Magere Brug, or Skinny Bridge, is a white wooden drawbridge across the Amstel River in Amsterdam, near Kerkstraat. Its double-leaf design opens to let boats pass, and the bridge connects the riverbanks for pedestrians and cyclists. Stop for views along the water and the surrounding traditional architecture, or watch the bridge lift when a boat approaches. After dark, its lights give the crossing a different look. The bridge is a short, open-air stop, best paired with a walk along the Amstel.
A crossing over the Amstel
Magere Brug, commonly called the Skinny Bridge, crosses the Amstel near Kerkstraat. Its narrow predecessor gave the bridge its name. The current bridge is a white-painted wooden drawbridge with two movable leaves that rise to let boats through.
The crossing is for pedestrians and cyclists. From the bridge, you can look along the river and see the architecture on its banks. Boats passing beneath are part of the view, and when one needs to pass, the bridge opens from the middle.
After dark
The bridge is illuminated at night, drawing people who come to see it against the river and take photographs. Sunset is a useful time to arrive if you want to see the change from daylight to the evening lights.
A local story says that couples who kiss while crossing or passing beneath the bridge will stay in love. It is also known as a filming location for the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Skinny Bridge?
It crosses the Amstel River near Kerkstraat in Amsterdam.
Can you walk across the Skinny Bridge?
Yes. The bridge is used by pedestrians and cyclists.
When is the best time to see the Skinny Bridge?
Go around sunset to see it in daylight and after dark, when it is illuminated.
