Tourists going on vacation to Amsterdam must include in their route a visit to the largest park in the city. It is ideal for family vacations or romantic walks. Against the background of the urbanized capital of Holland, a green oasis with an area of about 47 hectares looks impressive.
The history of the appearance of the natural zone
Many visitors will love Vondela. This park is a wonderful natural corner located in the south of Amsterdam. In 1864, the authorities came up with the idea of organizing a resting place for the townspeople. Enthusiasts created their own association, which was engaged in collecting money for the purchase of land. And a year later, on the map of the economic and cultural center of the Netherlands appeared a beautiful park with an area of eight hectares, called "New" - Nieuwe Park. Entrance to its territory was free for members of the association. After the memorial to the famous playwright Jost was established in the natural area Vann den Vondela, the locals renamed it Vondela Park, and the original name sank into oblivion.
Significantly expanded park
In the 80s of the XVIII century, a quiet corner became so popular that I had to think about expanding it several times. In the green zone , a spacious outdoor venue and a beautiful rose garden appeared. The vast territory required significant financial investments. And in 1953, Vondela - a park that was private, goes to the balance of the city. Vondelpark ennobled and expanded. During its existence, it has overgrown with new venues for the entertainment of adults and children. Here appeared exhibition halls, a confectionery.
Most visited attraction
In the guise of local attractions, history and the most modern technologies are uniquely interwoven. This is not just a park, but a real island of dreams, created for unity with nature. The state monument, beautiful at any time of the year, is visited by more than ten million people.
What to see?
The Vondela Park (Amsterdam), created for recreation, is home to many birds. Children and their parents enthusiastically watch snow-white swans, wild ducks and blue herons. Amazing landscapes - this is the main highlight of the local attractions, created by human hands. And a unique rose garden is considered to be a real gem of a natural oasis, which the park workers take special care of.
The Vondela (park), which works round the clock, is famous not only for its stunning landscapes. Here are unusual sculptures of impressive size, for example, the work of P. Picasso “Fish”, made in an abstract manner, “Mama Baranka” N. Carillo, symbolizing the fight against racism. Locals hurry here to stretch themselves on tennis courts, ride bicycles and roller skates. The children have fun at the playgrounds, where entertainment shows are organized for them.
Curious facts
From May to September, it receives a huge number of visitors to Vondela. The park at this time demonstrates to them the work of Dutch artists who are exhibited here. In addition, open-air venues host musical, dance and humorous performances. Theatrical groups of the country come here with new performances. There are many interesting facts about this wonderful place:
- On the outskirts of the natural zone rises a gloomy church, made in the Gothic style.
- Carrying alcoholic beverages is not prohibited. Their drinking in the park does not violate the law.
- The main restaurant, Vondelpark, offers traditional Dutch cuisine. However, the cost of the dishes is quite high. For those who are not ready to pay about 10 euros for a sandwich, an open cafe with affordable prices is operating in the south of the park. It is always crowded, and the cozy atmosphere will pleasantly surprise tourists.
- This is the only park in the world where couples in love can enjoy carnal pleasures. True, there is one caveat - you need to stay away from playgrounds.
- In 2009, the largest picnic in the world was held here, in which 400 people took part.
- Every 30 years, the green oasis undergoes reconstruction as the ground level constantly drops. Otherwise, the popular Vondela park will go under water.
The Netherlands is famous not only for its tulips, but also for its many natural areas located in picturesque places. Public Vondelpark is a unique corner, the main concept of which is to preserve the naturalness of the environment.