Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
The Magere Brug is a traditional double leaf Dutch bascule bridge connecting sides of the river Amstel. The original bridge was built in 1691.During the day the bridge is opened about every 20 minutes by the bridgemaster in order to let through river traffic. The boats used for sightseeing tours are low enough to pass underneath the bridge when closed.
Amsterdam's most famous bridge: the Magere Brug across the Amstel river
Because this bridge was very small, the locals called it Magere Brug, which means small or skinny bridge. As traffic along the river Amstel increased, a wider bridge replaced the narrow one in 1871.
In 1934 the city decided to replace it with a new bridge that looked the same as the previous, only slightly bigger. Until 1994 the bridge was opened by hand, but now is opened automatically. Use of the bridge has been limited to pedestrians and cyclists since 2003.
Several other bridges of this type are found in Amsterdam (at the Staalstraat/Grimburgwal, Nieuve Herengracht, Rapenburg, Prinseneiland and Bickerseiland).
Illumination at night
The Skinny Bridge is far not skinny anymore, but one of the most beautiful bridges of Amsterdam. The bridge is decorated with 1200 light bulbs that are illuminated at night. It's a very special experience to pass underneath the bridge during a candlelight tour in the evening.
How to get there?
The bridge is situated on Amstel, between Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht, and opposite of the Royal Theatre Carré.By tram: 6, 7, 10 or 20 stop Weesperplein
By metro: 51, 53 or 54 stop Waterlooplein
By car: nearest car park Parking Waterlooplein
Amstel 81, Amsterdam
(Canal Belt)
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Nearby sights
Amsterdam Hermitage
dependency of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg
Royal Theatre Carré
beautiful building along the Amstel river, built as a circus theatre in 1866
IceBar XtraCold
The Coolest Attraction of Amsterdam!