Travel tips: Winter in Amsterdam - The Netherlands

Okay, not many of us are able to travel currently but at least we can reminisce and dream of future trips when it is possible again.  This blog covers seasonal travel, namely, Winter in Amsterdam.  

 It does not snow every winter and the amount differs when it does. Occasionally the canals freeze over, sometimes it just freezes without snow and other times there is a little snow but no real freezing.  

 In 2021, although canals didn't freeze,  it was careful treading on crunchy snow turned to dangerously slippery ice in freezing temperatures of up to -15 at night during a week cold spell of over day temperatures at an average of -5 over day!  Heavy winds had blown all snow off the trees but in other years, it is less cold, the trees keep the snow and the parks are exquisite.                                                                                                      

Above photo taken from Hotel de L’Europe and below from a houseboat on the Keizersgracht 

I wouldn't cycle in this weather but some do, with disastrous effects!

 

 

Xmas without Covid had an ice-rink at the Museum square with a Christmas market, and cosy tavern for gluwein, hot chocolate and snacks. It is a cool meeting place with friends and at night even prettier.

 

Daytime vs Nightime

Along the main shopping street you will find the Begijnhof (holy garden) with the smallest narrowest house in the world. You need to find a small hidden alley off the Kalverstraat or the easier entrance via the Spui square side. There are also two small chapels and mass at Easter and xmas. There are actual residents in this area so it is not always open.  In spring, the garden is full of daffodils.

 

The narrowest house is second from the right 

Peaceful walks along quiet suburban canals and through parks

 

 

 

Parks with scraped cycle paths

 

This willow was struck by lightning thus hangs in the canal, although it has now been cleared

 

Suburban tress with kept snow

Iced up bushes and roof gutters

So avoiding summer crowds does leave much beauty and peace by visiting Amsterdam in winter in December to February, the coldest months.  If there is no snow there are plenty of museums to visit.

Rembrant Rijks museum, Van Gogh and the Maritime museum on Prins Hendrikskade, a few stops east of the central station or on foot about 25 mins walk. Book online for the Anne Frank house on the Prinsengracht, near the Westerkerk as it is always busy.

 

The Maritime museum roof on a beautiful day. Bon voyage!