Geuzenveld-Slotermeer walking route
The Slotermeer and Geuzenveld neighbourhoods were designed by urban planner Cornelis van Eesteren and are a part of the Westelijke Tuinsteden (Western Garden Cities). Construction started in 1951, but the design was already part of the General Expansion Plan of 1934, which was created to include enough Amsterdam housing to last until 2000. Talk about long-term planning! The neighbourhoods have an open architectural style, so there is a lot of space for greenery. Van Rumpt shows us why the area on the north side of the Sloterplas is increasingly popular.
1. Tuinen van West
In 2007, four polders on the city's west side were transformed into a unique, multifunctional urban agriculture and recreation area. There is room for catering, nature, sports and recreation.
- Pieter Moeskopspad 20
2. Toko Makassar
Toko Makassar has been open since 1973. It is a real family business in the middle of Geuzenveld.
- Sam van Houtenstraat 35
3. Şerifoğlu café and patisserie
People from all over the region come here for their Baklava and other Turkish sweet pastries.
- Slotermeerlaan 115
4. De Vlugt
Artists can work on their projects here, and visitors can participate in fun workshops, performances and lectures.
- Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan 125
5. H.J. Bruinink
Hobby shop H.J. Bruinink. is located on a typical fifties avenue with beautiful wingnut trees.
- Burgemeester Vening Meineszlaan 54
6. Water sports centre De Duikelaar
The General Expansion Plan of 1934 already stated that there had to be enough space for recreation. This is the water sports centre De Duikelaar, where you can practise all kinds of water sports.
- Noordzijde 41
7. Van Eesteren Museum
At the beginning of this century, attention and appreciation for the post-war heritage in the Western Garden Cities grew. In 2007 a piece of Slotermeer was declared municipally protected heritage. This area now forms the Van Eesteren Outdoor Museum. In addition, there is the indoor museum on Sloterplas and a museum house that is completely furnished in 1950s style.
- Noordzijde 31
9. New Metropolis Nieuw-West
New Metropolis is an annexe of the Pakhuis de Zwijger Debate Centre. Its expansion to Nieuw West is due to the district's development. Here, residents can discuss important themes such as housing, education, social safety and care.
- Burgemeester Rendorpstraat 1
10. Sloterplas
The lake was dug to raise the surrounding neighbourhoods with sand. Because more and more sand was needed, the puddle became deeper and deeper. Ultimately, the Sloterplas became over 30 meters deep.
Follow this route on your phone
Are you ready to try this route? Good news, the route can now also be followed via the Komoot app; with walking instructions, information about the highlights and a place to share your own photos with us.
Rosa van Rumpt
After studying cultural heritage at the Reinwardt Academy, Rosa van Rumpt started working at the Van Eesteren Museum as a program coordinator. For three years now, Van Rumpt has been working daily with the ideas of urban planner Cornelis van Eesteren, who designed Slotermeer and Geuzenveld.
