The modern buildings and bridges on Amsterdam's Eastern Harbor Islands offer a stark contrast to the 17th- and 18th-century designs that dominate the old city. A walking or biking tour of these manmade peninsulas is a unique Amsterdam experience and affords visitors unexpected views of the city.
The ARCAM Amsterdam Centre for Architecture offers several printed maps and guides of this area and its design gems. A guide called "Exciting architecture in the archipelago" is also available (for a fee) from the Amsterdam Tourist Office. Even if you don't buy a printed guide, be sure to take your map, as the neighborhoods can be a bit confusing to the unfamiliar navigator. The best place to start a tour is the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, accessible by Tram 25.
Click on each image for a larger view. And don't miss pages two and three of the gallery.
- Bridge to Amsterdam's Java Island, the Jan SchaeferbrugUse this bridge to get to Amsterdam's Java Island.
- Modern Canal Houses on Amsterdam's Java IslandThese gables are much different than those of the 17th century.
- Canal View on Amsterdam's Java IslandWater water everywhere!
- Modern Footbridge on Amsterdam's Java IslandThis bridge is a work of art in its own right.
- Detail of Modern Footbridge on Amsterdam's Java IslandSculpture lives on the canals.
- Modern Housing Block on Amsterdam's Java IslandThe architect must have seen a rainbow the day he designed this building.
- View of Amsterdam's Lloyd Hotel from Java IslandAn art-deco hotel floats in the distance.
- View of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and IJ TowerIs this really Amsterdam?
- The 'Barcelona' Housing Complex on Amsterdam's KNSM IslandHow many people do you think live here?
- Modern Furnishings for Sale on Amsterdam's Sporenburg PeninsulaThese chairs would be perfect in a modern home.
- 'The Whale' Residence Building on Amsterdam's Sporenburg PeninsulaDoes it look like a whale to you?
- Modern Red Footbridge Leading to Amsterdam's Sporenburg PeninsulaWhat year was this built?
- Graphic Index
- Text Index