Diemerpark is a large landscape park in Amsterdam-Oost, close to IJburg, with paths for walking and cycling, varied wildlife and a small beach where swimming is permitted. Its location between Diemen, the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal and IJburg’s Rieteilanden makes it a green outing to pair with time in the neighbourhood. From Four Elements Hotel, it is about 1.2 km away.
- Setting: Amsterdam-Oost, near IJburg.
- Paths: Walking and running routes, plus hard-surfaced paths for skating and cycling.
- Water: Swimming is allowed only at the park’s small beach.
- Longer route: The IJburg–Muiden section of the Waterkeringpad is 7.5 km and passes through the park.
Where is Diemerpark?
Diemerpark lies between Diemen, the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal and the Rieteilanden on IJburg. The City of Amsterdam describes it as part of the city’s Main Green Structure, with a mix of plant and animal life.
Its unusual landscape has a history: the site was once a waste dump, enclosed and then covered by the park, which the city likens to a large rooftop garden.
The park sits close to IJburg’s residential area, so you can combine a walk in the green space with time around the neighbourhood. Theo van Goghpark is another nearby park in IJburg, with a distinct neighbourhood setting; compare the two in this guide to Theo van Goghpark in IJburg.
Walking and cycling routes from IJburg
Diemerpark has marked running routes and hard-surfaced paths that can also be used for skating and cycling. For a longer walk, the Waterkeringpad’s IJburg–Muiden section runs for 7.5 km through the park and along the Diemerzeedijk toward Maxis.
The Waterkeringpad also has an Amsterdam Centraal Station–IJburg section of 9.5 km that includes the Diemerzeedijk. The dike dates to the 13th century, when it was built to protect the land from the Zuiderzee, now called the IJsselmeer.
If you’re cycling, the New East route passes the bottom of the Nescio Bridge, with the park on your right, then turns left onto Diemerzeedijk and crosses the first bridge exit to Steigereiland.
Amsterdam has other green spaces around IJburg, so you can plan a wider outing using this overview of parks in Amsterdam from IJburg.
What can you see and do in the park?
Diemerpark combines open parkland with water, varied vegetation and wildlife. Animals that live in the park are pictured on its water wells; the free app “Verborgen Dieren Diemerpark” shares information about them.
Facilities include sports fields and an open-air theatre. There is also a small beach, but swimming is permitted only there—not elsewhere in the park. The beach and wildlife offer different ways to pause along a walk or ride, while the hard-surfaced paths provide space for cycling, skating and running.
Access, facilities and park rules
Plan around a few specific park rules: barbecuing and kite-flying are prohibited, and dogs may run off leash only in designated areas. Check the City of Amsterdam’s map to see where off-leash access is allowed. For toilets, the city directs visitors to its public-toilet map; check the official site before you go for current practical details.
The municipality’s renewal project aims to strengthen nature, add sports and recreation opportunities, and improve cycling paths, parking and access roads. Because work and access arrangements can change, check the city’s information before setting out, especially if your route depends on a particular entrance or path.
FAQs
Can you swim in Diemerpark?
Yes. Swimming is permitted at the park’s small beach only.
Can you cycle through Diemerpark?
Yes. The park’s hard-surfaced paths can be used for cycling, and the New East cycling route passes the park.
Are dogs allowed off leash?
Dogs may run off leash in designated parts of the park. Use the City of Amsterdam’s map to find those areas.
Is there a longer walking route through the park?
The IJburg–Muiden section of the Waterkeringpad is 7.5 km long and passes through Diemerpark along the Diemerzeedijk.