“Rijck”, does that name ring a bell? Probably not. But it is the namesake of this bridge we are standing on: the Ryckerbrug. This bridge connects Amsterdam-Centrum and Amsterdam-West. The Ryckerbrug spans the Singelgracht. It links the Rozengracht with the De Clercqstraat.
Let me tell you about the Ryckerbrug’s history. In the 1880s, a small ferry service operated here. It connected the city east of the Singelgracht to the more rural area on the other side. In 1892, Amsterdam commissioned the construction of a fixed bridge. This bridge would span the Singelgracht for the extended Rozengracht. The Rozengracht became a vital thoroughfare.
Willem Springer designed the first Ryckerbrug. However, this first version only lasted until 1927. The city decided to widen the route. Therefore, they commissioned the construction of two new bridges, including this one. Piet Kramer designed this new Ryckerbrug. He collaborated with colleagues from the Department of Public Works. Kramer borrowed from his design for bridge 405. Both bridges share similar ironwork.
Notice the Ryckerbrug’s alternating brickwork and stonework. Look closely at the keystones. You can see some simple sculptures. In 1932, a sculpture was added to the northeastern parapet. Frans Werner created a fire-breathing dragon with a firefighter. This references the nearby fire station. The Ryckerbrug is now a municipal monument.
The Ryckerbrug is part of an important east-west route. Tram lines 13 and 14 used to cross it. Since 2018, it is tram line 19. From 1985, after track renewal, a small piece of third rail appeared on the bridge. This was purely for show. In 2018, during another track renewal, the piece of third rail was reinstalled.
The Ryckerbrug derives its name from the former Rijck bulwark. This bulwark was named after a nearby village. The village disappeared into the Haarlemmermeer during a storm in the seventeenth century. The De Victor windmill stood on this bulwark until 1898.
From 2022 to at least 2025, major work is being carried out on the route. This is called the Oranje Loper. The Ryckerbrug will undergo a transformation. In 2022, a temporary bridge was installed. It featured the artwork “Kreukel” by Karin Colen.
Originally, the Ryckerbrug was a small wooden bridge. It crossed the Buitensingel and the Lange Bleekersloot. This original bridge dated back to 1853. This original bridge had already disappeared when the 1892 bridge was built.
So, the Ryckerbrug has seen many changes. It has evolved from a small wooden bridge to the structure we see today. It has facilitated traffic and tram lines. It stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s history and development. As you cross the Ryckerbrug, remember its past. Think about the people who have crossed it before you. Consider its role in connecting Amsterdam.