Plizio Visual Lab

Westerkerk Amsterdam

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
—°101
Westerkerk Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Weather…

Highlights of 2026

10

The Westerkerk in Amsterdam is one of the most significant Protestant churches in the city, constructed between 1620 and 1631 in the Dutch Renaissance style. Designed by the acclaimed architect Hendrick de Keyser, the building is renowned for its scale and its 85-meter-high Westertoren, which remains the tallest church tower in Amsterdam. Located on the banks of the Prinsengracht, the church played a central role during the Dutch Golden Age. It holds great historical importance as the burial place of the master painter Rembrandt van Rijn, who was interred here in 1669 in an unmarked pauper's grave. During World War II, the church gained international recognition through the diary of Anne Frank, who frequently mentioned hearing the chimes of its bells from her nearby hiding place. The architectural design features a mix of brickwork and stone ornamentation, and the tower's spire is crowned with the imperial crown of Maximilian I, symbolizing the city's historical ties to the Habsburg Empire.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446913161818151285
Rain mm756453405763819070787681

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
Westerkerk in Amsterdam is open to visitors, and the church interior can be viewed during opening hours. Entry is usually free, while climbing the tower is paid.
🕒
Typical hours
The church is typically open Monday to Saturday during the day, on Sundays only after the service. Public holidays may have different hours.
📷
Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash and tripod. Near the pulpit and Rembrandt's grave, restrictions may apply.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes for the church visit. If you want to climb the tower, add another hour.
Combine with
Westerkerk is located on Prinsengracht, near the Anne Frank House and the Homomonument. Combine the visit with a canal cruise.
🧭
Getting there
From Dam Square, Westerkerk is about a 10-minute walk. Trams 13, 14, and 17 stop at Westermarkt.
💡
Insider tip
Climb to the top of Westerkerk's tower for a sweeping view over Amsterdam. Listen to the carillon, which is played regularly.

Geography

Coordinates
52.37620, 4.88370

Facts

  • Westerkerk was the largest church built specifically for Protestant services at its time.
  • The Westertoren's carillon consists of 51 bells, with the heaviest weighing over 7 tons.
  • Rembrandt was buried here in a shared grave, as he died in poverty in 1669.
  • Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands married Prince Claus here in March 1966.
  • The tower features the blue imperial crown of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I.
  • The interior is notable for its 'clear-glass' windows, which provide an abundance of light.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Westerkerk Amsterdam (1)

Het Eikenhout🎡 recreation

Beach area near Amsterdam, for recreation by the water.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried in the Westerkerk?
Rembrandt van Rijn, although his exact grave site is unknown.
How high is the Westertoren?
It is 85 meters high, the tallest tower in Amsterdam.
Is the church near the Anne Frank House?
Yes, it is right next to it and is often mentioned in the diary.
Can you climb the tower?
Yes, guided tours up the tower are available in summer.
What does the crown on the tower represent?
The imperial crown of Maximilian I of Austria.
Westerkerk Amsterdam: where is it located?
Westerkerk Amsterdam is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Westerkerk Amsterdam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Westerkerk Amsterdam: why is it worth visiting?
The Westerkerk in Amsterdam is one of the most significant Protestant churches in the city, constructed between 1620 and 1631 in the Dutch Renaissance style.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Netherlands →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

More places