landmark
Westerkerk
A landmark Protestant church on the Prinsengracht; climb the 85m Westertoren for canal views.
Photo: Marco Hueg / Google
The Westerkerk is the landmark church of the Jordaan, its blue-crowned Westertoren rising 85 metres over the Prinsengracht as the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. Rembrandt is buried somewhere within, and Anne Frank wrote of hearing its bells from her hiding place next door.
What to see
The plain Protestant interior is worth a look, but the real draw is climbing the Westertoren on a guided ascent for one of the finest views over the canals and rooftops.
Below the tower, the Homomonument and the Anne Frank House are just steps away, making it an easy stop on a Jordaan walk.
Good to know
The church is generally free to enter outside services; the tower climb is ticketed and runs seasonally, so book ahead and check times.
You'll find it in the heart of the Jordaan, a short walk from the Nine Streets.
What to expect
A free, peaceful church interior with the grave of Rembrandt
A guided climb up the Westertoren (around €7.50) for panoramic canal views
A carillon that plays across the canals during the day
Steep, ladder-like steps near the top — you need to be reasonably mobile
Tips from locals
Entry to the church itself is free, with donations welcome.
In the warmer months you can usually climb the Westertoren on a guided tour — check ahead, as it sometimes closes for restoration.
Listen for the carillon: students often play the bells on Tuesdays around midday.
It's right next to the Anne Frank House, so the two are easy to combine.
Look up for the blue imperial crown atop the tower — the same crown on Amsterdam's coat of arms.
Did you know?
The Westertoren is the tallest church tower in Amsterdam at 85 metres.
The painter Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in the Westerkerk in 1669.
It was the first major Protestant church built in Amsterdam.
The tower is crowned with the blue imperial crown of Maximilian I of Austria.
Anne Frank wrote about the comfort of hearing the Westertoren's bells from her nearby hiding place.
FAQ
- What is the Westerkerk?
- Amsterdam's grand 17th-century Protestant church beside the Jordaan, with the city's tallest church tower.
- Where is it?
- On the Prinsengracht at the Westermarkt, next to the Anne Frank House.
- Is there an entrance fee?
- No — entry to the church is free, with donations welcome.
- Can I climb the tower?
- Usually in the warmer months on a guided visit, though it occasionally closes for restoration.
- Who is buried there?
- The painter Rembrandt van Rijn, among other notable Amsterdammers.
Westerkerk
Prinsengracht 279, 1016 GW, Amsterdam