A Green Fairy Tale

Explore fairy-tale castles, fascinating forts and country estates before sailing downriver, dreaming of an aristocratic life by the water.

Follow the Amstel River by boat or bike, and you’ll pass through some spectacular countryside, where 17th-century estates built by wealthy merchants line the banks. This lush green region is dotted with beautifully-preserved towns and enchanting villages, such as the 12th-century Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, which o ers various scenic spots for waterside dining. Elsewhere in the region, country houses such as Sypesteyn Castle museum boast period rooms, quaint tea rooms and exquisitely manicured gardens. Nature is abundant in the region, and the Westeinder and Loosdrechtse leisure lakes are dotted with tiny islands teeming with wildlife, picturesque beaches and opportunities for water sports. Meanwhile, fortified towns such as Muiden – home to the medieval Muiderslot Castle – and Naarden are fantastic for exploring The Defence Line of Amsterdam, a ring of fortifications around the Dutch capital. For a fabulous adventure, take the ferry to Forteiland Pampus – a man-made stronghold rich in history.

Like a bird

‘I wish I could y, but often it’s my drone that has to do the sightseeing for me. Nothing beats a birds-eye view, and this is especially true when it comes to Naarden. The town is an incredible example of a Spanish star fort, complete with fortied walls and a moat. In fact, it’s one of Europe’s best examples of a forti ed town. Sightseeing from the ground? You’ll nd lots of cafés, shops and beautiful historical buildings such as the St Vitus Church, the Weegschaal (Scale) Museum and Vestingmuseum (Dutch Fortress Museum).’

Lauren Carey

Tuck into the delights of more than 20 kitchens on wheels as you enjoy spectacular children’s entertainment, live music and Old Dutch retro games at Food Truck Festival Huizen.

1-3 SEPTEMBER, BRUISEND.NU

Medieval castle

Venture back in time to the Middle Ages at Muiderslot Castle. During Pentecost, you can immerse yourself in medieval music, street theatre and demonstrations as knights and damsels show you how they used to live. Meet the artisans giving a selection of crafts workshops from weaving, calligraphy and leather work to embroidery or making chainmail armour. Of course, there’ll be ample knight displays and bow and arrow demonstrations. Combine this with a tour of the castle itself, with its drawbridge, turrets and preserved battlements, which o er fantastic views from the ramparts.

28-29 MAY, MUIDERSLOT.NL

Restaurant Saam

Saam (‘together’ in Afrikaans, but also ‘South Africa’ + ‘Amstel’), is a collab between well-known Dutch and South African chefs and sommeliers. Situated in a glass-fronted building in charming Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, there are subtle nods south in the colourful art, fabrics, furnishings and ingredients, such as suurvygie and buchu. Combined with Dutch minimalism and local heroes such as North Sea crab, Oosterschelde mussels and Kemperhoen chicken, it’s a marriage made in food heaven.

AMSTELZIJDE 59, SAAMRESTAURANT.NL

Love for Colour

This summer, six rooms of the Singer Laren Museum will be given over to the work of 40 Dutch and Belgian artists from the early 20th century, each demonstrating their personal appreciation for colour. Liefde voor Kleur (Love for Colour) brings together masterpieces by Piet Mondrian, Kees van Dongen, Jan Sluijters, Leo Gestel and Léon De Smet among others, depicting domestic settings, glowing landscapes and cityscapes.

16 MAY-3 SEPTEMBER, SINGERLAREN.NL

How to get there

Summer Light Picnic on Pampus

Picnic on an island? Hell, yes! Begin a wonderfully relaxed evening in the harbour of IJburg, where a 19th-century clipper awaits to transport you to the mysterious submerged sea fort (and arti cial island) of Pampus, built in the 1890s. When the boat docks, you’ll be greeted with an apéritif as the guide tells you more about the eventful history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Find a spot to tuck into a fullystocked picnic basket before enjoying the freedom to roam around the various secret tunnels, battlements and historical artefacts as the sun sets.

14 JULY-26 AUGUST (EVERY FRI & SAT), PAMPUS.NL

Muiderslot Castle: Take a train from Amsterdam Central station to Weesp, transfer to bus 110 and get off at bus stop Muiden Centrum (30 minutes). Naarden: Take bus 209 from Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA to bus stop Westwalstraat, Naarden (40 minutes). Singer Laren Museum: Take the train from Amsterdam Central station to Hilversum, transfer to bus 108 or 109 to Laren (50 minutes). Forteiland Pampus: Take tram 29 from Amsterdam Central station to IJburg ferry service.