Westerkerk Tower

Overview

The Westerkerk Tower (Westertoren) stands 85 metres tall and offers the best bird's-eye view of the Jordaan and canal ring. The climb involves 186 narrow steps through the bell chamber.

Highlights

• Canal Ring Panorama: Unmatched views of the UNESCO-listed concentric canal belts.
• Bell Chamber: See the 50-bell carillon up close during the guided climb.
• Crown Close-Up: The Habsburg imperial crown atop the tower, visible across the city.

History

Completed in 1638 as part of Hendrick de Keyser's Westerkerk. The tower has been open to climbers since the 19th century and remains the tallest church tower in Amsterdam.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Tours depart every 30 minutes — arrive early in summer.
• Tip 2: Not suitable for those with mobility issues due to very narrow stairs.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.