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6 December, 2018 11:10
Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands, is for those abroad known for its canals in the center of the city. The canal system is the result of consciouscity planning. Over the years they have continued to define the city’s landscape. Nowadays they are the home of many festivities such as the Gay Pride or Kingsday. In addition the canals are one of the city’s most touristic attractions. You probably already know a few facts about these canals. There are, however, a certain fact you probably didn’t know (yet)…
Compact Paris
Paris is often described as the city of love. But did you know, that Amsterdam is particularly perfect for aromantic getaway? Amsterdam’s city center is rather compact, which enables you to reach most of the popular attractions by foot. Enjoy each other’s company while strolling through the city’s narrow streets and dining at the most exquisite restaurants or experience the beauty of Amsterdam together during a romantic canal cruise.
Venice of the North
Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world. Its canals and harbors fill a full quarter of Amsterdam’s total surface.Amsterdam has over 100 kilometers of canals, which surpasses the amount of canals in Venice considerably. In addition, Amsterdam has approximately 90 islands, which are linked by more than 1500 bridges. No wonder the city’s nickname is: ‘Venice of the North. The canals of Amsterdam are characterized by an enormous amount of historical buildings, that are built along the banks of the canals.
Living on and along the canals of Amsterdam
Throughout the yearcanaltours show tourists the amazing historical canal houses of the city from the water. Some people however enjoy this view every day from their floating home. There's no city on earth with a higher density and a broader variety of floating homes than Amsterdam. In the old days living on a houseboat meant you were poor. Nowadays, however, they are extremely popular especially when they are located near the city center.
The ring ofcanals in Amsterdamis dotted with many unusually narrow houses.The reason Amsterdam has so many of these narrowbuildings is because at one point in its history, the government charged homeowners based on the front width of theirhome. You can find Amsterdam’s smallest house nearby the canals of Amsterdam at Oude Hoogstraat 22. The façade of the house is a mere 2.02 meters wide, and the house itself is six meters deep. Due to two canal houses on either side the house is barely noticeable.
Amsterdam; the city of bikes
Amsterdam is one of the most bike-friendly cities of the world, mainly because the narrow streets are best navigated by bike. It’s a well-known fact that most locals get around by bike but did you also know that the city has more bikes than inhabitants? Amsterdam has close to 800.000 inhabitants who together have an estimates 900.000 bikes. Apparently some of these bikes get lost though; each year the city removes close to 10.000 bikes from its canals.
Are you excited to explore Amsterdam and its canals? Book adinner cruise through Amsterdam!
FAQs
How many canals does Amsterdam have? There are 165 canals in Amsterdam. The total length combines comes to 75km! There are 1281 bridges that cross the canals in the city…but our favourite has to be what locals refer to as the 'skinny bridge', officially the Magere Brug.
What are some interesting facts about canals? ›
Canals have been an important way to move goods and carry people for more than 5,000 years. Some canals make it possible for boats to travel inland from oceans and lakes. A canal may also serve as a shortcut between two bodies of water. Other canals carry drinking water to cities or irrigation water to farms.
What is the total length of canals in Amsterdam? ›
Amsterdam has more than 100 km (60 mi) of canals, most of which are navigable by boat. The city's three main canals are the Prinsengracht, the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht.
How many people fall into Amsterdam canals each year? ›
How many people fall in the canals in Amsterdam? Around 20 people fall in the canals in Amsterdam every year. Mostly it happens to tourists being under influence or sometimes also homeless people that fall in at night. In the winter this is very dangerous as you will undercool very quickly.
How old are the canals in Amsterdam? ›
Amsterdam's canal system was built during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Spanning an era from around 1588 to 1672, during this time Dutch trade, science, art and the Dutch military were among the most acclaimed in the world.
Why is Amsterdam full of canals? ›
The first Amsterdam Canals were built for water management and defense. As the city grew in the Middle Ages, subsequent defense moats were built inside the walls and no longer served a purpose. They did, however, acquire a significantly new function - local goods transportation.
How many bikes are found in Amsterdam Canals? ›
The Dutch love to cycle and there are more than 800,000 bicycles in Amsterdam. But some people can be a bit reckless with them, so every year, more than 10,000 bicycles are fished out of the canals.
What are 5 facts about the Erie Canal? ›
Fast Facts
| JUST THE FACTS | |
|---|
| Canal dimensions, 1918- present Erie Barge Canal | 12-23 ft deep x 120-200 ft wide; locks 310 ft long |
| Cost to build | $7,143,789 |
| Return on Investment | 10 years |
| Number of aqueducts to bypass rivers and streams | 18 |
13 more rowsCanals of Venice
Often called “The City of Water”, Venice is the top most water cities in the worlds. The scenic Italian architecture along the Grand Canal and picturesque as well as romantic gondola rides. The canals are linked together with more than 150 canals that have become central to its character.
Who built the canals in Amsterdam? ›
The canals were designed and built by the people who oversaw Amsterdam in the 16th and 17th centuries: the heren regeeders, or regents. This group of wealthy Lords, mostly successful merchants, managed the city, and Herengracht, the canal widely considered the most prestigious and important, was named after them.
Prinsengracht is arguably the most famous canal in Amsterdam. It was named after the Prince of Orange, who was a key figure in the city's history. This canal offers a diverse array of attractions and beautiful sights as you stroll along its picturesque banks.
Do the canals in Amsterdam freeze over? ›
Frozen canals
Though it doesn't happen as often as it once did, the Amsterdam canal ring does still freeze from time to time. When a period of freezing cold is expected, the city closes of certain sections of the 17th century canals so that there is no current there, boats can't enter and the water can freeze over.
How many cars fall in Amsterdam Canals? ›
On special occasions, such as during the Gay Pride Parade, SAIL, Queen's Day and the annual arrival of St. Nicholas, there are four extra divers on standby. According to the diving team, on average 100 people and 35 cars a year fall into the canal.
Has Amsterdam got more canals than Venice? ›
Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world. Amsterdam has over 100 kilometers of canals, which surpasses the amount of canals in Venice considerably. In addition, Amsterdam has approximately 90 islands, which are linked by more than 1500 bridges.
Which city has more canals Venice or Amsterdam? ›
The city has more canals than Venice
Amsterdam's 17th-century canals are so frequently compared to Venice that it earned the Dutch capital its nickname, the “Venice of the North.” In fact, Amsterdam is home to 165 canals with a total length of 50 km, while its Italian counterpart has only about 150.
Is it legal to swim in Amsterdam canals? ›
Strictly speaking, canal swimming is discouraged and can come with a fine of up to E140. That said, many Amsterdammers take the risk each summer and enjoy a dip in the city's many alluring and refreshing canals. In a nation that adopts a practical approach to life, usually, if it's a need of the people, it's possible.
What is the most beautiful canal in Amsterdam? ›
Many Amsterdam locals will agree that the Brouwersgracht is the most beautiful canal of Amsterdam. In 2007, when local newspaper 'Het Parool' asked its readers to vote for the most beautiful street of Amsterdam, Brouwersgracht actually ended top of the list.
Do the canals in Amsterdam freeze? ›
Frozen canals
Though it doesn't happen as often as it once did, the Amsterdam canal ring does still freeze from time to time. When a period of freezing cold is expected, the city closes of certain sections of the 17th century canals so that there is no current there, boats can't enter and the water can freeze over.
