Westerkerk, Amsterdam

Witness the ethereal beauty of the largest Protestant Church in the Netherlands as you visit Westerkerk, a prominent tourist and local attraction in Amsterdam. With its proximity to Anne Frank House, the mediaeval-era Westerkerk sees many history enthusiasts as well as curious tourists visiting throughout the year. Known as the final resting place of numerous Dutch artists and celebrated personalities, Westerkerk also houses Rembrandt’s grave. A Renaissance-style structure located close to the Amsterdam city centre, Westerkerk dates back to 1631 and has since been central to numerous historical occurrences.

The most prominent highlight of Westerkerk is its 85-metre-high bell tower, which features a massive 7,000-kilogram bell that chimes every hour. Guided tours up the Westerkerk Tower, which last 30 minutes, are much sought after among visitors. The knowledgeable guides narrate intriguing stories and show unique sights as you climb up the tower. Other popular tourist attractions of Westerkerk include its church services and summer concert series. Visit this 17th century historical church and it's popular attractions as a part of our Europe tour packages.

Indulge in bewitching panoramic views of Amsterdam as you climb atop the Westerkerk Tower with your loved ones. A special experience offered by Westerkerk is the unique carillon concert of the church’s 42 bells, which play famous pop compositions for tourists every Tuesday at noon.

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• Explore Westerkerk, a seventeenth-century Protestant church that is renowned as the largest of its kind in the Netherlands.
• Situated close to the iconic Anne Frank House, Westerkerk dates back to 1631 and is the resting place of numerous Dutch personalities, including Rembrandt.
• Popular among tourists and locals for its church services and summer concert series, visitors to Westerkerk get to admire its stunning Dutch-style modest interiors.
• Embark on guided tours up the Westerkerk Tower and witness the bewitching beauty of the structure as well as Amsterdam as you climb up.
• Witness a beautiful organ with shutters, a bronze plate commemorating Willy Alberti, Rembrandt’s memorial shield, and the stone triangle of Homo Monument at Westerkerk.
• Visit from 12 noon to 1 PM on Tuesdays and witness a unique carillon concert of the church’s 42 bells. Listen to pop compositions from the Beatles and other prominent artists being played by the bells.

Westerkerk is located at Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Situated next to Anne Frank House and Westermarkt, Westerkerk is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station.

By Tram: The nearest tram station from Westerkerk is the Westerkerk/Anne Frank station, which can be reached via tram lines 13 and 17.

By Bus: Take the bus line 170 or 172 and hop off at Westerkerk/Anne Frank House bus stop.

By Car: Take the S105 exit from the A10 ring and continue along the Bloemgracht canal. You can either park around the Westerkerk or head to the Q-Park Europa Parking on Marnixstraat 250.

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The best time to visit Westerkerk is during the weekdays in the early morning hours. Saturdays and other holidays mean more crowds, while one needs to encounter fewer crowds on weekdays during the early morning hours. Since guided tours are required to explore Westerkerk, visiting when crowds are fewer means you would not have to experience a long waiting time to enter and embark on the tours. A special tip is to visit from 12 noon to 1 PM on Tuesdays when visitors can witness a unique carillon concert of the church’s 42 bells and listen to pop compositions played by the bells.

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Tips to Visit

• While a simple tour of the Westerkerk is free, guided tours up the Westerkerk Tower have minimal ticket prices. It is highly recommended that you embark on the guided tour to experience the best of Westerkerk.
• Children younger than six years old are not permitted to climb the Westerkerk Tower. Hence, if kids are coming along, plan your visit accordingly.
• A special tip is to visit from 12 noon to 1 PM on Tuesdays when visitors can witness a unique carillon concert of the church’s 42 bells and listen to pop compositions played by the bells.
• Visit on weekdays during early morning hours to avoid crowds and explore at leisure.

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