10 interesting facts about the canals in Amsterdam

The city boasts 165 canals, totalling over 100 kilometres. This surpasses Venice’s count, making Amsterdam the true "Venice of the North." These waterways form the iconic Grachtengordel, which is officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The city is built on millions of wooden poles. Because the ground is so swampy, these timber piles were driven into the sand layer to prevent buildings from sinking. Without this foundation, the majestic canal houses would have collapsed centuries ago!

The majority of the Canal Ring was planned and excavated between 1585 and 1665. Completing such a massive engineering project within a single human lifetime remains a staggering achievement of the Dutch Golden Age.

With over 1,700 bridges, Amsterdam nearly triples the bridge count of Venice. The most famous spot is the intersection of Reguliersgracht and Herengracht, where you can see seven stone arches perfectly aligned.

The city has over 2,500 houseboats. These floating residences are permanently moored and fully connected to the city's power and sewage grids. While some are converted old cargo ships, others are modern floating villas that offer a unique way to experience the water.

The Canal Ring wasn't just for aesthetics. During the Dutch Golden Age, this massive project expanded the city's footprint fourfold. This strategic urban planning allowed Amsterdam to accommodate a booming population and become one of the wealthiest trading hubs in Europe.

While many Amsterdam canals facts focus on the 17th century, the Oudezijds Voorburgwal is actually the city's oldest canal. Dug in the 14th century, it predates the main Canal Ring by hundreds of years. It flows through the medieval centre, showcasing architecture that represents the city's earliest beginnings.

The city is actually a collection of roughly 90 islands. The intricate digging process carved the land into separate pieces, all stitched back together by the city's massive bridge network. This layout creates the charming, village-like atmosphere found in every neighbourhood.

Every year, municipal workers "fish" between 12,000 and 15,000 bikes out of the water. Specialised boats use hydraulic claws to clear the canal beds of these sunken cycles to keep the waterways safe.

To keep the city healthy, Amsterdam's canals include a complex flushing system. Several times a week, the city's locks are closed, and fresh water is pumped in from the IJmeer lake. This process ensures the water remains clean and prevents the stagnant conditions that plagued the city centuries ago.