Whispers of Amsterdam’s past echo along the Achtergracht. This canal offers a glimpse into the city’s Golden Age. Let’s uncover the stories hidden in its architecture and folklore.
The Achtergracht is a short canal. It sits between Frederiksplein and the Amstel. The Achtergracht runs parallel to the Prinsengracht. It lies in the eastern part of Amsterdam’s famous canal belt.
Originally, the Achtergracht was longer. Dug around 1660, it connected the Reguliersgracht to the Amstel. City architect Daniël Stalpaert’s 1662 map clearly shows this “Achter Graft.”
Three bridges once crossed the Achtergracht. One stood at Reguliersgracht’s eastern quay. Another spanned the Utrechtsestraat. The third was at the Amstel’s western quay. In 1870, much of the canal was filled. This made the first two bridges unnecessary. The filled-in section is now Falckstraat. It also forms the northern edge of Frederiksplein.
Later, as the canal belt expanded eastward towards the IJ, the Nieuwe Achtergracht was created. This served as an extension of the Achtergracht.
The buildings lining the Achtergracht are remarkable. Both the northern and southern sides feature municipal and national monuments. Numbers 2 to 26 Achtergracht showcase examples of warehouses. These warehouses have names like The Sun and January through December. They are similar to those found on Brouwersgracht or Prinsengracht.
A charming folk tale explains the names of these “Calendar warehouses.” According to legend, a skipper docked his ships on the Achtergracht. He constantly found them untied at night. One night, he kept watch and discovered elves were playing pranks. He caught one of the elves. In exchange for her freedom, the elf promised him 20 gold coins. The skipper released her and received his reward. He used the gold to build the warehouses. Twelve were named after the months. The thirteenth was named after the elf, Sun. This name still adorns the thirteenth warehouse.
The Achtergracht has its share of interesting tidbits. Spliethoff charter office even named one of its cargo ships the MV Achtergracht. The ship was launched in 1989.
Once upon a time, this area bustled with activity. Before natural gas arrived in the 1960s, the Achtergracht was a major coal distribution center. Coal barges from Limburg would arrive here. Coal workers with soot-covered faces sorted and bagged the coal. It was then distributed throughout the city.
The municipality wanted to fill the last piece of the Achtergracht. However, the warehouses needed to stay accessible to boats. Therefore, a fixed bridge was built.
Today, the Achtergracht offers a peaceful retreat. Its historical facades and the stories they hold are well-preserved. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of architecture, legend, and the enduring spirit of Amsterdam. As you continue your journey, remember the elves. Remember the coal barges, and the warehouses.