Oude Kerk
Religious Site Amsterdam's oldest building and historic Dutch Reformed church
Amsterdam’s 13th‑century parish church in De Wallen, the Oude Kerk displays timber beams, stained glass and occasional contemporary exhibitions. Tourists visit for its medieval architecture and its location amid some of the city’s oldest streets and canals.
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building and oldest parish church in Amsterdam, with origins in the early 13th century and a consecration date commonly cited as 1306. It occupies a prominent site in the historic De Wallen district.
The interior is notable for its timber roof, Gothic architecture, and a floor paved with historic tomb slabs marking centuries of burials. The church contains carved wooden choir stalls, a large organ, and visible funerary monuments that reflect Amsterdam’s medieval and early modern civic life.
Founded in the early 1200s and consecrated in 1306, the church grew from a small parish into the city’s principal medieval church. It was taken into Protestant use after the Reformation in the late 16th century and has since been maintained as a historic Protestant church and museum site.
The church sits on the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal in central Amsterdam’s De Wallen neighborhood, within easy walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal and the main historic canals.
- Central location: Located at Oudezijds Voorburgwal in Amsterdam's De Wallen district, close to Amsterdam Centraal and easily reached on foot from the city center.
How to Get to Oude Kerk #
Oude Kerk is in Amsterdam’s city centre (De Wallen), a short walk from Amsterdam Centraal. From Amsterdam Centraal station it’s about a 5-10 minute walk (roughly 300-500 m) south-east into the Red Light District/Plaats Oudezijds Voorburgwal; you can also approach on foot from Dam Square or Nieuwmarkt in a few minutes. Numerous trams and buses serve Amsterdam Centraal - from the station simply follow signs for the old town and the church.
Tips for Visiting Oude Kerk #
- Visit early morning (right when it opens) or late afternoon to avoid the largest coach and cruise-ship groups that converge in the Red Light District.
- Use the main entrance on Oudekerksplein and buy a timed-entry ticket in advance; this reduces queueing and ensures you can spend time inside during quieter periods.
- Don't rush past the nave - take time to look down: the medieval grave slabs set into the floor and the historic organ are easily missed, and the site also hosts rotating exhibitions and concerts worth checking the schedule for.
Best Time to Visit Oude Kerk #
Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or early autumn) to avoid peak crowds while still enjoying mild weather.
Weather & Climate near Oude Kerk #
Oude Kerk's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (876 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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