AmsterdamRembrandt’s Rise and Fall
Golden Age Amsterdam. The most famous painter in the city died poor, in a rented grave. Collect the clues and find out what really brought him down.
5 stops5.2 km, less by tramStarts at the Rijksmuseum
All ages. One stop describes a public dissection.
Start the Amsterdam walkThe stops
- The Night Watch: The most famous painting in the Netherlands is smaller than Rembrandt made it. In 1715, someone cut it down to fit a wall.
- The Royal Palace: This palace was built as a town hall. The city asked Rembrandt for its biggest painting, then sent it back.
- The Waag: This building was a city gate, then a weighing house. Upstairs, surgeons cut open bodies in front of paying crowds.
- Rembrandt’s house: Rembrandt bought this house at the height of his fame. He never managed to pay for it.
- Westerkerk: The greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age is buried somewhere in this church. Nobody knows exactly where.
Questions about the Amsterdam walk
Where does the Amsterdam walk start?
Starts at the Rijksmuseum. You can also pick a starting point near you, for example: Centraal Station, Leidseplein, Jordaan.
How long is the Amsterdam walk?
The full walk has 5 stops and is 5.2 km, less by tram. The shorter route has 3 stops and is 2.4 km.
Which stops are on the Amsterdam walk?
The Night Watch, The Royal Palace, The Waag, Rembrandt’s house, Westerkerk.
Who is the Amsterdam walk for?
All ages. One stop describes a public dissection.
What if it rains in Amsterdam?
Rainy? Do the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandt House first: both are indoors.
Are there any safety tips for the Amsterdam walk?
Safety first: the red paths are bike lanes. Never stop on them, and listen instead of reading while you walk.