Magere Brug

Overview

The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is a white wooden drawbridge over the Amstel river, and one of Amsterdam's most photographed landmarks. It is especially beautiful when illuminated with 1,200 lights at night.

Highlights

• Night Illumination: The bridge is lit with hundreds of bulbs after dark, creating a romantic glow.
• Working Drawbridge: Still operated manually by a bridge keeper to let boats pass.
• Amstel Views: Panoramic river views of the Hermitage and Theatre Carré.

History

The original bridge dates to around 1691. The current structure is a 1934 reconstruction of the traditional double-leaf Dutch drawbridge design.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit after sunset for the best photos of the illumination.
• Tip 2: Combine with an evening walk along the Amstel quays.
• Duration: 10–15 minutes.