There are many narrowest, smallest, thinnest houses, or whatever you describe them, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Let’s see why a city like Amsterdam has such a skinny house.
1. Why Are There Many Narrow Houses In Amsterdam?
We all know that Amsterdam is famous for its unique architecture. They range from historic houses, slanted houses, skyscrapers, sinking houses, and the most well-known of them all, narrow houses.
But why? Should the houses in a modern city be spacious? Of course, there are commodious buildings. Still, skinny houses exist for a reason.
- A video about the Narrowest House in Amsterdam, Netherlands
If you notice, you’ll find that Amsterdam is a little crowded. People are somewhat jam-packed shoulder to shoulder on the streets and cycle lanes. And the houses include no exceptions. Narrow Amsterdam canal houses are crammed throughout the city, particularly in the old downtown area and the canal belt.
When the city grew rapidly following the seventeenth-century economic boom, narrow houses allowed more people to fit into the city’s limited space. However, some of these Amsterdam houses are so small and skinny that you must see them to believe it.
This post will inform you everything about the narrowest house in Amsterdam.
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2. The Narrowest (The Smallest) House In Amsterdam – Oude Hougestrat 22
- Where to see it: Oude Hoogstraat 22, Amsterdam
- How to get there: Just head right to the Red Light District, it’s near the Zuiderkerk
This is the smallest house in Amsterdam with only 2.2 meters in width. To make it easy to imagine, it’s around the length of six wine bottles.
This house at Oude Hougestrat 22 lies modestly between the Walloon Church’s entrance and the historic East Indies House in the Red Light District.
But it’s so small that you’ve likely passed it without even noticing. With its red-brick wall and classic spout gable, it appears to be a mini version of every other Amsterdam canal house.
3. History Of This Smallest House In Amsterdam
In 1738, the city government bought a small piece of land for this unusually narrow house. The first hire was a clockmaker. He used it as a single-story building.
The structure served as a workshop and then a three-story home over time. These days, this place is a storefront for small businesses such as a flower shop and a jewelry store.
4. Other Narrow Houses In Amsterdam
4.1. The Kleine Trippenhuis – Kloveniersburgwal 26
In the 17th century, the Trippenhuis was Amsterdam’s biggest building. Its owner is the infamous arms-dealing Trip brothers. The house is notable for its reflection on the luxurious villa across the channel.
Despite being notorious arms dealers, the Trip brothers’ house purchase story is cute. Once, the brothers’ coachman said he’d be so happy to live in a house even as small as the width of the mansion’s entrance.
In good spirits, the brothers set up the 2.4-meter house across the river channel to imitate the neoclassical exterior — a small present for their beloved coachman. Anyway, this is just a story that people have passed around for fun, don’t take it seriously.
4.2. The Loophole – Singel 7
The Loophole is often believed to be the narrowest house in Amsterdam.
This Amsterdam canal house is located on Singel 7. Mistakenly (but understandably) it is often thought to be Amsterdam’s narrowest house. However, only the facade is so narrow at one meter in width. Meanwhile, the other side of the building appears to be normal. As a result, the inside is not that narrow.
5. How To Tour All Of These Narrowest Houses In Amsterdam
It takes just an hour or two to tour these narrowest houses in Amsterdam. You can easily get to the destination by cycling or even walking. And on your way, remember to enjoy other scenic views as well.
