 Pontsteiger |  Zaandammerplein, Karel de Bazel. |
|---|---|
 Spaarndammerdijk |  'Langste zitbank van Europa' |
 Barts |  Vierde Gymnasium |
 Kunstwerk |  Libau-eiland |
 |  'Stoere Jongens' |
 'Dudok' |  Overzicht |
 Piet Kramerbrug |  Park boven Spaarndammertunnel |
 Narva-eiland |  Memel-eiland |
 Narva-eiland |  Het Schip, Spaarndammerbuurt |
 Calvin Klein |  Mercuriushaven |
Houthaven and its surroundings
On the site where cargo ships unloaded their logs a century ago, an island district is emerging. A neighborhood with narrow streets, plenty of green spaces, and canals weaving between rows of houses. A large part of the area is already inhabited. Urban planner Sjoerd Soeters designed the plan for this new neighborhood.
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Houthaven was excavated in 1876 for the transshipment and storage of wood. It was the first artificial harbor in Amsterdam. The port was created for timber, primarily from Scandinavia, but also from Africa, Asia, and Russia. As wood transportation increasingly shifted to road transport, the inner harbors were filled in by 1945. Now, they are being reopened. The architectural firm of Sjoerd Soeters ensured maximum variety in design, giving each island its own distinct character. They were designed around different themes, ranging from "elegant ladies" to "tough guys." Additionally, all buildings are 100% climate-neutral, a commitment made with the municipality.
Between the new district and the Spaarndammerbuurt, there was once a busy roadway. This has been replaced by the Spaarndammertunnel, with a park built on top. As a result, residents of the new neighborhood have a strong connection to Spaarndammerbuurt.
We can extend the walk (or bike ride) to:
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Spaarndammerbuurt, showcasing top architectural designs from the 1920s, including Het Schip (Amsterdam School), Zaanhof, and Zaandammerplein; or
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Minervahaven and/or Mercuriushaven, two former harbor islands gradually repurposed. Many offices have already been established there, including large buildings for Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. The 500-meter-long Minervahaven is set to become the heart of Amsterdam’s fashion industry. Minervahaven and Mercurius are envisioned as a "future epicenter for art, culture, and media in Amsterdam." The ambitions are high—only time will tell how it unfolds.
Characterization
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Living on new islands near the city center
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Highly diverse architecture based on themes
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100% climate-neutral
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Top architecture from the 1920s
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Heart of the fashion industry
Further details
Guided tours available by appointment for small or large groups.
Price: €20 per person. For companies and institutions, VAT will be added. Small groups pay slightly more per person.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Reservations: Send an email to info@stadswandelkantoor.nl Or call 020-4190022 / 06-41967625 / 06-41967655