Diemen celebrates 800 years of history with six months of festivities
Diemen, a neighboring municipality of Amsterdam, marks its 800th anniversary this Sunday with a grand celebration and six months of activities. Residents, entrepreneurs, and associations can join in reflecting on Diemen’s unique history and vibrant community.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Anniversary Date | 29 March 2026 (800 years since first official mention) |
| First Official Mention | 29 March 1226, by Bishop Otto of Utrecht to knight Gijsbrecht van Amstel II |
| Population | Over 33,000 residents |
| Location | Borders Amsterdam (IJburg, Watergraafsmeer, Amsterdam-Zuidoost) |
| Historical Landmark | River Diem, Fort Diemerdam, Oud-Diemen |
| Notable Residents | Corry van Gorp, Sjaak Swart, Ronald Koeman, Ruud Geels, Danny Blind, Jan Versteegh, Donnie |
| Festivities Duration | Six months of activities |
The Municipality of Amsterdam plays a key role in regional cooperation, particularly with neighboring municipalities like Diemen. This collaboration spans infrastructure, public transport, housing, and shared green spaces, ensuring cohesive urban development and community integration. Amsterdam’s recognition of Diemen’s milestone highlights the importance of local partnerships in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Amsterdam congratulates Diemen on 800 years of history
Diemen is celebrating a special milestone this Sunday, 29 March: the municipality is turning 800 years old. The anniversary will be marked with a grand celebration. On 29 March, the festivities will begin with six months of activities for residents, entrepreneurs and associations. A fine occasion to reflect on the history of our neighbour. For although Diemen lies next to Amsterdam, it has long had its own unique story.
It was on 29 March exactly 800 years ago that Bishop Otto of Utrecht granted Diemen in perpetual lease to knight Gijsbrecht van Amstel II. This marked the first official, written mention of Diemen. Mayor Erik Boog: “That deed from 1226 is really our birth certificate. The bishop planned that 800 years ago very well, because in 2026 this official birthday of our village falls on a Sunday. A wonderful day to come together, celebrate with each other and blow out 800 candles.”
Distinct character
Diemen borders directly on Amsterdam. To the north, the municipality touches IJburg, to the northwest Watergraafsmeer and to the south Amsterdam-Zuidoost and Driemond. Travelling from Amsterdam-Oost or Zuidoost to Diemen, one notices how easy the connections are. Trains, metro, trams and buses make the distance small. Yet despite its proximity to the capital, Diemen has always maintained its own distinct character.
More than a neighbour
To Amsterdam, Diemen is more than just a neighbour. The municipalities share daily infrastructure, public transport, housing projects, water and green spaces. Many people travel back and forth for work, study, family or leisure. Diemen is part of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area and has long played an important role as an independent municipality on the eastern edge of the city. There is extensive cooperation with this strong and close-knit municipality.
The River Diem
The history of Diemen goes back a long way. The town’s name is derived from the River Diem, which in the Middle Ages formed an important link between the Bijlmermeer, the Gaasp and the Zuiderzee. Archaeological research shows that there was already habitation here from the 11th century.
Older than Amsterdam
The oldest source about Diemen dates back to 1033. However, the deed from 1226 is the first official mention. The Bishop of Utrecht then granted Diemen in perpetual lease to Gijsbrecht van Amstel II. This makes Diemen older than Amsterdam.
Growth
In the 17th century, the heart of the town was in Oud-Diemen, where residents lived on a terp. After the construction of the Muidertrekvaart and Weespertrekvaart canals, the centre shifted to Diemerbrug. There, Diemen grew into a village with churches, shops, schools and businesses.
Commuter municipality
This village character changed rapidly in the second half of the 20th century. From the 1970s onwards, Diemen grew rapidly as a commuter municipality for Amsterdam. New residential areas such as Diemen-Noord and Diemen-Zuid, and later the Sniep and Holland Park, brought many new residents. The old village cores merged and the agricultural character gave way to that of a modern, urban residential municipality.
Yet history remained visible: in Oud-Diemen, along the Hartveldseweg, in monuments such as Fort Diemerdam and in places where water shapes the landscape.
Notable Diemeners past and present include: Corry van Gorp, Sjaak Swart, Ronald Koeman, Ruud Geels, Danny Blind (all thanks to Ajax), Jan Versteegh and rapper Donnie.
Nature and renewal
Today, Diemen is a modern and diverse municipality with over 33,000 residents, surrounded by green spaces, water and good transport links. It is a place where history, nature and renewal come together.
Amsterdam heartily congratulates Diemen on this anniversary: 800 years close by and true to itself.
Want to know more?
Photo above article: 1935. Hartveldseweg with the Gooische Steam Tram, which ran from 1880 to 1940
Image: Amsterdam City Archives