Picture this a long slender green strip nestled between bustling streets. This is ‘t Kleine Loopveld a hidden gem in Amsterdam Zuid.
‘t Kleine Loopveld isn’t just a park. It’s a living testament to Amsterdam’s history. Centuries ago peat cutters carved out the land. They left behind narrow pathways. These became routes between villages. ‘t Kleine Loopveld’s name even appears on a 1575 map as ‘t Cleine Loopvelt. The name reflects those original pathways. They were vital links across the watery landscape.
The park runs parallel to the Kalfjeslaan. It’s a border with Amstelveen. The Buitenveldertselaan cuts through it. ‘t Kleine Loopveld connects to Amstelpark via waterways. It ends near Doornburg. It was created in the 1960s. This was when the Buitenveldert neighborhood was built.
In the 1990s ‘t Kleine Loopveld became part of a larger ecological corridor. This corridor extends from Amsterdam Oost to the Amsterdamse Bos. It’s a green pathway for wildlife. It’s also a route for pedestrians and cyclists.
To cross from Amsterdam to Amstelveen you must use ‘t Kleine Loopveld. Pedestrians and cyclists use its paths. Special bridges allow crossing the waterways. Many are concrete Amsterdam 800-series bridges. Newer bridges are more natural-looking. They were added when the ecological corridor was completed in 2011.
‘t Kleine Loopveld is more than just a route. It’s a quiet green space in a busy city. It’s a reminder of Amsterdam’s past. It’s a place for relaxation and reflection. It’s a place to appreciate the simple beauty of nature. Enjoy this small but significant piece of Amsterdam’s history.