Exploring Vondelpark, Amsterdam

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Large green open spaces are as important to a city as vacations are to working folk. You just need them to keep your sanity! Being able to leave the noise, pace and grime of the concrete jungle and easily enter a peaceful oasis is an invaluable resource to any city dweller.

Amsterdam has over 30 beautiful parks to unwind in. One lovely park was very near to our flat but we heard so much about Vondelpark we made it a priority to visit. The 70-acre Vondelpark has the distinction of being not only the largest one in Amsterdam but also the most popular park in the Netherlands.  Even on cold days, like the ones on which we visited, Vondelpark is alive! Many people were out exercising, dog walking, bike riding and taking leisurely strolls. The parks facilities include restaurants and cafés, several areas for kids to play (including a wooden climbing area….yes we climbed through it lol), lakes to sit near to and relax and a beautifully landscaped garden filled with colourful tulips!

On both our visits (the first on foot and the second via bicycle), we had an amazing time exploring and admiring the beautiful surroundings.  Here are few photos from the visits.


Welcome to Vondelpark

Interesting details are found throughout the park

The grounds are charming


Statues are displayed throughout the park including (left) The dutch poet and playwright, Joost van den Vondel (who the park is named after), (center) Mama Baranka, statue by Nelson Carrilho as a symbol to fight against racism, (right) Teun de Jager by Jan Bronner
 

Beautiful vibrantly coloured flowers are scattered throughout the park

The beauty is reflected in the water

We took a break from the cold and warmed up with apple pie and hot chocolate in one of the cafés

Tulips in bloom 

Verse chilling in the park


Beautiful lakes are found throughout the park

The wooden tree house play area in the park that we climbed through

Cheers, from Vondelpark!



Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 16, 2012 at 4:00 PM

    I have such wonderful memories of my days enjoying Vondel Park while I was a student in Amsterdam. Thanks for reviving and adding to the great memories of a truly beautiful and fun place!

    ReplyDelete

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