Private Walking Tour of Amsterdam's Western Islands

Points forts

Itinéraire

1. 1

   De Bijenkorf

   Tucked away on Realeneiland, one of Amsterdam's Western Islands, the Zandhoek ("Sand Corner") is one of the most picturesque quays in the city. It takes its name from the 17th century, when boats unloaded sand here — used as ballast in ships and to raise the ground for new streets in the growing city. Along the waterfront stands a beautiful row of thirteen former captains' houses, built around 1645–1646, with a colourful mix of step, neck and bell gables. On the corner is the house "In den Gouden Reael," named after a golden real — a Spanish coin bearing the image of Emperor Charles V — depicted on its gable stone the influential Reael family, after whom the island itself is named, built a herring-packing house here in 1648. That building later became a beloved inn, immortalised in a 1940 novel by Jan Mens, and today houses a well-known French restaurant.

   10 minutes•Entrée libre•Voir sur la carte

2. 2

   De Bijenkorf

   Bickerseiland, Prinseneiland and Realeneiland. A unique and undiscovered part of Amsterdam.

   1 heure•Entrée libre•Voir sur la carte

3. 3

   De Bijenkorf

   The Drieharingenbrug ("Three Herrings Bridge")

   The Drieharingenbrug ("Three Herrings Bridge") is a charming double wooden drawbridge connecting Realeneiland to Prinseneiland across the Realengracht, in the heart of the Western Islands. It is known as the narrowest bridge in Amsterdam's city centre — so narrow that two cyclists can barely pass each other on it. There has been a bridge on this exact spot for some 400 years: the very first mapmaker to chart these islands, Balthasar Florisz. van Berckenrode, already drew a double wooden drawbridge here in 1625. The bridge takes its name from the three herrings above the door of the house "De Drie Haringen" at Vierwindenstraat no. 1, and it once carried the nickname "Vliegende Brug" (Flying Bridge) because it opened and closed so lightning-fast.

   Passage sans arrêt•Entrée libre•Voir sur la carte

4. 4

   De Bijenkorf

   Lining the Realengracht

   Lining the Realengracht are some of Amsterdam's most atmospheric 17th-century warehouses, a proud reminder of the Western Islands' bustling maritime past. When the islands were laid out in the early 1600s, they became the working heart of the harbour, and these warehouses were once packed with goods from across the seas — herring, grain, tobacco, wine, salt, hides, pitch and tar. Many still bear the names and gable stones that recall what was once stored inside, so it pays to look up as you walk. With their characteristic spout gables, wooden hoisting beams and shutters, these buildings have a robust, no-nonsense beauty quite different from the elegant mansions of the main canals.

   Passage sans arrêt•Entrée libre•Voir sur la carte

Point de rendez-vous

Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the entrance to the GVB ticket office, opposite the entrance to Central Station. He or she will be wearing a clearly visible card around their neck and will actively ask people whether they are there for the Mee in Mokum walking tour.

La carte montre Amsterdam. Le point de rendez-vous exact est l'adresse ci-dessus.Ouvrir une carte plus grande

Prise en charge

• Rendez-vous au point de départ pour tous

À savoir avant de partir

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking
• Show your ticket to the guide.

Annulation et remboursement

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• Annulé et intégralement remboursé si la météo l'exige