10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Amsterdam’s canals

Amsterdam Blog
Avond rondvaart Amsterdam

From historical tidbits to bizarre facts

The Amsterdam canals are world-famous and for good reason. They form the beating heart of the city, attract millions of visitors every year, and are even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But how much do you really know about these iconic waterways?

At Amsterdam Circle Line, we sail through these special canals every day, and along the way we encounter the most surprising stories. In this blog, we share 10 fun, crazy, and impressive facts about Amsterdam’s canals that you probably didn’t know!

1. Thousands of bicycles lie at the bottom of the canals.

Every year, between 12,000 and 15,000 bicycles are fished out of the canals. Often accidentally, sometimes deliberately, but always a strange sight for our skippers!

2. Amsterdam has more canals than Venice.

Amsterdam has more than 165 canals, accounting for over 100 kilometers of waterways. That’s even more than Venice!

3. The canal belt is centuries old

The famous canal belt was built in the 17th century during the Golden Age. To this day, it remains a masterpiece of smart urban planning.

4. The canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Since 2010, the Canal Belt has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A well-deserved recognition of this unique urban water structure.

5. There is a “bicycle fishing service”

Amsterdam has its own service that hoists bicycles out of the canals every day. This is useful, because otherwise those bicycles could cause damage to our Amsterdam Circle Line boats.

5. There is a “bicycle fishing service”

Amsterdam has its own service that hoists bicycles out of the canals every day. This is useful, because otherwise those bicycles could cause damage to our Amsterdam Circle Line boats.

6. There are more than 1,200 bridges

Many people don’t realize it, but the city has more than 1,200 bridges that are perfectly visible during a canal cruise.

7. Some canals have disappeared

In the 19th and 20th centuries, several canals were filled in to make way for roads and tram lines. One example is the Vijzelgracht, which has only recently been restored to its former glory.

8. Swimming in the canals? Not allowed everywhere

Although it is tempting on a summer’s day, you are officially only allowed to swim in designated areas or during events such as the Amsterdam City Swim.

9. People live on the water

There are around 2,500 houseboats in the canals. During a trip with Amsterdam Circle Line, you will sail past some of the most charming examples.

10. The canals once served as a line of defense

In addition to transportation and trade, the canals also had a military function: they helped defend the city against invaders.

Come sail with us!

The Amsterdam canals are not only beautiful, but also rich in history and surprising facts. Step aboard Amsterdam Circle Line and discover these stories for yourself, from the water.

👉 View our routes and book your cruise today using the button below!

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