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Starting Point Amstelveen Brink 1 afbeelding

Routes from this starting point

Waardhuizenroute (yellow)
Unpaved path (partly)
6.54km
Bovenkerker Polder Route (green)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed Closed during bird breeding season
9.78km

The Middenhoven and Waardhuizen districts are located in the heart of the Bovenkerkerpolder at about 5 metres below sea level (Amsterdam Ordnance Datum or NAP). This difference in height is particularly visible when you are near the Amstel river, where the land drops a few metres starting from the ring dike. In 1769, the polder was drained using eleven windmills. In the olden days, the Nesserlaan was called Kruisweg and, together with the Middenweg, it formed the outline of the reclaimed land. The polder south of the Nesserlaan now constitutes a green belt between the built-up areas of Amstelveen and Uithoorn. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Agrarische Natuurvereniging De Amstel (an agricultural nature association), you can see plenty of meadow birds on the farmland. Godwits and lapwings now have a greater chance of survival thanks to the construction of a water shelter and the fact that farmers have pushed back the start of the mowing season.

  • The Waardhuizen Route (yellow) is a circular walk along the edge of Waardhuizen to the district of De Zwarte Kat on the Amstel. Walk along the narrow towpath and enjoy the view of the rowers and waterfowl on the river. The shell-covered path on the Nesserlaan provides a good view of the vast polder.
  • The Bovenkerker Polder Route (green) crosses the deep polder via two farmland paths. These two grass paths more than make up for the unpleasant cycle path along the Bovenkerkerweg. The name of the cable ferry at the Middenweg, called Maria Johanna Petronella, has a romantic origin. Once upon a time, the farmer built the ferry so he could get to his sweetheart in Nes faster. Please note that dogs are not allowed here and the route is not accessible during breeding season.