Picture a sprawling green space amidst Amsterdam’s urban landscape. This is the Lange Bretten. It is a place where nature thrives unexpectedly.
The Lange Bretten, sometimes called De Bretten, offers a unique experience. It is Amsterdam’s last urban wilderness. This natural area covers 130 hectares in Nieuw-West. That is larger than Vondelpark.
Its story began in 1631. A canal was dug connecting Haarlem and Amsterdam. This cut off two polders: Spieringhornpolder and Huis de Bretten polder. These were separated from the IJ riverbank. Later, the area was used for construction projects. Instead of parks, sports grounds, and allotments, a new wilderness emerged.
The name “Lange Bretten” comes from Huis te Bretten. This was a country house near Sloterdijk. It was demolished for the first railway line in the Netherlands.
Today, the Lange Bretten is a haven for wildlife. It has diverse terrain. This includes old dikes and sandy soil. There are also waterways. This variety supports many plants and animals.
Keep an eye out for special birds. You might spot a bittern or a bluethroat. Brown harriers also live here. Scottish Highlanders and Dutch land goats roam freely. They graze to keep the area open.
Walk along mysterious trails. Discover open fields and ponds. You might see ermines, hawks, or kingfishers. Bats, foxes, and water shrews also call this place home.
The Lange Bretten is easily accessible. You can enter from Tijnmuiden in the west. There is a parking lot on the Australiehavenweg in the middle. You can also enter from the Seineweg in the east.
The area has artwork too. Look for the Beeldenroute Brettensuite by Herbert Nouwens. These sculptures are part of a cycling art route.
In 2008, the Lange Bretten was placed under the care of Landschap Noord-Holland. Their goal is to protect and develop it as a nature reserve. You can freely explore the area. There are also recreational facilities.
The Lange Bretten offers a refreshing escape. It is a green lung in the city. Here, you can experience the beauty of wild nature. All this exists within the bustling city of Amsterdam.