One of the best panoramas of central Amsterdam is from the top of the Westerkerk Toren – the Westerkerk Church Bell Tower. Note, the Westertoren is currently closed for a long-term restoration, the re-opening date is not known.
At 40m high, the viewing platform is around half-way up the tower and gives a breathtaking view of Amsterdam.
The tower itself was completed in 1638 and is 85m tall – and still remains the tallest structure in the inner city. The top half of the tower above the platform is actually constructed from wood and covered by either sandstone or lead.
When open, tower visits can only be done by guided tour – these usually run every 30 minutes. The platform can only be reached by climbing up a spiral staircase and then some very steep ladder-like steps.
There is no lift here so you must be reasonably fit and mobile to do the climb – the view however does reward your efforts.
The knowledgeable guides are local university students and they speak very good English.
Particularly good views are seen along the Prinsengracht canal and out towards the Jordaan area. You will be able to see the nearby Anne Frank House.
Other church towers which can be climbed in Amsterdam are Oude Kerk tower (also currently under renovation) and Zuiderkerk tower.
Westerkerk Tower Essential Info
Westerkerk Tower Opening HoursThe tower is closed for long-term restoration but the church itself remains open. |
Westerkerk LocationThe Westerkerk can be reached on foot from Central Station in 15-20 minutes. From Dam Square head west along Raadhuisstraat towards Westermarkt. Trams 13 and 17 stop at Westermarkt. |
Westerkerk Address / ContactWesterkerk Tower, Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW Amsterdam |
Last update 25 September 2024, originally published in 2010.
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