What is there
to see?

Since 1691, the white-painted wooden beams of the Magere Brug have gleamed in the sun. Although the “skinny bridge” was renovated in the 19th century and slightly widened in the process, it has nonetheless kept its name.

Since 2003, it has stood in its current form as one of the few remaining Dutch drawbridges still in existence. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the drawbridge being raised. This spectacle takes place several times a day to allow larger boats to pass. Thankfully, it is no longer operated manually, but electronically.

The Magere Brug is located between the Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht and spans the Amstel. It is accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists.

According to legend, the bridge was built so that two sisters, each living on opposite sides of the river, could visit one another more easily. Love, it seems, not only moves mountains but builds bridges as well.

Speaking of love…

In the evening, the bridge is illuminated by 1,200 light bulbs. It’s easy to feel a touch of romance as you stand on the glowing bridge, gazing out over the water. But take care: legend has it that if a couple kiss on the Magere Brug, their relationship will last forever. So choose carefully who you share that moment with 😉

During the day, the bridge is also a popular spot for capturing a memorable photograph or simply enjoying the view over the Amstel and the houses lining its banks. It’s worth stopping by the nearby café of the same name for a drink or a snack while watching the lively activity around you.

Tips:

• If you’d like to take the metro close to the bridge, get off at Waterlooplein station. From there, you can also pay a visit to the H’ART Museum.
• If you’re there before 5:30 pm, you’ll also have the chance to explore the Waterlooplein market, with its second-hand goods and bric-à-brac stalls.
• You’re likely to pass by the Magere Brug as part of a cycling tour or a boat trip.
• Reaching the bridge on foot is just as easy. A stroll through Amsterdam always reveals something new, and it’s the perfect complement to a visit to one or more of the city’s museums.