The Magere Brug, also known as the “Skinny Bridge” or “Narrow Bridge” is on the Amstel River in Amsterdam. This iconic Skinny Bridge has been a town symbol for ages, as a romantic connection and a photography spot for tourists. We’ll explore the top things to do at the Magere Brug and what to see at the nearby attractions of the Skinny Bridge in Amsterdam.
Magere Brug in Amsterdam is also popular as a love lock bridge. Many couples attach the padlocks to this bridge. This romantic wooden bridge is only accessible by walking and cycling.
Take a canal cruise with views of the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)
One of the most beautiful bridges in Amsterdam is the Magere Brug. You can get a fantastic view of the old bridge and the area from our canal cruise along the Amstel River. We can make your day memorable by taking a romantic boat tour.
If you want to plan a tour for a wedding proposal, we can make one just for you. You will go under the beautiful bridges, cruise on the canal, and stop at the romantic places to enjoy your special tour.
Our custom tour with food and drinks will help you remember your time with us. We offer custom pickup and decoration when you book a romantic boat tour. Pick a good boat to start your trip from Amsterdam to Magere Brug. We offer you three different types of unique featured cruises; make your choice of which suits your special morning, high tea, sunset, or night canal cruise.
Tzar
- Capacity 7-12 persons
- Dining facilities up to 6 persons
- Integrated heating system
- Spacious sundeck
- Well-stocked minibar on board
Undine
- Capacity 8 persons
- Dining facilities for up to 5 persons
- Integrated heating system
- Spacious sundeck
- Well-stocked minibar on board
Rtiz
- Capacity 12 persons
- Dining facilities for up 12 persons
- Mahogany wood interior
- Integrated heating system
- Toilet Facilities
- Open area in the rear
- Marble stone countertop Minibar
The Houseboat Museum in Amsterdam is a top nearby attraction to the Skinny Bridge
This museum is close to the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. This historical cruise departs from the center of Prinsengracht, located in Amsterdam’s famous Jordaan district. You will learn how people lived on houseboats in the golden age.
It was built in 1914 and used to carry goods. Various marine gifts can be bought in the gift shop. There is a self-guided audio tour in many languages and interactive video walls to make your visit easier. The entry fee starts at €9.50 per person, with a discount rate of €5 for children under 12 years to increase the historical and educational value.
The Magic of Magere Brug (Skinny bridge)
Amsterdam is full of canals, charming streets, and historical landmarks. Among its many nice features, Magere Brug, or the Skinny Bridge, is among the most popular, especially for couples and photographers. The city decided to stop using cars on the skinny bridge in the early 2000s. You can enjoy romantic strolls and be easily accessible by cruise.
What does Magere Brug mean?
Locals called “Magere Brug” means narrow or skinny bridge in Dutch because of the original bridge’s narrow design. The Magere Brug bridge is the most beautiful bridge among the other bridges because of its design and romantic ambiance, with two opposite sides that make a lovely view for everyone taking romantic strolls along the Amstel River.
Where is Magere Brug?
Magere Brug is located in the heart of Amsterdam and connects to the other side of the River Amstel. This central section makes reaching it easy, whether taking romantic strolls, cycling, or using public transport. It links the shoreline at Kerkstraat, which is situated between the Keizersgracht and the Prinsengracht. The focal point of the Magere Brug is a white-painted wooden foundation bridge close to many attractions, canals, and shops, so it’s a good spot to take a break or enjoy a romantic place.
- Customized pickup
- Romantic high tea
- Decadent delights
- Romantic decorations
- Professional photographer
- Bouquet of roses
Why is Magere Brug a popular spot for tourists and photographers?
Magere Brug is popular for its magical ambiance, especially at sunset and night when the bridge lights illuminate the Amstel River. The bridge has become iconic, known for its beauty and the romance it creates, especially in the evening. Tourists and locals come here to take night shots or enjoy the view of the river traffic and cruises passing underneath.
Has Magere Brug been in any movies or other media?
The Skinny Bridge has been in several films, such as “Diamonds Are Forever,” and TV shows. Many visitors come here to make videos and romantic photographs because its romantic appeal is created when lights illuminate at sunset, making this narrow bridge a perfect setting for romantic strolls or dramatic scenes.
