Staying at De Durgurdam, a Unique Visit to Amsterdam

Trip Overview

De Durgerdam is a masterful blend of historic charm and modern comfort, set in a 17th-century inn, and thoughtfully restored by the Aedes hospitality group. This boutique hotel, with its 14 rooms, immerses guests in the rich history and serene beauty of the Dutch countryside. The meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the hotel ensures a unique and memorable stay.

The design, a collaboration between Aedes and the young design studio Buro Belén, reflects local nature and tradition. From custom sky-blue raincoats by Kassl Editions to headboards inspired by the waves of the Zuiderzee (fashioned from local tulipwood), every element tells a story.

The paint colors are inspired by the surrounding landscapes and traditions. Materials like pre-roped flax as wall draping add to the sense of place. One of the many aspects of the hotel that I loved was how both locals and international travelers made it their home. Be it for a lunch getaway from Amsterdam or as a base for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Location

De Durgerdam is situated in a former fishing village on the shores of IJmeer Lake, just a 15-minute drive from Amsterdam. This tranquil hideaway offers a perfect retreat from the city's hustle and bustle, surrounded by meadows and water. Guests can reach De Durgerdam in about 20-40 minutes by bike from Amsterdam Central Station. A scenic boat ride on a historic saloon boat takes between one and one-and-a-half hours. For those arriving from Schiphol Airport, the drive takes approximately 25 minutes.

Rooms

With just 11 rooms and 3 suites, De Durgerdam offers an intimate and personalized experience. The rooms are divided into Classic Rooms, Garden Rooms, Special Rooms and Suites. Each has its own unique charm and character. Four rooms are original to the historic inn, while ten are part of a new structure that blends perfectly into the setting.

• Classic Rooms

Styled in serene putty tones and sunshine ochre, these rooms offer a cozy and luxurious space reminiscent of the Dutch Golden Age.

• Garden Rooms

These rooms open onto a lush garden veranda, offering beautiful floor-to-ceiling views of curated greenery.

• Special Rooms

Featuring private gardens or historic character, these rooms are styled with sunshine ochre, lush green tiling, and marble.

• Suites

Located in the heart of the historical building, the suites provide picture-perfect views of the lake or meadows and feature unique heritage design elements.

Each room is equipped with Hypnos king-size beds, rainfall showers, comfortable reading chairs, and additional amenities like yoga mats, local biscuits and locally-made cordials for your nightcap.

Dining

Dining at De Durgerdam centers around De Mark, the hotel's restaurant that embodies the Dutch concept of gezelligheid. Michelin-starred chefs Koen Marees, Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot curated a menu emphasizing local, fresh and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant offers various dining experiences, including a cozy candle-lit dining room, reading chairs by the fire to sip coffee or libations. There is also al-fresco dining with stunning views of the lake on the terrace or jetty, on days with suitable weather.

The menu features a mix of old favorites, familiar classics, and innovative dishes. All menu items are cleverly paired with a carefully curated selection of wines from the hotel's private collection.

Experiences

De Durgerdam offers a range of activities that highlight the charm and beauty of the Dutch countryside. Guests can explore the area on Veloretti bikes, visiting lakes, historic villages and local farms. The hotel also provides painting classes led by masters of traditional Dutch techniques, as well as boat tours to the local islands, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local culture.

For those interested in wellness, the hotel offers yoga classes on the jetty. Swimming in the lake is available year-round, depending on your tolerance for the trending cold plunge. You can also cozy up in the library with one of the many books and help yourself to a nicely stocked honesty bar.

If you're in the mood for something more lively, Amsterdam is just down the way. In 20 minutes, you can be at any number of Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class museums, before returning to your quiet oasis away from the tourist frenzy. The combination of these experiences provides a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Some rooms date back 400 years and feature low ceilings and aged stairs.

The property offers both regular and electric bikes for exploring the surrounding area.

De Durgerdam is ideal for travelers seeking a unique, historic and tranquil retreat close to Amsterdam. It can be for a romantic getaway, a cultural exploration or a peaceful escape from the city.

Packing it Up

De Durgerdam is an experience that blends history, beauty and comfort, inspired by the soul of Dutch tradition. If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands, consider spending a few days at this charming inn. It offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the Dutch countryside, providing a perfect complement or alternative to the bustling city of Amsterdam. If you'd like to learn more about my day-to-day experience, you can read that here.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Amsterdam. In need of further inspiration? Check out Travis Tanner’s guide, Discover Amsterdam: A Guide to the Best Sights and Food.