A tiny character-filled bridge house in the heart of old Amsterdam neighbouring a traditional Dutch brown café. This adorable house is a stone’s throw from the river IJ, the Scheepvaart (National Maritime) Museum and the impressive NEMO Science Museum. The surrounding neighbourhood offers quaint cafés for a bite to eat or to sample a local brew. Amsterdam Central Station is directly accessible by bus (7 minutes). Heads up curious travellers, the shower facility in this bridge house is especially narrow, suitable for lovers of tiny spaces and hit-and-run showers.
Bookings for bridge house Scharrebiersluis include a SWEET little extra: 50% discount on tickets for the Maritime Museum!
From 1906 to 2017 the Scharrebiersluis bridge house accommodated the city’s bridge keepers. In 2017 the bridge house started a new chapter as one of 28 suites for SWEETS hotel.
Architect 1906: Public Works, directed by W.A. de Graaf
Architect 2017: Space&Matter
Architectural Style: Early Amsterdam School
Location: Kadijksplein
Waterway: Rapenburgersluis
Bridge Type: Drawbridge
The Scharrebiersluis, a steel drawbridge over Nieuwe Herengracht (canal), was designed under the direction of W.A. de Graaf at the city’s public works department and has national listed status. Originally, a wooden bridge control building stood next to the bridge but in 1906 this was replaced by a brick building. With its sober form and simple brickwork, the Scharrebiersluis bridge house was clearly designed before the exuberance of the Amsterdam School. The original barriers for road traffic have been preserved, but modern barriers are now used when the bridge is open. The bridge takes its name from a type of beer, Scharrebier, which was traditionally consumed by workers. The beer was sold on this bridge to the large group of shipyard workers who often gathered here.
Before you book a SWEET stay, please read our house rules:
20m
Café Scharrebier is a spot for locals but feel free to join them for a cold beer with a typical Dutch Bitterbal before you go out for dinner. (Photo courtesy of Like a Local Guide)
52m
The perfect spot to have breakfast or brunch with culinary influences from New Zealand all the way to Brazil. Try the Eggs Benny, they’re irresistible. (Photo courtesy of Bakers & Roasters)
350m
This museum is dedicated to the maritime history of the Netherlands containing many artefacts associated with shipping and sailing. (Photo courtesy of Amsterdam.info)
500m
A small, quiet neighbourhood park bordering the city's botanical garden. (Photo courtesy of ifthenisnow.eu)
1,4km
High quality food in a chic setting with a view of the water and a superb selection of German wines. (Photo courtesy of Scheepskameel)
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Keep exploring other bridge houses.
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Located in popular West Amsterdam, close to bars, cafés and shops with a bird’s eye view of a canal.
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