The Twiske is a wetland area just above Amsterdam. The nature reserve consists of 650 hectares, about a third of which consists of water. To get a good look at the whole area, walk the 16-kilometer red route. It is clearly marked by red posts along the path.

From Amsterdam Central you take the bus to Oostzaan. I have therefore plotted the route from the bus stop and not from the official starting point. Thus, the red route is about a kilometer longer.

You walk from the village of Oostzaan over the bridge into the Twiske and walk on small and rustic paths. They follow the course of the ring dike around the area.

You pass the harbor, where you can rent a boat. Boating is very popular with all that water. You can also discover the Twiske from the canoe. Highly recommended!

Now you have your walking shoes on, so you continue on foot. At the natural Roemersveld you have the chance to meet Scottish Highlanders. You walk past willows, hawthorns and endless blackberry bushes.

Birds also love this place. You will also see sparrowhawks, jays, woodpeckers and chiffchaffs here. With binoculars you can see hundreds of swallows nesting on the sand martin wall on an island in the Stootersplas.

There are numerous wonderfully quiet spots along the way to take a break or just enjoy the surroundings. If you want to buy something to eat or drink, you can do so at Twiske Haven, Kiosk de Does, Zorgboerderij De Marsen or Paviljoen Het Twiske.