Here at Albardagracht, can you believe this canal was only named in 1957? It’s named after Willem Albarda a politician. The Albardagracht runs east to west from the Eendrachtspark toward the Eendracht neighborhood.
This canal wasn’t always here. It was dug in the second half of the 1950s. Its primary job is managing the water levels in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Imagine the careful planning required for that.
Oddly enough, Albardakade doesn’t run along this canal. That’s one of those quirky details you won’t find in every guidebook.
Now let’s talk about a bridge that once crossed the Albardagracht. From the early 1960s to the late 1990s, the Abraham Kuyperlaan passed over the canal via a viaduct. Get this it stood unused for 20 years. Then it was used for traffic for only 15 years before being torn down. Talk about a short lifespan.
You might notice some newer buildings around here. That’s because some of the original structures have been replaced as part of urban renewal projects. The north quay is the only side with a road sharing the Albardagracht’s name. The south banks have buildings but no direct street access along the water.
Keep an eye out for Albardagracht number 1. This house is also known as ‘t Kabouterhuis the Gnome House. Marjet Wessels Boer designed its unique fence. It’s called the Kabouterhuis-hek.
Currently, there are 69 addresses along Albardagracht in Amsterdam. That makes for a vibrant community living right on the water.
Amsterdam itself is famous for being the Venice of the North. But did you know it’s built on about eleven million poles? The city is about a meter below sea level. Amsterdam started as a small fishing village behind a dike in the 13th century. It was called Amstelredam referring to the dam in the Amstel river.
Amsterdam officially became the capital of the Netherlands in 1983. Before that, everyone just assumed it was. In 1806, King Lodewijk Napoleon tried to say “I am the King of Holland” in Dutch. Instead, he said, “I am the rabbit of Holland”.
Amsterdam has 165 canals totaling over 100 kilometers. Every year, about 25.000 bikes end up in these canals.
Remember as you stroll along the Albardagracht, you are walking alongside a waterway with a practical purpose. It has a surprisingly eventful past and contributes to the charm of Amsterdam Nieuw-West.