“Lago di Kinsel en Dimant.” Does that sound familiar? Perhaps not. But for many Amsterdammers in the early 20th century, it was their vacation destination. They might have lacked funds for travel. But when asked about their free time, they would say they spent it at “Lago di Kinsel en Dimant,” referring to the Kinselmeer and Diemen.
The Kinselmeer is a lake in the province of Noord-Holland. It lies north of Durgerdam and east of Ransdorp, part of Amsterdam. It sits along the IJsselmeerdijk between Durgerdam and Uitdam.
This lake owes its existence to a disaster. The Saint Elisabeth Flood of 1421 created it. The name “Kinselmeer” comes from two nearby villages. They were called Grote and Kleine Keynsel.
Later, a storm in 1825 further enlarged the Kinselmeer. The Waterland Zeedijk broke. The defense structure called the Stenen Beer vanished into the Zuiderzee. Part of the Bloemendalergouw road disappeared into the lake too. This road connected Ransdorp to the Waterland Zeedijk.
Today, the area around the Kinselmeer is a protected bird habitat. Nature organizations have bought farmland here. They have created valuable natural space near the capital.
From the Kinselmeer, you can take a boat. You can sail via Ransdorp, Holysloot, Broek in Waterland and Monnickendam. This route leads to the IJsselmeer.
Once upon a time, there was a swimming pool here. It was called “De Badhoeve”. Today, “Camping De Badhoeve” stands in its place. Now, there are four recreation areas and one sailing club. A fifth area is planned: Ecopark Kinselmeer.
Imagine Amsterdam residents enjoying the Kinselmeer. They swam and relaxed in the water. But be warned. During long hot spells, blue algae can make the water unsafe for swimming. The Kinselmeer has a varied history and offers natural beauty. It’s a place where recreation and nature meet. It reminds us of past floods and simpler times. It also shows us the importance of preserving natural habitats. The Kinselmeer is more than just a lake. It’s a piece of Amsterdam’s history and a haven for wildlife.