the IJmeer, just 20 minutes from Amsterdam. Dating back to the tenth century, it is now known for its peaceful streets, cosy cafés and historic harbour and landmarks.

See www.visitgooivecht.om or www.vvvweidemeren.nl for rental options.

Naarden & Weesp Nearby Naarden is one of the most remarkable examples of a preserved fortified town. From the air, the town’s unique layout resembles a gigantic snowflake, comprising six bastions, a double rampart and a double ring of canals. The history of Naarden is explained at the fascinating Dutch Fortress Museum, which features canons, weapons, uniforms and an audio-visual presentation. Experience how the soldiers protected Amsterdam and its surroundings from enemies from the Far East and explore the dark corners of the fortress, where the soldiers once fought, lived and slept.

Oudekerk aan de Amstel Established in the 12th century, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel is well known for its extraordinary almshouses, various churches and Holland’s oldest Jewish cemetery, Beth Haim. More than 27,000 graves have remained intact for over 400 years. Among the cemetery’s most famous residents is Rabbi Menasseh Ben Israel, a colleague and collaborator of Old Master painter Rembrandt van Rijn (www.bethhaim.nl). Visitors typically head to the village to take in its architecture or to walk in the large undeveloped area called De Ronde Hoep.

www.vestingmuseum.nl A grand town hall, windmills, forts and the River Vecht adorn the fortified town of Weesp. The historic centre boasts almost 200 monuments and the town hall houses a small museum for one of its oldest industries: porcelain. www.museumweesp.nl

Huizen Huizen – literally, Houses – was originally an agricultural village, about two kilometres from the sea. It later expanded to become a coastal town, boasting the IJsselmeer’s most vibrant fishing industry. In recent years Huizen has developed into a modern town bordering the Gooimeer (Gooi Lake), with several marinas and a lively historic centre offering great shopping and the medieval Dutch Reformed Church. Built around the Oude Haven – Old Harbour – where you can still see beautiful flat boats, some of them over 100 years old, Huizen’s Nautical Quarter includes a lovely hotel, restaurants and convivial cafés. www.vvvhuizen.nl

25 years of Pampus

Westeinderplassen & Water Tower

At low tide Pampus Island used to block the access of seagoing ships to the Amsterdam port. In the late 19th century, a fort was built on the island, one of a ring of 42 fortifications surrounding Amsterdam. These days, the island and abandoned fort have a mysterious air and make for an interesting day out for visitors of all ages. A host of special events are being organised this year to mark 25 years since Pampus was first opened to the public.

In Aalsmeer, the Westeinderplassen (West End Lakes) offer plenty of water sports options from swimming to sailing lessons and boat rental. Everyone is welcome to moor their boat at Starteiland (Start Island). The other small islands still grow strawberries and lilacs – just as they did long ago. This area is famous for its horticultural industry. You can discover this from the water (www.westeinderrondvaart.nl) or at the Historical Garden (www.historischetuinaalsmeer.nl).

These events can be found on their website. To get to Pampus, catch the ferry from Muiden or Amsterdam. 25% discount with your I amsterdam City Card www.pampus.nl TIP: travel by boat from Amsterdam IJburg to Pampus Island and Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot and get a 25% discount with your I amsterdam City Card. Boats run Tuesday-Sunday from 2 April from IJburg (tram 26 from Amsterdam Central Station). www.veerdienstamsterdam.nl

Defence Line of Amsterdam Both of these towns are fantastic starting points for exploring De Stelling van Amsterdam (the Defence Line of Amsterdam), a 135-kilometre-long ring of fortifications around Amsterdam that once protected the city from invaders. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1996. Special bike routes (in English) take you past the most beautiful highlights, among them Fort Pampus, Fort aan de Ossenmarkt, Fort Uitermeer and Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot (April-October). www.defencelineamsterdam.com

The 50-metre-high, art-deco water tower is one of Aalsmeer’s showpieces. At the foot of the tower, restaurant Westeinder Paviljoen offers a breath-taking view of the lake and a perfect surf break.

Amstelveen There’s plenty to see and do in leafy Amstelveen – from museums to shopping, theatre to sports. Amstelveen is home to one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest), as well as the family-friendly Amstelpark. Amstelveen is also well known for its heemparken, parks dedicated to native flora and recognised as national monuments. The parks are well worth a visit – especially in the spring. It’s an idyllic bike ride along the River Amstel from the centre of Amsterdam.

The Cobra Museum of Modern Art (www.cobra-museum.nl) is home to a collection of key works by artists from the avant-garde Cobra art movement. It presents interesting exhibitions from this unique collection as well as temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Situated in the ‘Old Village’ of Amstelveen is Museum Jan van der Togt, which holds a superb collection of modern glass sculptures and fine art.

Built in 1290 and located in Breukelen, the namesake of the New York City borough of Brooklyn, Castle Nyenrode was destroyed in 1481 and in 1511 but was rebuilt as a country retreat in the 1630s in the Dutch Renaissance style. The castle currently houses a private university but can be viewed from the river. The adjacent park has a rose garden, old lime trees, a deer park and pheasantry.

The Singer Museum Laren Laren became one of the centres of Dutch art at the end of the 19th century after famous painter Jozef Israëls had discovered the quiet beauty of this picture-perfect village and its surroundings. Fellow artists followed suit, including Anton Mauve, Albert Neuhuys and Hein Kever. The American businessman and art lover William Henry Singer built a large mansion in the centre of Laren in 1911, which became the famous Singer Museum after the Second World War, proudly displaying the works of many of the artists of the Laren School of Painting. A special exhibition dedicated to French art can be seen till the end of August. Usually this collection is only exhibited in musée d’Art modern de Troyes. www.singerlaren.nl

TIP: The Cherry Blossom Festival hits the Amsterdam Bos every year, celebrating the return of spring to the city.

9 APRIL

Dining on the Amstel The banks of the Amstel are lined with fantastic restaurants and cafés with sunny waterside terraces where you can pause to refuel. They include Brasserie Paardenburg, steakhouse Loetje and Lute, an ultra-modern restaurant on the site of a former explosives factory. www.vvvgooivecht.nl

TIP: held each year in the last week of June, the Westeinderwaterweek (West End Water Week) is dedicated to H2O. Swim, sail, windsurf, water-ski, row, motorboat or ‘just’ enjoy the West End Lakes.

26 JUNE - 5 JULY

Castle Nyenrode

TIP: Your American Express Card is welcome across Amsterdam from your favourite restaurants to your local retail shops. Wherever you go, remember to use your Card. It’s welcome in all kinds of places.

River Vecht by boat Discover the wonderful lakes around Amsterdam and the River Vecht lined with the historical estates. Take a guided boat trip that includes lunch and dinner. A luxury bus takes you from Amsterdam to the Loosdrecht Lakes (www.rederijwolfrat.nl). Or combine biking and boating on the River Vecht with De Fietsboot (the bike boat). You can hop on and hop off as you please to continue by bike. www.defietsboot.nl

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