Here in De Aker, we find ourselves in a fascinating part of Amsterdam. De Aker is a neighborhood with a story that stretches back centuries. Originally, this area was part of the Middelveldsche Akerpolder. This polder was drained way back in 1598.
Imagine the scene. Early farmers used this land as grassland for their cattle. They built houses, stables, and barns. Later, nurseries popped up and even a caravan site called De Rolleman.
Fast forward to the 1960s. Part of De Aker was already inhabited. It was known then as Middelveldsche Akerpolder abbreviated as MAP 1. From 1988, the remaining area was developed with houses built in what was known as MAP 2. This led to the creation of Bergenwijk, Eilandenwijk, Geldwijk, and Merenwijk. By 2004, the construction of De Aker was completed.
De Aker is not just houses and streets. It is a community. There is an activities center for kids here. Every Wednesday, a “Kinderclub” takes place run by local volunteers. Their activities throughout the year culminate in the Vaderfestival. This festival promotes fathers’ involvement in raising their children under the name “Wereldvaders”.
Need information or want to join social activities? The Huis van de Wijk De Aker & Osdorp West serves as an information center. It is a meeting place for residents of both De Aker and Osdorp-West. This center offers courses, information and social activities. It is open seven days a week.
Also worth noting, tram line 1 connects De Aker to Amsterdam’s Central Station. It runs via Dam Square, Leidsestraat, Overtoom, and Lelylaan. The tram has been serving De Aker since 2001. The final stop in Osdorp is the most western point of Amsterdam’s built-up area.
As of January 1, 2024, De Aker had 10,335 residents. 4,500 people lived in De Aker-West and 5,835 in De Aker-Oost. De Aker West has 50 postcodes with 50 streets. In total De Aker West counts 1 885 households with 4 620 inhabitants.
De Akermolen, also known as Oude Molen is another interesting feature of De Aker. It is a remnant of a former polder mill dating back to 1876. The mill is located on Zwarte Pad number 30. This isn’t necessarily a new construction from 1876. It likely incorporates parts from a dismantled windmill from another polder. It’s described as a “Molenromp” a mill without its sails. The sails were replaced by an electric pumping station in the early 20th century.
De Aker offers a glimpse into Amsterdam’s blend of history and community. The area transformed from farmland to a residential neighborhood, retaining its unique character. From the Akermolen to the community center it is worth discovering.