Amsterdam’s oldest forest just celebrated its 100-year anniversary. This large nature area in the middle of Amsterdam Noord was created in 1912 by socialist politician W.H. Vliegen, who strongly lobbied for the creation of a recreation park for the working class. Ever since the first trees were planted, the deciduous forest has largely been left to its own devices and today it's home to frogs, salamanders, bats and several bird species. You can also spot wild mushrooms or just enjoy a quiet stroll in Amsterdam’s own nature park. You can visit Vliegenbos from all directions but the main entrance is from Meeuwenlaan.