De woonboten langs de Amstel

The houseboats along the Amstel are inextricably connected with the Amsterdam streetscape. Along the river lie dozens of historic cargo ships, former inland vessels and modern houseboats that together form a unique view. Many of the oldest houseboats began their lives as cargo or working ships and were converted into homes after the Second World War, when the great housing shortage in Amsterdam called for creative solutions. Today hundreds of Amsterdammers live on the water, where life plays out among bobbing boats, rowers and the stately canal houses on the quay. The houseboats give the Amstel a character you won’t find anywhere else in the world: in the middle of the city, but always with the water as a front garden.
Where does the name come from?
The name houseboat (woonboot) speaks for itself: it is a boat used as a home. Along the Amstel lie both historic ships and modern floating homes. Especially the old cargo ships are seen as sailing heritage and tell the story of the maritime history of Amsterdam.
Fun fact
Amsterdam has around 2,500 houseboats, a large part of which lie in and around the historic city centre. The houseboats on the Amstel are among the most sought-after moorings in the city, thanks to the unobstructed view over the river and the special combination of living on the water and in the middle of the historic centre.