The Netherlands is known for its meticulously managed polder landscapes, but nowhere else do rugged wilderness and active recreation blend together as spectacularly as here. Discover Het Twiske, a vast green oasis spanning 650 hectares that has quite rightly been awarded protected European Natura 2000 status.
It is a dynamic, water-rich paradise where Scottish Highland cattle share the open polders with rare meadow birds. As soon as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, you step into a world where one moment you’re enjoying a bike ride and the next you’re swimming outdoors in crystal-clear water.
From medieval peatlands to Stootersplas
Beneath the green turf lies a centuries-old scar. As early as the Middle Ages, this marshy swamp was dredged for peat, creating an irregular maze of ditches and water channels. A later attempt to tame the area into neat farmland failed miserably; rising saline seepage rendered the soil unusable.
The real transformation took place in the 1960s due to Amsterdam’s hunger for highways. For the Coen Tunnel, massive amounts of sand were extracted from deep beneath the peat layer. This intervention left behind a gaping hole no less than 40 meters deep. This is now the Stootersplas: an impressively deep abyss with a pure sandy bottom and crystal-clear water.
Protected European wilderness
Right on the doorstep of the capital, you’ll find an officially protected European wilderness. The tranquil northern part of Het Twiske has strict Natura 2000 status, where nature is once again given free rein. In the open grassy polders, shaggy Scottish Highland cattle roam, grazing the vast plains in a natural, rugged way.
Thanks to the abundance of reeds and water, this area is also an internationally recognized bird paradise. In the spring, the shy, rare bittern nests deep within the reed beds along the marshlands. As soon as fall sets in, the lake transforms into a vital landing strip for thousands of wigeons and shovelers that flock here to spend the winter.
Active recreation by the water
In addition to pure tranquility, this water-rich oasis offers plenty of space for adventure. A smooth, paved 15-kilometer circuit runs around the entire area—an absolute dream course for skaters and cyclists. At Twiske Haven, you can swap the shore for the water and rent a canoe or electric boat to glide silently through the hidden creeks.
Beachgoers settle down on the clean sandy beaches for a dip in the clear water. On the southern edge, you’ll also find an iconic piece of cultural history: the monumental Twiskemolen. This historic polder mill was moved here in 1974 and still faithfully drains the surrounding polder.
📍 Address: De Noorderlaak 1, 1511 BX Oostzaan (Main Entrance)
🚲 By bike: It’s a 20- to 30-minute bike ride from the Buiksloterweg or NDSM ferry in Amsterdam-Noord.
🚗 By car: Admission to the park is free; parking is charged based on license plate registration.
🚌 By public transit: Take the bus from the Amsterdam Noord metro station to the Landsmeer or Oostzaan stop; from there, it’s just a short walk into the area.
