The Magere Brug, or "Skinny Bridge", is the white drawbridge that spans the Amstel between the Kerkstraat and the Nieuwe Kerkstraat, on the south-eastern edge of the canal ring. The current bridge dates from 1934, but a first narrow bridge stood here as early as the late 17th century. Reserved for pedestrians and cyclists since 2003, it is open at all times and free to cross. In the evening, around 1,200 light bulbs outline its shape, making it one of the best-known photo subjects in Amsterdam.
Highlights
The view from the Amstel embankments
The bridge is best photographed from the riverbanks, with the Carré theatre in the background. The low masonry arches on either side of the moving section let the canal cruise boats through.
The bridge lit up
At nightfall, strings of bulbs trace the beams, cables and arches of the bridge and are reflected in the Amstel. Come at blue hour, just after sunset.
The drawbridge
The central section is a double drawbridge made of white-painted wood. It is raised to let the tallest boats pass. Until 1994, two bridge keepers operated it by hand by pulling a chain; the mechanism is now automated.
The origin of the name
According to the historical account, the economic crisis of 1672 led the city to drop plans for a monumental stone bridge: a cheaper, narrower wooden bridge was built instead, hence the nickname "skinny" bridge. Legend prefers the story of two sisters, the Mager sisters, who lived on opposite banks of the Amstel.
Three successive bridges
The first bridge had 13 arches; it was replaced in 1871 by a nine-arch bridge. The current bridge, in steel and concrete with a wooden moving section, was designed by the architect Piet Kramer and completed in 1934. Its wooden parts were replaced with tropical hardwood in 1969. It is a listed national monument (rijksmonument).
On screen
The bridge appears in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, released in 1971.
Infos pratiques
Tips
Crossing is free and the bridge is open day and night. For a photo without passers-by, come early in the morning. The bridge can also be seen very well from the water, on a canal cruise that goes along the Amstel. Cyclists, take care: the bridge is narrow and shared with pedestrians.
How to get there
Amstel, between the Kerkstraat and the Nieuwe Kerkstraat, Amsterdam-Centrum. Metro 51, 53 or 54 to Weesperplein station, about five minutes' walk away; from Central Station it is the third stop after Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein. Tram 4 to the Frederiksplein stop, about five minutes' walk away. From De Pijp, allow 15 to 20 minutes on foot along the Amstel.
Opening hours
Nearby
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