Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland

The Amstelveen botanical parks are internationally known and visitors from near and far come to enjoy the wildflowers and plants. The first walking park was built shortly before the war along the former Karnemelksegat, which was created after a dike burst in the 16th century. This gave rise to the current name of De Braak (the break or breach). The initiator was Chris Broerse, head of the Amstelveen park service. The poor, acidic peat soil was not very suitable for a park, and Broerse realised that he had to use native species. In doing so, he created 'garden rooms' with species that match each other in terms of colour, height and texture. The Jac. P. Thijssepark was built in the same style after 1949. Both botanical parks are now national monuments.

• The Ommetje Heemparken or Botanical Parks Walk (red) is charming in every season, but is especially breathtaking in the spring. Forest anemones, wild daffodils and summer snowflakes provide amazing splashes of colour. The sweet scents of wild hyacinths and hollowroots intermingle with the intense aroma of wild garlic. Birds and frogs provide the background music and butterflies flutter by. A little paradise! You can visit the botanical nursery on the route.
• The Museumtrampath or Museum Tram Path (blue) follows the full length of the botanical parks. Via a clever little bridge under the railway, you will arrive at the footpaths through the public gardens on both sides of the Museum Tramway. You then walk around De Poel, the Bloesempark and over the Heuvel in the Amsterdamse Bos park. A route like no other!