Nellestein to Overscheensche Polder via Gaasperplas, Aqua Marin and Groote Meer

This is a flat, water-rich walk through Amsterdam-Zuidoost’s parkland and then out into classic Dutch polder country—long straight dikes, drainage canals, big skies, and wide-open meadows. At around 20 km (12.4 mi) with roughly 0 m (0 ft) of climbing, it’s physically easy, but it rewards steady pacing and a bit of attention to wind, exposed paths, and the occasional muddy verge after rain.

Getting to the start (Nellestein area) **Nearest practical start landmark:** **Amsta Nellestein, Lopikhof 1, 1108 GH Amsterdam** (in the Nellestein neighborhood, Amsterdam-Zuidoost). ([amsta.nl](https://www.amsta.nl/locaties/nellestein?utm_source=openai))

By public transport - The simplest approach is to ride the Amsterdam Metro toward Gaasperplas (the station sits by the lake/park area), then walk a short distance to the Nellestein/Gaasperpark edge to begin. Gaasperplas is a metro terminus and is right next to the recreation area around the lake. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaasperplas?utm_source=openai)) - Local buses also serve the Nellestein area; if you’re planning the exact stop-to-trail walk, check the day’s routing in HiiKER so you can match your chosen start point to the closest stop.

By car - Aim for parking near the Gaasperplas / Gaasperpark access points or near Lopikhof in Nellestein. This part of Zuidoost is generally set up for park access, but always confirm current restrictions/signage when you arrive.

What the route feels like underfoot (and why it’s so flat) Expect mostly **paved multi-use paths**, compacted gravel, and **dike-top tracks**. The “0 m gain” profile makes sense here: you’re walking in and around reclaimed land and managed water systems where elevation changes are minimal, and the “ups” are usually just short ramps onto bridges or dikes.

Because it’s so open, wind can be the biggest “difficulty multiplier.” A calm day feels effortless; a headwind across the polder can make the same kilometers feel much longer.

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Gaasperplas & parkland: water, woodland edges, and busy shared paths (approx. 0–7 km / 0–4.3 mi) Early on, the route threads into the **Gaasperplas** recreation landscape—an artificial lake created from sand extraction for the Bijlmer development. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaasperplas?utm_source=openai)) The shoreline walking is a highlight: broad water views, pockets of trees, and frequent benches and access points.

What to watch for - Shared-path traffic: cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and (in warm months) people heading to the beach areas. Keep right, and expect fast bikes. - Water edges: many sections are unfenced; in wet or icy conditions the margins can be slick. - Anglers and water sports: the lake is popular for sailing/canoeing/windsurfing, and it’s known for good water quality partly because motorized boats are prohibited. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaasperplas?utm_source=openai))

Nature & wildlife Gaasperplas supports plenty of waterbirds; you’ll often see gulls, coots, ducks, geese, and seasonal migrants. Reedy margins and calmer corners can be especially active in the morning and near dusk.

Landmark context Gaasperplas also has a cultural footnote: it was used as a setting for the 1982 Floriade landscape and flower show, and some of the surrounding park/woodland character traces back to that era of landscaping. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaasperplas?utm_source=openai))

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Transitioning outward: canals, dikes, and the polder grid (approx. 7–15 km / 4.3–9.3 mi) As you leave the lake’s immediate loop, the scenery typically opens up into straighter lines—**drainage canals**, long sightlines, and the unmistakable geometry of Dutch land management. This is where the walk becomes meditative: steady cadence, repetitive canal bridges, and big-sky views.

What to watch for - Exposure: