Amsterdam is a city of canals, and for good reason it is called Northern Venice. The first thing a tourist who has arrived in this bright and colorful city should do is to go on a water excursion, during which you can get to know Amsterdam much better.
The channels in this city are a well-planned web. They cross each other, disperse, and then meet again. Their total length is several hundred kilometers. Ponds divide Amsterdam into 90 islands, and there are almost one and a half thousand bridges. And, importantly, all the channels of the city are protected by UNESCO.
A bit about Amsterdam
You can immediately notice that this city is not like the rest. It is special, with its own twist, which is practically impossible to catch. Fascinating architecture, narrow streets cut by canals, magnificent nature, tulips and windmills - these are all the Netherlands (Amsterdam).
The city is located on the banks of the Amstel River. Its history begins in 1276, when a dam was built on this place, and then a tiny fishing village was formed. Gradually developing, it became what you can see today - a colorful Amsterdam. Actually, the name translates as “dam on the Amstel River”. Today there are a lot of different attractions and unusual museums. A walk along the canals of Amsterdam is the best opportunity to explore the city and its style, because the water arteries are quite narrow, making it seem like a leisurely walk along the boulevard.
How many channels are there in the city?
To date, there are already more than 165 channels. All of them originate from the Amstel River, which flows through the central part of the city. The creation of the water "web" began with the Three Canals Plan, presented in 1658 by architect Hendrick van Keyser. All ponds are artificially created.
Only 4 water arteries remain the main ones:
- Prinsengracht.
- Singel
- Keysersgracht.
- Herengracht.
They appeared as Amsterdam developed. The Prinsengracht, Keysersgracht and Heerengracht canals were dug in the years 1612-1613. Initially, they reached only Leidsegracht, and only after almost 50 years their path was extended to the Amstel River, and even further. Having an arched shape, together they go around the central part of the city, forming a Golden Bend. This name was given because old mansions were built on the banks.
But the very first channel appeared back in 1452. It was a singel. It was created as a city ditch, and when Amsterdam began to develop, it was turned into an internal canal. It starts near the main station and flows into the river at Muntplein Square.
The longest is considered Prinsengracht, which was named in honor of Prince of Orange of William. The imperial canal, or Keysersgracht, got its name from the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire - Maximilian. The latter, Herengracht, is opened in honor of those who ruled the city and developed Amsterdam. The canals, as can be judged by the information received, are a bit more for the Dutch than just a waterway.
It is worth paying attention to Grachtengordel - one of the most popular areas of Amsterdam, whose name translates as "Channel Channel". In 2011, the Het Grachtenhuis Museum was opened in his honor, where guests are told interesting facts and events, the history of the emergence of channels and much more, as well as multimedia material and exhibits. In general, this museum will tell you in more detail about the main features of the city.
Amsterdam bridges as works of art
Speaking about Amsterdam, the canals and architectural features of the city, one cannot but mention bridges. They complement the unrivaled image that old buildings, paved streets and charming lanterns create. The city has modern steel structures, the most striking of which is Python. It not only decorates Amsterdam, but also one of the ten most amazing bridges in the world. This massive steel structure is painted red, due to which it can be seen from afar. And the name of the bridge was due to its meandering shape.
Amsterdam also has ancient bridges made of wood or stone. For example, Blauburg has existed since 1883, and until that time in its place was a wooden predecessor. Blue Bridge can also be called beautiful, although it has changed dramatically. But back in the 17th century it was wooden and painted blue.
Boat, swim! How to get on an excursion?
Passenger ships are the most popular transport in Amsterdam. This is such a peculiar attraction that no tourist will miss. And he’ll do it right, because a boat trip will give a lot of pleasant impressions and colorful memories. You can choose a tram or even a boat with a transparent roof. All channels are used exclusively as an excursion route, and the speed of the boat is strictly limited. They move very slowly, but it cannot be said that this is a minus, because it will be possible to better examine everything around and take pictures for memory.
The tour can be ordered almost anywhere in the city where there is a canal. The cost starts from 10 euros and can be much higher - the price depends on the chosen route. Tourists are offered an audio guide that speaks most foreign languages. In addition, you can buy a ticket for passenger ships following several routes. They stop near museums, shops and attractions.
What can be seen on a canal cruise?
If you choose the last option, that is, buy a ticket for a boat following several routes, you can not only enjoy swimming, but also periodically go to museums, shops, and take pictures next to attractions. The simplest boat trip will also give a lot of impressions. The Netherlands (Amsterdam) in all its glory will present unique bridges, cobbled streets and, of course, nature. Trying to reach the boat, trees will bow their heads, and since the ships are moving slowly, you can take many colorful photographs against a background of bright greenery.
It’s worth a good look at the buildings, because they are so unusual - narrow and tall, and have long become a hallmark of Amsterdam. By the way, they are like that because the land used to be very expensive, people bought small plots and built housing high, but close to other houses. If you use the services of a personal guide, he will tell you a lot of interesting things about the country and the city.
What do tourists visiting here advise?
At any time of the year you can go to Amsterdam. Canals, houses, bridges and streets change their “robe” depending on the weather, so the city is beautiful in summer, autumn, winter and spring. In addition to a boat trip, which is mandatory, people who relax here advise:
- Buy tulip seeds.
- Try and buy klumps - traditional wooden shoes.
- Try cheese and genèver.
- Enjoy the taste of pastries and coffee.
- Try the main dish - salted herring.
- Be careful with the prevailing smoking mixes and pies with hash or mushrooms.
Amsterdam - how many emotions are hidden behind one word! No other city is like him. To visit Amsterdam means to make the best gift in life for yourself. And in no case can not refuse boat trips and photographs. They will give the most vivid impressions!