Vondelpark is a considerably young park compared to other European green areas. It was launched as late as 1864 by a group of concerned Amsterdam citizens who formed a committee for founding a public park. With this idea in mind, they raised money to buy land and commissioned the design to a landscapist named Zocher. His task was to create an English-style park. To make the area look like a natural landscape, the architect used vistas, ponds and pathways. Vondelpark was inaugurated for public use the next year, as a green space for horseback riding and strolling. The original name of the park was Nieuwe Park (New Park), and its modern name comes from the statue of 17th-Century poet Joost van den Vondel, which was installed in the park in 1867. As the Vondelpark was at first the size of just 8 hectares, more money had to be raised for its enlargement, but Amsterdamers and touristss were obviously so fascinated by it that 10 years were enough for them to buy all of today’s 48 hectares.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Century, Vondelpark was still in Amsterdam’s suburbs, slightly outside of the city. With the growth of the capital, today’s location of the park is close to the city centre. The grassy fields and roaming alleys lure strollers to take off their shoes and go barefoot, or just lie down on the green carpet and watch the sky and the people passing by. Sporty people also won’t find Vondelpark boring, because there are always joggers and ball-players to encourage a healthy lifestyle. Every year, a running contest and a golf tournament are held here. What’s more, this park is absolutely bike-friendly and like the entirety of Amsterdam, it’s a paradise for cyclists. You can enjoy a slow and peaceful stroll around the ponds or along the cascading canals that run throughout the park. Moreover, the entrance of Vondelpark is situated just next to a large canal across from Amstelveensweg Boulevard.

As Amsterdam’s greatest park, welcoming millions of visitors annually, Vondelpark can’t help but be the scene of various events and facilities. One of the most famous attractions at Vondelpark is the free Openlucttheater (Open Air Theatre) with theatrical and musical performances every June, July and August five days a week, near the entrance from Eeghenstraat. Six playgrounds are available for children, and one can also rent skates or catch performances at the Film Museum, which take place on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.