Just south of Amsterdam, at the confluence of the Amstel and Bullewijk Rivers, lies the quaint Dutch village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. It's hard to believe such quiet countryside exists so close to bustling Amsterdam, but this village and other Dutch rural sights are an easy 35-minute bike ride from the city.
The bike ride along the Amstel River offers visitors a peek at the meadows, farmhouses, dikes and even windmills of the region, while the village of Ouderkerk itself boasts relaxing waterside cafés perfect for afternoon boat-watching.
I took these pictures of a bike ride to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel on a sunny, warm day in late July. Enjoy!
- Approaching Ouderkerk aan de Amstel from the SouthChurch spires dot the landscape of the countryside.
- De Zwaan Windmill on the Return Route to AmsterdamSee another 17th-century windmill.
- Bucolic Gives Way to Built-upThe urban vs. rural contrast at its best.
- Amstel River Path, Heading North to AmsterdamThis ride offers idyllic scenery.
- Boats on the Amstel River, South of AmsterdamLocals sail from Amsterdam to the country.
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