Oude Kerk (Old Church) is a church located in the red-light district of Amsterdam with origins dating back to the 14th century. It is the oldest building in the city.
It is possible to climb the old church tower (Oudekerkstoren) by guided tour in the season which runs April to October. This gives very good 360° views of the surrounding area from a narrow square platform just over half-way up the tower.
The tower in its current form dates from the 1730s and is 67m in height including the wooden spire.
The tower tour can only be made in conjunction with a visit to the Oude Kerk itself. The meeting point for the tour starts under the monumental organ inside the church. The external door at the tower base is no longer used as access for tours.
There are no lifts in the Oudekerk – you will have to climb up narrow spiral staircases and steep step ladders – so it is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues.
There are a total of 155 steps over 7 levels to the viewing platform. Inside you will see a lot of wooden and metal beams which reinforce the old structure.
Highlights of the tour include:
- 47 bell carillon – the 14 heaviest bells date from 1658 and were cast by renowned bellfounder François Hemony. The remaining carillon bells date from the 20th century.
- The impressive bells on the 5th level, the largest of which weighs 3,700kg. They are still played by bell ringers using ropes.
- The mechanical music box on the 6th level which is used for time chimes.
Finally you reach the viewing platform itself and moving around is done in single file.
You will be able to spot some prominent Amsterdam buildings including Central Station, Beurs van Berlage, Zuiderkerk tower and St Nicholaaskerk.
According to the guide the tours are contracted to run for the 2025-2027 seasons. If you enjoy combining history with some nice views of Amsterdam then the Oude kerk tower is worth a climb.
The Oudekerk is one of 3 church towers in Amsterdam centre that can usually be climbed – the others are Westerkerk tower (under renovation) and the Zuiderkerk tower.
Oude Kerk Tower Essential Info
Oudekerk Tower Opening HoursThe tower is open 24 May to 31 Oct 2025. Tours run at the following times:
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Oude Kerk Tower Tickets & AdmissionA visit to the tower can only be booked in combination with a visit to the Oude Kerk. The tour cost €7.50 for adults, €5.00 for children 6-12 in addition to your ticket to Oude Kerk. The minimum height requirement is 1.20m. |
How to Get to the Oude Kerk |
Address / ContactOude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam |
Last update 24 September 2025, originally published in 2011.
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