In Amsterdam along the Amstel

Mill de Zwaan was built around 1638 to drain the Klein-Duivendrechtse and Binnenbullewijkerpolder. Both polders together had an area of 356 ha. The mill is now out of operation and inhabited.

More than 60 country estates once graced the banks of the Amstel. Now there are three left. The beautiful Buitenplaats Oostermeer was built around 1728. The beautiful red brick building has a historic garden with 18th-century garden sculptures, an access bridge, an entrance gate, a garden wall, a stable and a garden dome. The estate is privately owned and not publicly accessible.

Buitenplaats Wester-Amstel was built in 1662. In the second half of the 20th century, the house, which had fallen into disrepair, was restored to its former glory. In part of the park you will find historic herb, vegetable and stinzen gardens with old-fashioned crops. The estate is open to the public.

The Riekermolen is located on the Kalfjeslaan near the Amstel. Its original location, since its construction in 1636, was south of Sloten near Amsterdam, where it drained the Riekerpolder. He had to make way there because of the excavation of the Riekerpolder for the enlargement of the Nieuwe Meer. Nowadays, the mill drains the Buitenveldert park on a voluntary basis.