Amsterdam is often known as a tourist destination, which has several canals and luxury hotels in it. However, there is another side to Amsterdam, which is not known to many. Amsterdam as a tourist location has much to offer to those who are lovers of nature. For nature lovers, it is not the big city or its lavishness that attracts them. On the other hand, they love to spend time in natural spaces like forests, rivers, mountains, valleys, etc. There are varieties of flora and fauna to explore in the lakes, forests and other landscapes that can be easily reached from the city center of Amsterdam.
Here is a list of places to explore in Amsterdam during your Amsterdam private tours as a nature lover.
Amsterdam’s Zoological Museum
Amsterdam is a city with a rich natural history, even before the terms nature conservation and ecology came to be used. Many sailors who sailed to Amsterdam brought many exotic animals and plants with them. Scientists then cataloged these animals and plants. Amsterdam’s Zoological Museum has a collection of more than 15 million items, which include insects, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The museum was originally at the Artis Zoo but was shifted to the Naturalis in 2011.
Amsterdamse Bos
Amsterdam is one of the greenest cities in the whole of Europe. Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest city parks in Europe. There are around 200 different species of birds and 150 local species of trees in this park. It spreads out to around 1000 hectares. It is home to squirrels, rabbits, frogs, birds, etc. Many rare plants grow among the reeds.
Dune Landscapes
There are wide dunes you can find in different parts of Amsterdam. The one in the Zuid Kennemerland National Park is amazing. This area is ideal for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, swimming, and horse riding. There are varieties of flora and fauna you will find here. You will be able to see rabbits, squirrels, foxes and many such animals here.
Watery Landscapes
The beautiful landscapes in Amsterdam are ideal for exploration on a bike or foot. Near the village Landsmeer, there is the watery Ilperveld with dozens of islands where you can find rare plants and birds. From Amsterdam, this will be a great one-day trip. You can go on hiking, kayaking, or canoeing. You may also choose to go on a long bike trip of around 7 kilometers on your bike. This drive along the watery landscape will be an amazing experience.
There is plenty of excitement waiting for any nature lover, who visits Amsterdam.