Station Aalsmeer

Gazing upon Station Aalsmeer, can you envision the hustle and bustle of a bygone era? Station Aalsmeer, a former railway hub, stands as a testament to Aalsmeer’s rich history. It was once the heart of three bustling railway lines: Aalsmeer – Amsterdam Willemspark, Aalsmeer – Haarlem, and Aalsmeer – Nieuwersluis-Loenen. Designed by J.G. Wattjes, Station Aalsmeer opened its doors to eager passengers on August 2, 1912. Unlike other stations on the Haarlemmermeerspoorlijnen, its unique symmetrical facade, with a towering central section and two lower wings, set it apart. This station, a vital link in the Dutch transport network, witnessed the daily journeys of countless travelers. Imagine the steam billowing from the engines, the clatter of the wheels on the tracks, and the excited chatter of passengers. Station Aalsmeer served the community for almost four decades before passenger services ceased on September 3, 1950. The tracks towards Hoofddorp were dismantled, yet the lines to Oosteinde (Aalsmeer Oost) and Uithoorn continued to hum with the transport of goods, primarily coal, until 1972. Even Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik graced Station Aalsmeer with their presence in 1916, utilizing the station to visit a flower exhibition. Today, the station building still stands proudly at Stommeerweg 1. It has been repurposed, housing offices and residences. A silent sentinel, a retired locomotive, number 352, rests on a short stretch of track at the street side, a poignant reminder of the station’s vibrant past. Station Aalsmeer is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a tangible piece of Aalsmeer’s story, a symbol of connection and progress.