Instagram

The intersection of #raamgracht and #Kloveniersburgwal; a 15th century #canal in #Amsterdam flowing south from #Nieuwmarkt to the #Amstel River on the edge of the medieval city centre.

Christmas markets originated in Germany and Austria back in medieval time. Over time, their popularity spread over the entire world. In the month of December numerous city squares across Europe are transformed, evoking a festive holiday atmosphere.

Long and dark nights will be brightened up with a visit to the small Christmas market at Rembrandtplein. Seasonal treats, sweet snacks and seasonal inspiration from local artisans displaying their hand made crafts. In total there are some 30 stands from different European countries.
There’s also a gebakkraam offering traditional Dutch winter food like oliebollen.

This Christmas market stay open until January 11, 2015.

#Christmas #Markets #ChristmasMarkets #December #Festive #Holiday #Rembrandtplein #Seasonal #British #Food #SweetSnacks #Fudge #Artisans #Crafts #Winter #Amsterdam #Holland #Netherlands #Europe

Skating on the canals in Amsterdam is a is becoming less common experience and last occurred back in 2012. When ice starts to form, Waternet, the city council and tour operators agree close certain canals to allow the ice to form and thicken. The temperatures need to remain below -4c for a few days running for the ice become thick enough to skate.

The opportunity for outdoor skating is still possible each year with artificial rinks. The picturesque setting in front of the Rijksmuseum run by ICE Amsterdam is one such place. This large recreational ice rink features a replica wooden drawbridge similar to the Walter Suskind bridge crossing the Nieuwe Herengracht canal. This is probably the next best thing to skating along Amsterdam’s canals.

These well managed ice rinks provide great family fun and cater for all ages. It’s also a great party venue with group activities & games such as human icebowling, sledge slalom, ice petanque, curling & ice hockey. The venue also has a cafe/brasserie with a wide selection of snacks & meals.

ICE Amsterdam at the Museumplein is open throughout December & January. The rink is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (10pm on Fri/Sat)

A skate ticket costs €3.50 and is valid for one day. You can rent skates from size 28 to size 49. The cost for 2 hours is €5.00

For safety reasons, gloves are required at the rink.

#ice #skating #iceskating #skate #winter #icerink #drawbridge #canals #museumplein #winterwonderland #iceamsterdam #amsterdam #holland #netherlands

The Grandfather Clock was created by Maarten Baas in 2009 as part of the ‘Real Time’ series. The cabinet is a modern interpretation of the classic grandfather clock. It features an LCD screen displaying a frosted glass clock face instead of a regular face. The screen shows a blurred image of a man carefully re-drawing the clock hands with a black marker pen every minute.
The clock face is at the exact height that the actor would be if he were actually standing inside the clock. The low-key nature and placement of the exhibit creates uncertainty in visitors minds. Some visitors walk away believing that someone is inside the clock. In reality, it is a 12 hour video which is played in a continuous loop.
An MDF veneer proof version of this clock recently sold at auction for $134,500

The clock can be seen at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Holland.
#clock #grandfatherClock #clockFace #clockHands #time #MaartenBaas #realTime #contemporary #art #museum #rijksmuseum #amsterdam #holland #netherlands

This stained-glass window in the Snijderkapel of the Oude Kerk is one of two windows which show the coat of arms of Amsterdam’s mayors & Aldermen. It was created in 1759 by M E de Angelis & Sons when the first window became full.
The images up until 1795 represented the mayors of Amsterdam. During the years of the Batavian Republic between 1803 & 1806, the Alderman’s coats of arms were painted on the windows.

The church is a short walk from Central Station and is open to the public daily. Admission is free for children & museum card, and city card holders.

#oudekerk #stainedglass #windows #church #kerk #eglise #amsterdam #holland #netherlands #europe

The Hermitage Amsterdam is an independent and autonomous museum showing art from the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
The museums exhibits aim to show the historical ties between Amsterdam and St Petersburg and between the House of Orange-Nassau and the Romanovs.
The museum which opened in 2009 is located in the former Amstelhof, a dating back to 1681.
Entry price is €15 or free if you have a museum card!
#hermitage #museum #amstelhof #orangenassau #stpetersburg #dutchflag #romanovs #amsterdam #holland #netherlands #vsco

This etching was made by Rembrandt in 1630. It’s one of his most well known self portraits and can be seen in the Rembrandthuis museum. The image also features on the sign outside the museum. Rembrandt’s most well know work today is the Nightwatch (nachtwacht) but during his lifetime, Rembrandt was recognised more for his innovative etchings than his paintings.
The Rembrandthuis museum in Amsterdam is located in the house in which Rembrandt used to both work and live. The museum first opened in 1911 and housed a large collection of his etchings. 1999 saw the completion of a major project, restoring the building to reflect the layout and contents of Rembrandt’s original house.
The museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting Amsterdam. The opportunity to view Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings in the house where he worked and lived is both a moving and memorable experience.
Most famous painters are known by their surname. Many assume that Rembrandt is a surname but it’s actually his first name. His full name is Rembrandt van Rijn.

As well as Rembrandt’s artwork, the Rembrandthuis museum contains furniture and artefacts from 17th century life in Amsterdam. It’s also possible to view demonstrations of etching and printing and take part in workshops apprentice’s studio.
Tip – consider getting a museum card if visiting Rembrandthuis. It costs around €60 and is valid for one year. It gives you entry to this and many other great museums such as Rijksmuseum – good value if you plan on visiting a lot of museums!
#rembrandthuis #rembrandt #etching #selfie #selfportrait #art #amsterdam #holland #netherlands #europe #history

The Magere Brug and River Amstel in the background framed by the decorative stone arch & pillars of the Blauwbrug. The names of these bridges provides some insight into their history.
The word “Magere” is usually associated with dairy and meat products to indicate that they are low fat. In this case, Magere Brug is means thin bridge. Although this bridge is not particularly thin, the original bridge which stood in it’s place was very narrow.

Blauwbrug translated literally means “Blue Bridge”. It owes it’s name to a blue wooden bridge which existed at the same location before being replaced in 1883 by the current bridge. Blauwbrug was designed by architects Bastiaan de Greef and Willem Springer who drew inspiration from the bridge Pont Alexandre-III in Paris.

#magerebrug #thinbridge #skinnybridge #pillars #blauwbrug #bluebridge #amstel #river #bridge #pont #brug #holland #netherlands #amsterdam #igholland #iamsterdam #ig_nederland #igersholland #igersamsterdam #instanetherlands #amsterdamcity #dutch_connection #holland_photos #bestdutch #mokummagazine

Visitors to many European cities may have noticed love locks attached to the railings of bridges such as Pont de l’Archevêché in Paris. Starting back in 2000, this has become a modern day way in which couples express their love for one another.
This trend which began in Serbia 100 years ago has started to appear in Amsterdam over the last couple of years – but not quite to the same extent as Paris.
After attaching the lock, lovers throw the key into the water as a demonstration of their undying love.

#love #lovelocks #padlock #bridge #magerebrug #skinnybridge #sunrise #amstel #autumn #fall #amsterdam #netherlands #holland

There are a few places in Amsterdam which offer a great perspective over the city. one of these can be found at the top of the double tree hotel you Central Station.

The SkyLounge can be found on the 11th floor of the Hilton Doubletree hotel. There is both an indoor bar area with large windows giving spectacular elevated views over the harbour and the city and also a comfortable outdoor terrace area.
Although drinks are a little pricey the atmosphere is superb and there is no charge for entrance.
#Hilton #Doubletree #cityscape #rooftop #Amsterdam #Holland #Netherlands #Europe