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Blauwburgwal – Amsterdam’s Shortest Canal

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Blauwburgwal is Amsterdam shortest canal, no more than 100 meters in length and connects the two innermost canals, Singel and Herengracht. It's no more than a 15-minute walk from central station, so perfect if you want to see some sites whilst waiting for a connection.

Blauwburgwal Canal Amsterdam

How old are the buildings on Blauwburgwal?

Some of the canal houses date back to the 17th century.

Canal House Gables on Blauwburgwal

One section of houses on the corner of Herengracht/Blauwburgwal is more modern. It was rebuilt after being damaged in World War II.

World War II Bombing in Blauwburgwal

On 11 May 1940, The building was struck by a bomb, causing severe structural damage. The bomb came from a German aircraft hit by flak over Sloterdijk. It continued its flight, but The pilot decided to release two bombs in case the plane crashed. One of The bombs bounced over the bridge into the water of the Blauwburgwal, the other hit the houses on the corner. Fourteen buildings were destroyed, and forty-four people lost their lives.

World War II Bombing of Amsterdam -  Beeldbank Nederlands Instituut voor Militaire Historie

Blauwburgwal corner building as is it now...

Blauwburgwal new corner building WW2

Golden Flying Horse

Many of Amsterdam's historic canal houses are furnished with decorative stone plaques (Dutch; Gevelstenen). This house on has a golden flying horse.

Decorative Plaque - Flying Horse

Ornamental Glass

The corner house with a decorative glass window.

Ornamental Glass Window Amsterdam

Canal House Gable

The corner house on Blauwburgwal with a bell-gable.

Canal Bridge

The small bridge over Blauwburgwal joining Singel canal.

Canal Bridge Blauwburgwal Amsterdam

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