Diemen between woodland paths, water and history

Diemerbos is open year-round and adds a touch of greenery to Diemen. If you plan to visit, please note that the entrance at Veeneikbrug is intended for pedestrians and cyclists. Check the access rules at the entrance before your visit. For planning your route, there are two options of different lengths: the Rondje Diemerbos is 2.9 kilometres long, and the Veeneikroute is 3.7 kilometres long. The paved paths are suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs. Separate bridleways also run through almost the entire Diemerbos.

For a longer cycling trip, there is the Rondje Diemerscheg: the municipality of Diemen launched this approximately 30-kilometre route in 2025. It passes through green spaces between Amsterdam, Diemen and Weesp. Check the route details before setting off. Diemerbos is also home to House of Bird, the official tasting room of Bird Brewery. It normally serves 18 of its own beers on tap; other beers are available in bottles and cans.

Nature and trails around Diemen

Diemer Vijfhoek, also known as PEN Island, is an artificial peninsula and nature reserve in the IJmeer near Over-Diemen. If you enjoy birdwatching, look out for cormorants, tufted ducks and grebes. The paths along the River Diem offer another perspective on the landscape: you can walk and cycle in the Overdiemen recreational area. Several walking trails also cross the polder landscape and follow the banks of the Diem, where you can enjoy the tranquillity of nature.

The old network of ditches in the polder landscape has been preserved in De Omloop Park. The inaccessible meadows are popular with animals, and many birds nest there. Natuurpark Spoorzicht is open to walkers; its alder woods are home to rare plants and wildlife. The IVN Butterfly and Bird Garden and the De Harmonie community garden are also open to the public. Diemen also offers more active leisure activities, including ditch jumping, rafting and a zip line.

History, architecture and events

Oud-Diemen was one of the oldest settlements in the Amstelland region, and historic houses have been rebuilt there. The Zeldenrust farm dates from the 17th century and is the oldest surviving house in Diemen. The historic structure of De Oude Smidse has also been preserved. Schuilkerk De Hoop is the only surviving rural clandestine church in the Amsterdam area. It is used as a wedding venue, concert hall and for other events; check its availability separately.

Fort Diemerdam is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a UNESCO-protected heritage site; visiting the fort is free. Another place of historical interest is the walking trail about Diemen’s history during the Second World War. You can access the related stories via QR codes. The Nederlands-Israëlitische begraafplaats in Diemen was inaugurated on 3 May 1914.

The events calendar can also shape your travel plans: the Diemer Festijn has been a recurring tradition since 1983 and takes place in the first full week of September. The Wereldfestival has been held in Diemen every July since 2017. Check the specific dates if you would like to plan your trip around one of the festivals.

Diemen as a base for your trip

When looking for a hotel in Diemen, you could first consider which aspect of the area matters most for your trip: its trails and natural spaces, its historic sites or a visit during one of the festivals. The railway stations in Diemen have covered bicycle parking. When choosing a particular hotel, compare its location with your plans and check availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Diemen, Waterland, Landsmeer, Anna Paulowna, Bussum, Heemstede, Edam-Volendam, Castricum.

Back to the main travel overview: North Holland.