#5 - Around the River IJ
Amsterdam, North Holland, NetherlandsLength: 10.8 mi • Est. 4 h 45 m
The loop around the IJ is an exploration along the quays, bridges, locks, barges, yachts, houseboats, sheds, warehouses, terraced scaffolding, dyke houses, decaying businesses and brand new architecture. And always with the sloshing and rippling water of the IJ in the background!
First you take the ferry (Buiksloterveer) for free to the other side of the river. The new EYE (movie museum) beckons for a visit, or climb the observatory tower A'dam Lookout for views over the entire city. Next through the Vogelbuurt to enjoy the silent-mysterious Vliegenbos. You walk along the beautiful Nieuwendammerdijk, with its old lock, a perfect place for lunch, and on to the old abandoned village Schellingwoude. Cross the Orange Locks and visit the wonderful Zeeburgereiland. Here you’ll have the most magnificent views on the harbor. Then into the domain of the Eastern Docklands, where the harbors are overgrown by new residential areas for families with children in buggies. The variation in architectural styles is highly worth seeing: an example of modern city planning that Vliegen and his mates would be proud of. Is the bridge therefore named after his descendant, Jan Schaefer? At the end of the bridge on the right is the landing place for huge cruise ships. Finally, the special Muziektheater with Bimhuis and a breathtaking terrace with a view on the IJ.
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