Nature & walking routes

Natuur

With 2/3 of Diemen being nature, you cannot miss the trees, the water and parks. There are several walking tours you can follow to enjoy the lush surroundings, canals and perhaps get a glimpse of the ringsnake (a non-toxic snake that can be found in the Diemerbos). These tours and some of our parks and forests are listed here:

Diemerbos
The forest consists of two sections, separated by the A9 motorway. You'll find hiking trails (see below), picnic areas, a large lawn, and paved paths for cycling and rollerblading. Children can enjoy the Banjerbossie, a natural playground. On the other side of the A9, there's more nature with swamp forest, wet grassland, ponds, and reed beds, ideal for peaceful walks.

One of the highlights of the Diemerbos is House of Bird, the Bird Brewery's tasting room. Here you can enjoy craft beer and delicious dishes surrounded by nature. You also get there for lunch and some days for dinner.

Diemer Vijfhoek

The Diemer Vijfhoek, also known as PEN Island, is an artificial peninsula in the IJmeer lake, located next to the power plant in Over-Diemen. This nature reserve was created in the 1970s when dredged material was dumped during the construction of the power plant. Since then, the area has developed into a valuable natural area with diverse flora and fauna.

The peninsula offers a peaceful spot for walks and experiencing nature. Various bird species can be spotted, such as cormorants, goldeneyes, and grebes. The area is managed by the Dutch Forestry Commission (Staatsbosbeheer) and is part of the nature network along the IJmeer lake.

The Diemer Vijfhoek is an ideal spot for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peace and beauty of nature.

Diemerpolder

In Diemen Noord, you'll also find the Diemerpolder recreation area, a popular spot for walking and recreation. Several hiking trails lead you through the polder landscape and along the banks of the Diem River, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Towards Muiden, you'll find the Overdiemen recreation area. This peaceful and green area is ideal for walking and experiencing nature. Several hiking trails lead you through the most wooded part of the polder, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Overdiemen

Overdiemen Recreation Area is a beautiful area near Diemen, ideal for walking and enjoying nature. The area offers abundant greenery and is perfect for a peaceful walk with the dog or a relaxing bike ride. Along the banks of the Diem River are several farmsteads with reed beds. In the past, farmers in the Overdiemerpolder often had small riverbanks along the Diem. They managed these riverbanks as hay meadows. These plots were so small or wet that mowing and haymaking could only be done by hand, resulting in less intensive management. By allowing nature to take its course, flower-rich areas developed along the Diem. In earlier years, the province encouraged this management and provided subsidies to continue managing the lands this way.

Natuurpark de Omloop

Nature Park De Omloop is a beautiful green oasis in Diemen, ideal for both relaxation and adventure. The park is the largest natural playground in Diemen and offers numerous activities for all ages. You can jump over ditches, go rafting, and enjoy the zipline. There are also plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

The park is designed with natural materials, which contributes to its rustic and inviting atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to walk, play, and enjoy nature, amidst the hustle and bustle of the Randstad.

Natuurpark Spoorzicht

Once this place was a sports park, now a thriving nature reserve where city and nature meet. Nature Park Spoorzicht is uniquely located just minutes from the town center and right next to Diemen’s NS train station. Stroll through alder woods and spot rare plants and wildlife. Spoorzicht is freely accessible for walkers. Put on waterproof shoes and experience the tranquility of nature in the heart of the city. The Municipality of Diemen is upgrading the park with an accessible boardwalk, play areas for children, and a strong focus on biodiversity.

Nelson Mandela Park

Nelson Mandela Park is located in the center of Diemen, behind the Diemerplein shopping center. A walkway has been created around the water, where you can also relax on one of the benches along the way and enjoy the sunshine and the ducks and swans that are often found there. At the opening of Mandela Park, the municipality planted a tree in memory of Nelson Mandela.

In 2020, Nelson Mandela Park was enriched with a special Katsura tree, also known as a heart tree. This tree was planted especially for those who died during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diemen offers surprisingly many opportunities for a wonderful walk.

Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet in nature, want to explore historical sites, or simply get some fresh air, Diemen and its surroundings have something for every walker. Come to Diemen and experience for yourself how diverse walking here can be. Put on your hiking shoes and discover the most beautiful spots in our municipality!

• The Diemerbos Loop (red) is ideal for a first introduction to this city forest. Along the way, you’ll pass picnic spots, a children’s play forest, water features, and a large sunbathing meadow. (2.89 km)

• The Veeneik Route (yellow) is an extension of the loop via beautiful forest paths. It is named after the prehistoric oaks that once formed a vast forest here but died about three thousand years ago due to high water levels and peat formation. These fossilized oaks can still be found in the soil today. (3.73 km)

• The Overdiemen Route (blue) starts in the forest and then winds eastward out of the Diemerbos. You’ll walk along the banks of the Diem—the river that gave Diemen its name. The dikes you cross date back to the Middle Ages. In the outer-dike wetlands, you’ll find many rare and beautiful plant species. Don’t be surprised if you spot a grass snake basking or swimming; this harmless snake is common here. (5.53 km)

• The varied Bijlmerweide Route (green) heads west out of the forest: over the Veeneik Bridge to the Bijlmerweide, along the edge of the Bijlmer. You’ll return via Diemen’s campus village, the new Holland Park neighborhood, the Diem river, and the Penbos. This route takes you through parks and residential areas, as well as across medieval dikes and nature reserves, before returning to the Diemerbos. (9.35 km)