As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, Amsterdam transforms into a city of whispers and shadows. From ghostly figures that roam the cobblestone streets to eerie tales echoing through ancient buildings, discover the haunted secrets lurking in the heart of our city. Dare to join us on a spine-tingling journey to discover five of Amsterdam’s most haunted spots, where history and the supernatural intertwine. Are you brave enough to uncover the chilling stories that await?
Wherever you are in Amsterdam, there are legendary spirits with their own stories
1. Bloedstraat (Blood Street)
Bloedstraat runs down from Nieuwmarkt, where prisoners were once executed, to the canal. Apparently, blood from executions would trickle from Nieuwmarkt down into the canal, hence the name, Bloedstraat, or “Blood Street”. Moreover, the street is said to be doubly haunted. There was once a Franciscan Monastery nearby, in which the 16th century Blood Trials took place. The Blood Trials are a particularly disturbing part of Dutch history, in which apparent political rebels were executed by order of the King of Spain. The ghosts of those executed are said to haunt Bloedstraat to this day…
2. Spooksteeg (Ghost Alley)
In the 18th century, two sisters resided in this quaint alleyway with their father. One fateful day, a sailor arrived and fell for one of the sisters, Dina. Consumed by jealousy, the other sister, Helena, trapped Dina in the cellar of their family’s tannery, resulting in her tragic demise. Eventually, the sailor moved on from Dina and married Helena, blissfully unaware of her dark secret. However, years later, as Helena lay on her deathbed, tormented by guilt, she confessed her crime to her husband. Understandably outraged, the sailor cursed Helena’s soul. Legend has it that her spirit now wanders Spooksteeg, haunting the alley with her sorrowful wails.
3. The Spinhuis
Spinhouses were prevalent in Europe until the late 19th century, serving as penitentiaries for women who were compelled to spin thread. These locations are known for their eerie atmospheres, and the one in Amsterdam is no different. According to local legend, a priest residing at the house took his own life in one of the bedrooms, unable to reconcile his devotion to God with his feelings for one of the women. Now converted into a hotel, the Spinhuis has become a site of haunting; both staff and guests report encounters with the priest’s spirit in the very room where he met his tragic end.
4. Dam Square
Dam Square, located right outside the Royal Palace, is a well-known gathering place for both tourists and locals. While today it serves as a vibrant space for enjoyment and celebration, it was once a grim site during the Spanish Inquisition, where countless executions took place. Many were burned as witches in this very square, and their restless spirits are believed to linger, haunting what is now a beautiful area steeped in dark history. Visitors often report an unsettling feeling as they walk across the square, sensing the echoes of the past amidst the lively atmosphere.
5. Montelbaan Tower
Constructed in 1516 as part of Amsterdam’s defenses, Montelbaan Tower carries a haunting history. According to legend, a family sought refuge within its walls during an attack. But only to meet a tragic fate at the hands of their assailants. Every year on June 2, the spirits of that family return to haunt the tower, their presence felt by those who dare to visit. Many believe that the air grows heavy with sorrow on this date, inviting the curious to witness the eerie happenings. Will you join them next June to experience the chilling atmosphere?