Amsterdam &
Canals
The capital of the Netherlands
Amsterdam, naturally Amsterdam!
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has a rich history. You have heard about the canal belt, the many house boats, the floating flower market, the Dam and the world famous museums. One day in Amsterdam is simply not enough!
Canals
The River Amstel was first dammed in the period around 1270, and on both sides of the dam ( the present day Damrak and Rokin) the centre of Amsterdam developed. From the beginning the waterways played an important role in controlling water, in transport and in defence of Amsterdam. However in the last quarter of the nineteenth century many canals were covered over, to accommodate increasing traffic, and improve hygiene.
Today the larger canals still have an important function for shipping, but also for tourist purposes. The evidence are the many tourist boat trips. A boat trip through Amsterdam has developed into the most popular tourist attraction in the country. More than three million passengers a year enjoy the beautiful views of the buildings, house boats and bridges.
On August 1, 2010 the canal belt with the main canals (Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht) and surrounding area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museums
An Evening out