Skinny Bridge in Amsterdam (Magere Brug)

One of the nicest free things to do in Amsterdam

The Skinny Bridge is a very pretty bridge that straddles the river Amstel, connecting the two banks between Keizergracht and Prinsengracht canals. Located near the Amsterdam Opera and opposite the Carre Theatre, it is a popular destination for all Amsterdam visitors, especially photographers and romantics.

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Where is the Skinny Bridge

The beautiful bridge is found within the heart of the city. Nearest attractions include the Hermitage Museum, Royal Botancial Gardens, Foam Museum, Museum Van Loon and the Carre Theatre. All of these are a short walk away.

Address:

Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge)

Brugnummer 242 bij Amstel

1015 CX Amsterdam

Why visit the Skinny Bridge

If you enjoy walking it is quite likely that you will actually stumble across this bridge whilst wandering around Amsterdam. If you are walking at night you will see it beautifully lit up by over a thousand lightbulbs. These lights sparkle and dance on the canal beneath and create one of the most romantic views in Amsterdam. You’ll find photographers taking pictures of the bridge at all times of day/night and couples kissing on the bridge itself.

There are many excellent tours that will feature Magere Brug by foot, bike or water.

Legends of the skinny bridge in Amsterdam

One of the reasons this bridge is viewed as the most romantic in Amsterdam is the legend that a kiss on the bridge, or a kiss taken whilst travelling under the bridge in a boat means the couple will stay in love forever.

Proposal Amsterdam

If you are looking for proposal ideas, The skinny bridge is one of the most popular Amsterdam proposal spots. It’s history and beauty make it a lovely location for marriage proposal Amsterdam, so don’t be surprised if you see someone down on one knee in the evening under the lights.

We have a post all about romantic things to do in Amsterdam if you are a couple exploring the city together.

James Bond

Not really a legend as you can stream Diamonds are Forever at home before your trip and see for yourself. In the film Sean Connery playing James Bond in his last official outing (not counting the Never say Never unofficial return) is in Amsterdam to meet Tiffany Case about diamond smuggling.

You’ll see one of the canal boats approaching the skinny bridge with a voice over of the tour guide talking about the legend of the skinny sisters. On the bridge above are Mr Wint and Mr Kid taking photographs. The unfortunate Mrs Whistler is being dragged out of the Amstel, understandably distracting the tour guide from her speech. Bond finally appears in the background driving his Triumph Stag to Tiffany Case’s home on Reguliersgracht 36, which is still virtually the same now as it was then in the film.

We have a page all about Diamonds in Amsterdam if you want to learn more or perhaps plan your own proposal.

The legend of the Skinny Sisters

The legend of the Magere Brug is one told to tourists often. In which two sisters lived on opposite sides of the Amstel and wanted to see each other more often so built a narrow bridge to be able to achieve this. In other renderings one of the sisters surnames is Magere (meaning skinny) and hence the bridge was named.

The real history of the skinny bridge in Amsterdam

The first bridge built at this location was in 1691. The design of the bridge was very narrow so the locals started to call it the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Nearly two hundred years later the bridge was demolished and replaced. This was not the end though as this second bridge had to be replaced too, only 50 years later. So in 1934 after various proposals the city decided to replace the bridge with a new one that looked the same as the old one. This stands to this day and had renovation work done in 1969.

Previously the bridge was opened by hand but now it is automated. The bridge will open often to allow taller boats to pass underneath. The sightseeing canal boats that frequent the Amstel mostly pass underneath without the need for opening the bridge.

The bridge itself is not used for vehicles and only pedestrians and bikes use it now. This partly explains its popularity as it is not only beautiful, but somewhere you can stand without fear of traffic, other than the odd rogue cyclist.