Historische woonboten aan de Amstel

Along the Amstel lie some of the most beautiful and characteristic houseboats of Amsterdam. Many of these vessels once began their lives as cargo ships, coal boats or water carriers and, after the Second World War, were given a second existence as homes. Due to the great housing shortage, discarded inland vessels were converted into floating houses. Especially along the Amstel a special streetscape arose, where historic ships and monumental canal houses alternate. Today these houseboats are loved for their unique character and the unobstructed view over the water. The municipality now regards many of these vessels as sailing heritage, because they form an important part of Amsterdam history.
Where does the name come from?
The name is actually very literal: these are historic houseboats moored on the river Amstel. The Amstel is the river to which Amsterdam owes its name – ‘Amstelredamme’, the dam in the Amstel – which is why these houseboats are literally part of the origin of the city.
Fun fact
One of the best-known historic houseboats is De Dogger, a ship that originally transported fresh water for the Amstel brewery. After the city got a water main, the ship was converted into a coal boat and home. It was among the longest-inhabited houseboats in the Netherlands and gr