Bridges of Amsterdam
With its maze of criss-crossing canals, it's no wonder Amsterdam has so many bridges adding to its lovely cityscape. With at least 1,281 bridges dotting the city, many have a story to tell. Some are historic - the oldest dating back to 1648 - some are romantic, and a few are awe-inspiring feats of engineering. So keep your eye out for some of these beautiful bridges while strolling around Amsterdam.
Prize-winning bridges
Amsterdam has more canals than Venice and more bridges than Paris. Come evening, many of the bridges are beautifully illuminated, adding to the charm of the Canal District. Possibly the most fabled is the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), the city's iconic white-painted drawbridge that has been featured in several films. Dutch bridge-builders enjoy international recognition and there are some prize-winning examples to be seen on your visit to Amsterdam. Here’s a list of a few bridges to cross off your sightseeing list.
Amsterdam’s Oldest and Widest Bridge
The Torensluis bridge was completed in 1648 and is Amsterdam’s oldest bridge still in its original state. As it was once part of a moat around Amsterdam, the Torensluis is also Amsterdam’s widest bridge measuring 39 metres across. You can still see the barred windows of a former prison under the bridge. The name means “tower lock” and refers to the Jan Roodenpoortstoren (tower), which stood on the site from 1616 to 1829. Nowadays, the Torensluis is home to a bronze statue of Multatuli, the Dutch author of Max Havelaar.
Python Bridge and Jan Schaeferbrug
Possibly one of the most unusual bridges in Amsterdam is the 93-metre red snake-like bridge between Sporenburg and Borneo Island. Designed by architecture firm West 8, the bridge was built in 2001 and is known as the Anaconda or Python Bridge. It won the International Footbridge Award in 2002. Another fascinating sight is the Jan Schaeferbrug bridge, which passes right through the middle of Pakhuis De Zwijger. Completed in 2001 and spanning the 200 meter-wide IJ harbour, the bridge has been designed so that it can be dismantled during Amsterdam’s Tallship extravaganza - Sail Amsterdam - held every 5 years.
Longest Suspension Bridge - Nesciobrug
Spanning the Rijn Canal, the Nesciobrug bridge is another of Amsterdam’s modern award-winning bridges. This cycle and pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam’s IJburg neighbourhood is the longest in the Netherlands and was the country’s first suspension bridge. The bridge is 780 metres long and is unusual as the deck is only supported on one side. The bridge was designed by WilkinsonEyre Architects, who also designed the Millennium Bridge in London. The bridge is suspended 10 metres over the water to allow commercial shipping to pass under it.
Counting bridges
You can catch a view of fifteen bridges while standing on the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canal, from the side with the odd numbers. The Seven Bridges Hotel is ideal if you prefer to count bridges instead of sheep before drifting off to sleep. This charming canal house offers an authentic Amsterdam experience with an original steep Amsterdam staircase instead of a lift! But each of the unique rooms is decorated with antiques which makes the climb well worth it. Breakfast is served in your room on fine china - giving you even longer to look out at the seven bridges.
Amsterdam’s bridges are all unique - and whether you’re a romantic or more inspired by engineering feats - it’s all water under the bridge in this city.
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