Bucket List: 'The Over the Edge Swing' in Amsterdam
Are you a
dare devil and looking for a fun thing to do in Amsterdam besides visiting
museums, strolling around the canals and exploring the city by bike? Take a
ride in the highest swing of Europe on top of a 22-floor high tower with a
gorgeous panorama view over the city of Amsterdam. As the name already says, it
is not a normal swing. You will swing over the edge and you will be able to
look down almost a 100 meters. Even I, without having height disease, got a bit
dizzy. Definitely not for people with a weak stomach! The ‘Over the edge swing’
is located on top of the Amsterdam Tower. This tower was opened in 1971 and
home to oil-company Shel. Since 2016 it was renamed as the A’dam Tower, and
turned into Amsterdam’s very first observation deck. Furthermore it is also
home to several different restaurants, a hotel, a music school and lastly the
Amsterdam lookout including the swing.
The
experience
When visiting the
Amsterdam Lookout you will be brought to the top with an elevator. Make sure
you keep your eyes open and look up, you will be treated with a very nice light
show. Also you will get a picture before a green screen which will later be
turned into the skyline of Amsterdam. When we got at the top of the tower in
became very windy. Of course, since you are on top of a 100 meter tower. But
dress yourself well, cause it can get cold. We walked around for bit to enjoy
the panorama view, and secretly also because looking at the swing from a distance
made us a bit nervous. But of course, we did do it. The swing swings
automatically (so no need to swing yourself). The swinging takes approximately 3
minutes, where you can enjoy the gorgeous view. As mentioned before I did get a
bit nauseous because of the swing, but luckily it was over soon. If you have a
fear of heights, definitely do not look down!!
Know before you go
The A’dam Tower can
be easily reached by taking the free ferry to Buiksloterweg behind the Central
Train station. A ticket to the Amsterdam Lookout is €12,50 and you have to pay €5,-
extra for a ride on the swing. As mentioned before the swinging takes around 3
minutes. However, you are able to ask the employee for a shorter ride if you
feel very scared. You can also ask the employee to take some pictures of you
while being in the swing. Furthermore you can download the pictures before the
green screen for free, you can also buy them as a real picture. The overall
visit to the Amsterdam Lookout and the Over the Edge Swing takes approximately an
hour. But of course you could prolong it with more time on top or a visit to
one of the many restaurants and bars in the tower. Furthermore you could also pay a visit to the filmmuseum Eye Amsterdam which is next door.
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