Is the Magere Brug free?

Yes, it's a public bridge — no ticket, always accessible on foot or by bike.

Always — it's a public bridge. The bridge raises for boats roughly every 30 minutes during the day.

Where is the Magere Brug?

Across the Amstel between Kerkstraat and Nieuwe Kerkstraat, a short walk from Rembrandtplein.

When is the bridge lit up?

From dusk onwards every night; the lighting is part of the official Amsterdam Light installations.

No — it's open to pedestrians and cyclists only.

monument

Magere Brug

The 'Skinny Bridge' over the Amstel, a wooden drawbridge lit up at night.

Photo: Theo A / Google

The Magere Brug ('Skinny Bridge') is a white-painted wooden double drawbridge spanning the Amstel between Kerkstraat and Nieuwe Kerkstraat.

A bridge has stood here since 1691; the current version dates from a 1934 reconstruction. By night it is lit with 1,200 bulbs that outline its frame and reflect on the river — the classic Amsterdam postcard view.

It is a working drawbridge: roughly twice an hour the bridge keeper raises it for passing boats. Pedestrians and cyclists cross freely; it has no car traffic.

What to expect

A working white wooden double drawbridge
The classic 'Amsterdam at night' lit-up view from the Amstel
Bridge lifts roughly twice an hour for canal boats
Best views from Blauwbrug or a canal cruise

Tips from locals

Come at blue hour — the lights switch on and the photos are unbeatable.
Stand on the Blauwbrug (the next bridge upriver) for the full postcard angle.
It's a working bridge — pause and watch it lift for a passing boat.
Combine with a walk along the Amstel to the Hermitage.

Did you know?

A bridge has spanned this stretch of the Amstel since 1691; the current wooden double drawbridge dates from 1934.
Legend says it was first built by two sisters who lived on opposite banks and wanted an easy way to visit each other.
It's outlined with around 1,200 light bulbs at night — a permanent part of the city's lighting plan.
The bridge is still operated manually by a bridge keeper and lifts roughly twice an hour.
It features in the James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever (1971).

FAQ

Is the Magere Brug free?: Yes, it's a public bridge — no ticket, always accessible on foot or by bike.
When is it open?: Always — it's a public bridge. The bridge raises for boats roughly every 30 minutes during the day.
Where is the Magere Brug?: Across the Amstel between Kerkstraat and Nieuwe Kerkstraat, a short walk from Rembrandtplein.
When is the bridge lit up?: From dusk onwards every night; the lighting is part of the official Amsterdam Light installations.
Can cars cross it?: No — it's open to pedestrians and cyclists only.

Magere Brug

Kerkstraat 71, Amsterdam