Beyond the IJ lies a district unlike any other. We are in Amsterdam-Noord. It’s a place where the urban landscape meets rural charm.
Amsterdam-Noord began as the Volewijck peninsula. Amsterdam gained control of it in 1393. Until 1795, the area served as a gallows field. Corpses of convicts hung here as a warning.
In 1660, workers began digging the Buikslotertrekvaart. This waterway ran from the IJ to various towns. To fund this project, a toll house was built in 1662.
The Noordhollandsch Kanaal cut through the area after 1824. Only in the 19th century did Amsterdam-Noord begin to urbanize. Marshes needed filling with port sludge before construction. This created areas like Buiksloterham and Nieuwendammerham.
After 1876, the North Sea Canal opened. Steamers could now access the port of Amsterdam. The municipality decided to turn northern rural areas into industrial zones. Companies like the Stoomvaartmaatschappij Nederland and others set up shop. The Amsterdam Drydock Company built a ship repair yard.
Many ferries transported workers daily. A need for housing arose. Johan van Hasselt designed Amsterdam-Noord in 1900. His plan included space for both living and working.
After World War I, Anthony Fokker established his aircraft factory here. Housing associations built the Vogelbuurt. The Municipal Housing Service took over construction in Buiksloterham.
During World War II, Allied forces bombed the industry in Amsterdam-Noord. The Fokker factories were the target on July 17, 1943. However, bombs fell on residential areas. This resulted in 158 deaths and 119 injuries. In total, the bombings killed over 200 citizens. This was the heaviest air bombardment in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam-Noord became a borough with its own council in 1981. In 2012, the EYE Film Institute Netherlands moved here. This made the borough more culturally attractive.
Amsterdam-Noord is known for its tuindorpen or garden villages. These include Tuindorp Nieuwendam and Tuindorp Oostzaan.
A significant part of Amsterdam-Noord is Landelijk Noord. This rural area includes villages like Durgerdam and Ransdorp.
Amsterdam-Noord is separated from the rest of the city by the IJ. Tunnels and ferries connect it. Metro Line 52 also serves Amsterdam-Noord.
D’Admiraal windmill is a notable sight in Amsterdam-Noord. It was built in 1792.
Amsterdam-Noord offers a unique blend of urban and rural life. Its history and diverse culture make it a fascinating place to explore. The free GVB ferry provides a great view of the harbor front. It shows the diversity of Amsterdam-Noord’s residents. Be sure to explore this unique borough.