The Tranquil Oasis of Begijnhof in Amsterdam
Discover the tranquility and rich history of Begijnhof, a hidden oasis in the heart of Amsterdam, offering a glimpse into the city's enchanting past.
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Begijnhof is a serene historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's past, characterized by its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens. This enchanting site, once home to a community of beguines, provides an escape from the bustling streets, making it a must-visit for any traveler seeking both history and tranquility.
A brief summary to Begijnhof
- Begijnhof 1, Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Centrum, 1012 WS, NL
- +31206221918
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-6:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the peace of Begijnhof.
- Don't forget to explore the chapel and admire its stunning architecture and stained glass.
- Take your time to stroll around the gardens and appreciate the historical buildings that surround the courtyard.
- Respect the tranquility of the site; it's a peaceful place for reflection.
Getting There
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Walking
Start at the Haarlem Train Station. Exit the station and head southeast on Stationsplein toward the city center. Continue straight onto Kruisweg for about 1 km until you reach the city center. When you arrive at the Grote Markt, you will see the St. Bavochurch. From there, head east along the Bakenessergracht, which will turn into the Houtstraat. Follow this street until you reach the Molenwerf. Turn left at the Molenwerf and continue until you reach the Spaarne River. Cross the bridge and continue walking along the river until you reach the intersection with the Nieuwe Gracht. From here, turn right and continue straight to the city center. Once you arrive at Damstraat, continue straight until you reach the Dam. From the Dam, you can use public transport to reach Amsterdam, where the Begijnhof is located.
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Public Transport
From Haarlem Train Station, take a direct train to Amsterdam Central Station. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Once you arrive at Amsterdam Central Station, exit the station and head towards the main exit. Follow the signs leading to the Damrak. Once you are on the Damrak, you can either walk or take tram line 4, 14, or 24 towards the Westermarkt. If you choose to walk, head straight along the Damrak until you reach the Dam Square. From the Dam Square, walk towards the Royal Palace and then take the street to the left, which leads to the Begijnhof. It is a short walk from the Dam Square, and you will find the entrance to the Begijnhof on your right.