Amsterdam’s bridges
There are 35 bridges on the oldest map of Amsterdam which dates back to 1554 the woodcut “birds-eye view” map by Cornelis Anthonisz. The amount of bridges has seen an increase throughout history and by the 17th century, Amsterdam had about 200 bridges. Towards the end of the 20th century we saw around 350 bridges, and today, there are about 1,200 bridges that create an intricate web throughout the city.
Each bridge tells its unique tale, from historic relics dating back to 1648 to romantically inclined structures, and awe-inspiring engineering masterpieces, these bridges contribute to the city’s rich historical tapestry.
Can you see 15 of Amsterdam’s bridges from one spot? Well, why don’t you be the judge? Make your way to the corner of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht canals (on the odd-numbered side) for a view of 15 of Amsterdam’s bridges in one go. You can capture all 7 of the bridges along the Reguliersgracht in one picture. During the day, these bridges along the Reguliersgracht are beautiful, but by night they are elevated with dazzling lights adding to the charm.
The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge or Love Bridge) is one of Amsterdam’s most iconic drawbridges. Featured in many films and even more tourist photographs, the white-painted bridge is easily recognisable. There is a legend that the bridge is named after lovers who parted to go separate ways to work in the West and East but also a legend that it is named after two very skinny sisters. Take a guided walking tour and you may hear another legend entirely!
The Python Bridge is one of the most unusual bridges in Amsterdam well it is part of a pair of unusual bridges in Amsterdam, as its red snake-like shape bridges Sporenburg and Borneo Island which presumably lead to its nickname the Python Bridge. It is also one of the newest bridges in Amsterdam centre, built in 2001 and winning the International Footbridge Award (who even knew that existed) in 2002.
The Jan Schaefer Bridge is another of the newer bridges in Amsterdam. It passes through the middle of Pakhuis De Zwijger and spans the 200-metre-wide IJ Harbour. Every five years the bridge is dismantled for Sail Amsterdam which is one of the largest sailing events globally.
The Nescio Bridge spans the Rijn Canal in Amsterdam’s western IJburg neighbourhood. It is the Netherland’s first suspension bridge and also the longest at 780 metres long. The bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre Architects, who also designed the Millennium Bridge in London. Although the Dutch bridge did not have any of the issues that its London counterpart encountered!
The Torensluis Bridge was completed in 1648 making it the oldest bridge still in its original state in Amsterdam. It was once part of the moat around Amsterdam, which explains why it is one of the widest bridges in the city. You can also see the barred windows under the bridge that serve as a reminder of the former prison once housed here. You can see the bridge as part of the moat in old maps of Amsterdam.
