The Herengracht will lead you to the namesake of Amsterdam, the Amstel River. Take a moment to stand on the bridge and look left (north) for a great view of the Blauwbrug.
Blauwbrug
- Blauwbrug translates to "blue bridge." This refers to the original wooden bridge that stood here, which was painted blue. The current bridge dates to 1884.
- The Blauwbrug's brick and sandstone foundations resemble ships' bows. The marble lampposts also feature ship sculptures, as well as masks, ornate lanterns and the imperial crown of Maximilian of Austria (the Westerkerk also bears this crown at the top of its tower).
- The plans for the grandiose Pont Alexandre III in Paris (which wasn't completed until 1900) inspired the design of the Blauwbrug.
Continue south along the Amstel, crossing Keizersgracht. The next street is Kerkstraat. Take the time to walk onto the foot bridge that crosses the river at this street, called the Magere Brug.
Magere Brug
- Magere Brug translates to "skinny bridge." The name comes from its original size in 1691, when it was almost too narrow to accommodate two passers-by at once.
- After complete replacements in 1871 and 1934, the last major renovation to the bridge came in 1969. Today's bridge is a functioning Dutch double draw bridge with nine sections, made of the traditional white painted wood.
- Used only by bikers and pedestrians, the Magere Brug is an iconic symbol of Amsterdam and a tranquil place to capture river views or a sunset.
- More than 1,000 fixed lights create a glowing outline of the bridge at night, a sight well worth seeing.
