Uithoorn, An Off-Beat Haven near Amsterdam [Updated:2024]

Located to the south of the Dutch capital is a quaint village called Uithoorn, where nature, wildlife and history come together. Home to an extensive nature reserve and a haven for wildlife, Uithoorn makes for an easy day trip from Amsterdam. With simple and beautiful cafes and shops, the area boasts serene landscapes, ideal for walks and picnics. Uithoorn is best known for its historic fort along with its unusual city flag.

If you find yourself in Amsterdam and want to explore somewhere different, an off-beat spot which is not too far from the city, consider Uithoorn for a village to head to.

This post about Uithoorn was first written in May, 2021, and is regularly updated. The last Update was on April 10, 2024 by Georgina.

About Uithoorn

Uithoorn’s city flag and its coat of arms, both of which feature a figure emerging from a golden horn. The town’s name literally means from the horn.’

The name De Uithoorn originated from the Middle Ages and it referred to the area or location of the lower courts of St John. The village formed around the courthouse.

Fast-forward to 1880s, a series of fortifications were built encircling Amsterdam as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, also known as Stelling van Amsterdam in Dutch.

The Defence Line of Amsterdam is a 135 km (84 miles) of fortifications consisting of 42 forts. These were built between 1880 and 1920, primarily as a defensive waterline, where it can be easily flooded in times of war. With the invention of air and land defences (tank) the fortifications were obsolete from the time it was built. The Defence Line of Amsterdam is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, (1996) where the public can visit.

In addition to the Defence Line, a railway was built in 1915. Uithoorn developed very quickly after the Second World War with new neighbourhoods, lakes, ports and shopping centres.

What to expect on a visit to Uithoorn:

Uithoorn is an easy day-trip from Amsterdam and can typically take most of a morning and lunch, perhaps in one of the quaint eateries or a picnic in its beautiful parks.

When it comes to shopping and dining, the Zijdelwaard Shopping Center is a bustling spot with a variety of shops and restaurants. And if you’re looking to stay in the area, there are diverse accommodations ranging from peaceful riverside settings in Amstelplein to the family-friendly Thamerdal with its own schools and amenities.

As a guide, here are three highlights of Uithoorn for you to explore:

An abundance of nature and wildlife

Uithoorn is host to 60-hectare nature reserve that surrounds a lake called the Zijdelmeer. The beautiful landscape is made up of grasslands, hay islands and swampy forest. The area offers fantastic spots for walks, and home to a diverse wildlife. There are great spots for picnics as well.

The region also boasts several parks and green spaces, such as Thamerdal Park, which offers walking paths and picnic areas, and Amstel Park with views of the Amstel River and leisure amenities like mini-golf and a petting zoo.

Garden of Bram de Groote

When visiting Uithoorn, look out for the Garden of Bram de Groote. The entry point is along the Boterdijk. This beautiful garden is maintained by a group of volunteers and entry is free. However, note that it is only open to the public during the warmer months of April to September, on the first Sunday of the month.

Fort on the Drecht

Make time to visit Fort on the Drecht, an incredible piece of history. This Fort was built in 1911 as part of a wider defence network built (Defence Line of Amsterdam – mentioned above) around the town from 1880 to 1920. Fort on the Drecht has now been fully restored and is host to a multitude of galleries, studios and exhibitions. It also houses an array of shops and eateries. This marvellous historic place also sometimes, has various cultural activities, glass blowing and wine tasting.

Address: Grevelingen 50, 1423 DN   Uithoorn

The Best Time to Visit Uithoorn, (near Amsterdam) The Netherlands

The best time to visit Uithoorn is during the summer months when the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for outdoor activities. However, if you prefer quieter and potentially more budget-friendly times, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are also great options.

in sum…

Uithoorn is a hidden gem – a beautiful landscape and picturesque spots where you can experience the serenity of nature, wildlife and a little history of an unspoilt town.

Have a splendid time exploring Uithoorn while discovering Amsterdam and surrounds.

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Happy and Safe Travels Always, Wherever Travel Takes You, xx