What is the famous drawbridge in Amsterdam?
The Magere Brug, also known as the Skinny Bridge, is the most famous drawbridge in Amsterdam. You can explore several other bridges from this narrow bridge, which is unique because it opens to let boats pass underneath.
The Amstel River has become busier over the years, and with increased water traffic, the area isn’t skinny anymore in terms of activity. Recent research shows that waterway congestion has increased dramatically. That is why the bridge had to undergo several transformations to accommodate the River Amstel’s increased traffic.
What time does the Skinny Bridge light up?
The bridge comes alive at dusk, around sunset. The lights turn on at night, and it’s a beautiful sight for those taking a romantic walk or viewing the bridge from nearby spots. The twinkling lights on the lovely bridge make it one of the most romantic places to visit in the evening.
What is the story behind the Skinny Bridge in Amsterdam?
Two sisters wanted to visit each other more easily, so they built a new bridge in the 17th century. Over the years, the bridge went through several different designs, getting slightly bigger until it became the design we see today. The bridge’s charm grew over the years, and locals consider it a symbol of love, where lovers’ strolls are a common sight, often ending in a romantic kiss under the lights.
Is the Love Lock Bridge still in Amsterdam?
While Magere Brug used to have many love locks, locals regard the practice as now discouraged in order to preserve the bridge’s elegant design and structure. However, the bridge remains a romantic spot, and visitors still come to this beautiful bridge to leave their mark, whether through a photo or a promise to love forever.
Nearby Amsterdam Magere Brug
Magere Brug’s central location makes it close to many attractions. After crossing the bridge, you can visit the nearby canal cruise stations or take a short walk to other bridges or museums. The area has cozy cafes where you can have a coffee while enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the surrounding streets.
Here are the top nearby attractions of Amsterdam’s Magere Brug
- Houseboat Museum
- Hermitage Amsterdam
- Royal Theatre Carré
- Amstel Hotel
- Blauwbrug
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen
- Amstelkerk
- Waterlooplein & Its Flea Market
- Rembrandt House Museum
- Reguliersgracht – Seven Bridges Amsterdam
Magere Brug Skinny Bridge Amsterdam Opening Hours
Magere Brug is open 24/7 for pedestrians and cyclists day and night. There are no peak hours, but most visitors come in the evening when the lights are illuminated, and the bridge is a beautiful sight to walk over.
Can boats pass under the Magere Brug on the Amstel River?
Yes, boats can pass under the Magere Brug. The bridge is a drawbridge and opens at scheduled times to let river traffic pass. The middle section of the bridge lifts, and boats can pass underneath; it’s an integral part of the river Amstel network.
Most Romantic Bridges in Amsterdam
Besides Magere Brug, Amsterdam has several other and wider bridges, such as the Blauwbrug and the Reguliersgracht bridges, but none are as charming as the Skinny Bridge. It’s the most romantic bridge in Amsterdam, often chosen as a backdrop for proposals and wedding photos.
Narrow Bridge Amsterdam History
The history of the narrow bridge goes back centuries, and Magere Brug has gone through several incarnations. Initially built in 1691, it was a functional and straightforward pedestrian and cyclist bridge, but it has evolved to accommodate the growing river traffic.
Top 10 Romantic Places in the Netherlands for Couples
- Houseboat Museum
- Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse)
- Giethoorn Village (Giethoorn)
- Zaanse Schans (Zaandam)
- Castle De Haar (Utrecht)
- Efteling Park (Kaatsheuvel)
- The Hague’s Scheveningen Beach
- Burg Square (Bruges)
- Maastricht’s Vrijthof Square
- Haarlem’s Windmill Walk
In short, Magere Brug or Skinny Bridge, is not just a bridge; it’s a love symbol, a chance to experience a magical romantic atmosphere in Amsterdam.
Whether you see the beautiful lights at night or cross the city to visit other attractions, Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) will be one of the most romantic spots and bridges in Amsterdam, welcoming tourists to enjoy its beauty over the River Amstel.
