Its Saturday morning and summer is officially here. There is no better way to celebrate summer in the Netherlands, than to spend it outside in the sun. We decided to go explore the Meerzicht Polder area in the northern parts of Amsterdamse Bos.
As we walked through the forest, we couldn’t help but feel completely immersed in the natural beauty that surrounded us. The towering trees provided a canopy of greenery overhead, while the sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a dappled glow on the forest floor.
As we made our way through the winding paths, we stumbled upon the Veerpont Ome Piet, a charming ferry that offered passage across the tranquil waters of Nieuwe Meer.
Veerpont “Ome Piet”
The ‘Ome Piet’ ferry is a project that was started by Martin and Erik, who are also known as ‘Buurman & Buurman’. The ferry was named after the former ferry operator, Pieter Eilander (1906-1993), who was affectionately referred to as ‘Uncle Piet’. The ferry operates from 15th April to 15th October, with services running on Saturdays from 12:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays and holidays from 11:00 to 19:00.
The view of Nieuwe Meer from the ‘Ome Piet’ ferry is truly breathtaking. As the ferry glides across the water channel, passengers are treated to a stunning panorama of the surrounding natural beauty.
The crystal-clear water of the channel sparkles in the sunlight, while the lush greenery of the surrounding trees and foliage provides a vivid contrast. The calm and serene atmosphere of the area is truly mesmerising, and it’s easy to lose oneself in the peaceful surroundings.
Meerzicht Farm
As we strolled through the bush, we emerged from the forest and found ourselves standing in front of the Meerzicht Farm. Although the farm was closed at the time, we couldn’t help but admire its charming exterior and picturesque setting.
We made a mental note to return to the farm in the future, eager to explore its grounds and learn more about its history and offerings.
Secrets of the forrest
We made a conscious decision to venture off the beaten path and explore the lesser-traveled routes of the Amsterdamse Bos, in search of hidden gems and secret places that others may have overlooked.
As we followed the winding pathway through the Amsterdamse Bos, we found ourselves suddenly standing at the edge of the Nieuwe meer, with the sparkling water stretching out before us as far as the eye could see. The view was breathtaking, with the sun casting a warm glow on the water and the surrounding trees providing a verdant backdrop to the tranquil scene.
As we made our way through the Amsterdamse Bos, we came across a curious sight that caught our attention – a tree stump that had been cut down and transformed into the form of a giant mushroom.
The mushroom stump served as a reminder of the magic and mystery that can be found in even the most unexpected places, and left us with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.
Nestled on the edge of the Nieuwe meer, a bench offers the calmest and most serene spot in the Amsterdamse Bos, providing visitors with a peaceful respite and a stunning view of the sparkling water.
As we moved away from the Nieuwe meer and continued our walk through the Amsterdamse Bos, we were struck by the abundance of water that seemed to be present throughout the forest.
Every turn we took led us to yet another body of water, all of which were connected in some way to the larger meer.
We couldn’t help but marvel at the way in which the forest and the water seemed to be intertwined, with each element complementing and enhancing the beauty of the other.
Veerpont Nieuwe Meer
After a leisurely walk through the forrest, we arrived at the Veerpont Nieuwe Meer. The ferry is a charming vessel that shuttles passengers between the northern banks of the Nieuwe Meer, located at Paviljoen Aquarius, and the Meerkade in the heart of the forest.
The ferry operates from mid-April to mid-October, providing visitors with a unique and scenic way to explore the Amsterdamse Bos and its surroundings. The ferry departs every 15 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 11am and 6pm, giving passengers ample time to take in the beauty of the forest and the water from the comfort of the boat.
Meerzicht Polder
A short walk from the Veerpont Nieuwe Meer lies the entrance to the Meerzicht Polder, a protected area that boasts stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
The Meerzicht Polder is believed to be significantly older than the Amsterdamse Bos, and shares similarities with the Poel near Amstelveen as both areas are considered to be precious remnants of the region’s historical landscape.
Back when the Haarlemmermeer was still a lake, it was known to be a rather eerie place, particularly during times of strong southwesterly winds that caused the water of the Nieuwe Meer to surge upwards towards the Koenenkade. As a result, the surrounding lands were left waterlogged and unsuitable for use, characterised by reed beds and pollard willows.
It wasn’t until the mid-nineteenth century, when the Haarlemmermeer was drained, that a portion of the Nieuwe Meer’s banks were dike and the Meerzicht polder was formed.
The lush and humid terrain of the Meerzicht polder remains abundant with a variety of plant species that are characteristic of the peat meadow landscape. During the spring season, visitors can revel in the vibrant display of meadow flowers, including the cuckoo and hedgehog buttercup.
It’s important to note that the Meerzicht Polder is a protected area, and visitors are urged to respect the natural habitat and refrain from bringing dogs into the area, as they can disturb the wildlife and damage the ecosystem.
Final Stretch Back
After spending a peaceful afternoon exploring the natural beauty of the Meerzicht Polder, we decided to turn back and make our way along the forest paths that led us back towards the Amsterdamse Bos.
As we walked, we were enveloped by the serene ambiance of the forest, and we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours. As we neared the Bosbaan, we could hear the sounds of people racing with canoes, adding a sense of excitement and energy to the tranquil surroundings.
We took a moment to watch the action, marveling at the skill and athleticism of the athletes as they glided across the water. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day spent exploring the natural wonders of the Amsterdamse Bos and its surrounding areas.
What an amazing start to the summer and thank you for joining us on the The Day we Explored the Meerzicht Polder in Amsterdamse Bos.
