NAP Visitors Centre

Did you know that as much as 60% of Holland lies below sea level? Don't you sometimes wonder why the country isn't flooded and how people know how high the dikes should be? This is all bound up with the NAP - the Amsterdam Ordnance Datum - the European zero level.

NAP
The NAP is the oldest measuring unit of its kind in the world and is based on the average sea level in the 17th century. The NAP was established in Amsterdam and today serves as a reference point in many parts of Europe.

Exhibition
Amsterdam is currently showcasing the unique NAP exhibition. This exhibition in the visitors centre of the Amsterdam City Hall reveals, by means of various models, photos and visual material, just how far Holland and Amsterdam lie below sea level. Delve into the history of the wate levels and discover how the various forms of measuring equipment were developed. Put your hand on the bronze NAP knob - the exact zero level - and check the current water levels of the North Sea, at IJmuiden and at Vlissingen, as well as the level of the water during the disastrous 1953 floods in the province of Zeeland.

Canal Bus
Combine a visit to the NAP with the Hop on, hop off Canal Bus. Experience Amsterdam 'under' as well as on the water!

Visitors
Entrance: € 4.00 p.p.
Opening hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10h00 to 17h00. During Dutch school holidays daily (16 October until 31 October, 18 December until 2 January and 19 February until 27 February).
Closed on 25 and 26 December.