I amsterdam - Life on the Water

Boats and ships have shaped the face of the city throughout its history. In the first few centuries, these were mainly small fishing vessels and barges, which later made way for the larger merchant ships and Men o' War. But now it is mainly the houseboats which give the waters of Amsterdam their characteristic look.

There are about 2,400 houseboats in the canals and in the waters around the capital. Living on the water offers a feeling of freedom and a whole new view of the city. But the reason why this form of living became popular in the fifties was the shortage of affordable houses on the main land. In those days, many skippers sold their barges to acquire larger and more modern vessels, or because the inland waterways could no longer guarantee them a living. Amsterdammers in search of dwellings were able to buy these 'rejects' cheaply and, with a little work, turn them into attractive homes.

Each one of the hundreds of houseboats in Amsterdam's canals is different from the other. Sturdy Rhine barges that have retained their character are docked next to smaller fishing vessels and modern varieties painted in many colours. Freedom on the water, it may seem, but the local authorities do of course impose regulations on houseboats: these must be fireproofed, cleaned annually and owners deal with a special tax to ‘rent’ the water they live on. Curious? For a small donation, the HouseBoatMuseum on the Jordaan square is open for those who want to get a glimpse of life on the water.

Houseboats don't just house people. On the Singel near the RoundLutheranChurch, the ‘Catboat’ has been moored for years, taking in stray cats to assure they get enough food, care and medicine and assure that they don’t overpopulate in the city. A team of enthusiastic volunteers takes care of nearly a hundred stray cats, and this veritable ‘Noah’s Ark’ is open every day from 13:00 – 15:00.