When you think of the Netherlands, you probably think of tulips, bicycles and canals. But did you know that the Netherlands also has beautiful city gardens waiting to be discovered? From Amsterdam to Maastricht, every city garden has its own unique charm. In this blog, I inspire you with 4 beautiful city gardens in the Netherlands.
1. City garden Van Loon - Amsterdam
Amidst Amsterdam's canals and historic houses lies Museum Van Loon and its beautiful city garden. This hidden gem is located behind a canal house on Keizersgracht, where the Amsterdam regent family Van Loon used to live. The garden is known as the city's best-kept secret, as it is not visible from the street.
Wander through 25 canal gardens and admire the facades of canal houses. Along the way, you will encounter old garden houses, age-old trees, flowering shrubs and historic plant species, such as the acanthus.
2. Haarlemmerhout city park - Haarlem
In the heart of Haarlem you will find Stadspark de Haarlemmerhout. Dating back to the 16th century, this city park is not only the oldest city forest in the Netherlands, but also one of the oldest green national monuments. From outdoor concerts that fill the air with musical magic to art exhibitions that stimulate the senses, culture comes alive in this city garden close to Amsterdam.
Imagine walking here, surrounded by ponds glistening in the sunlight, meadows inviting you to rest and sculptures whispering stories. It is a paradise for the artists among us, a place that begs to be captured.
3. City Park Maastricht - Maastricht
A walk through Stadspark Maastricht is like a journey through history. Surrounded by the old city walls and fortifications, this park consists of six sub-parks, each with its own unique charm. Will you visit the Berenkuil or the Tapijnuin first?
Wander at your leisure through tree-lined paths and past ponds with dancing fountains. As you explore the paths, you will come across works of art that fire your imagination and a bird aviary where melodies of winged inhabitants resound. Or climb the centuries-old city walls and enjoy the view over the city, with Mount St Peter and other beautiful city gardens as a backdrop.
4. Sonsbeek Park - Arnhem
Sonsbeekpark in Arnhem is an absolute gem within the city. This park, laid out in the English landscape style, houses one of the most renowned city gardens in the area, namely the Steep Garden. It also has remarkable differences in altitude dating back to the ice age.
Take a walk over the rolling hills of Sonsbeek Park and treat yourself to a grand panorama of the city of Arnhem. As you stroll through the park, you can't help but visit the White Water Mill and the Belvédère. And if you happen to come on the right day, be sure to stroll around the Sonsbeekmarkt too.
From the hidden city garden in Amsterdam to the oldest city forest in Haarlem, from the historical splendour in Maastricht to the urban wonder of Sonsbeek Park in Arnhem. These urban gardens offer not only an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also the chance to embrace art, history and nature.
Which of these urban gardens appeals most to you? Do you already have plans to visit one, or maybe you have discovered other hidden green gems in the Netherlands that you would like to share with us? Then use @honeyguide.nl/en or #heyhoneyguide on Instagram. I'd love to hear your stories and tips.
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