Amsterdam's tallest church tower dominates the Jordaan district where Anne Frank hid during WWII. The Dutch Renaissance church where Rembrandt was buried offers tower climbs with spectacular views, carillon concerts, and historical significance tied to Amsterdam's Golden Age and WWII history.
The Westerkerk (Western Church) at Prinsengracht 281 in Amsterdam's Jordaan district is the largest Dutch Reformed church in the Netherlands by interior volume and the tallest church building in Amsterdam, its tower (the Westertoren) rising 85 metres above the canal. Built between 1620 and 1631 to designs by Hendrick de Keyser and completed by his son Pieter, the church is a masterwork of Dutch Renaissance architecture, its exterior decorated with the imperial crown that the Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I granted the city in 1489 — an emblem that also tops the tower. Rembrandt van Rijn was buried in the church in 1669, though the exact location of his grave is unknown. The Westertoren can be climbed via guided tours from April to October, offering the best panoramic view over Amsterdam's canal ring and the immediately adjacent houses where Anne Frank hid — visitors standing on the tower can see directly onto the rooftop of the Prinsengracht 263 annex. The carillon in the belfry, which Anne Frank described hearing from the annex, plays automatically and also features in regular public concerts by the city carillonist. The church is operational and open for free entry on weekdays; Sunday services are held in Dutch. The surrounding Jordaan neighbourhood, directly east of the church, is one of Amsterdam's most characterful quarters: narrow streets, independent cafes, specialist food shops, and antique dealers characterise the lanes between the canals.
Good to know
- Hours
- Monday-Friday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Tower tours April-October
- Best for
- history buffs, photographers, architecture lovers
Location
Prinsengracht 281, 1016 GW Amsterdam
52.3747, 4.8839 View on map
Highlights
- Westertoren tower climb offering views directly over the Anne Frank House annex rooftop
- Dutch Renaissance architecture by Hendrick de Keyser, completed 1631
- Rembrandt buried inside the church; grave location remains unmarked
- Carillon that Anne Frank described hearing from her hiding place
- Direct access to the characterful Jordaan neighbourhood streets and cafes
Tips for visiting
- Combine with nearby Anne Frank House visit
- Tower climb offers best canal views in Amsterdam
- Check schedule for organ and carillon concerts
- Explore the trendy Jordaan neighborhood afterward
When to visit
Spring and summer (April to October) are the only periods when the tower is open. Visiting the church on a weekday morning gives the most peaceful interior experience, separate from the heavy foot traffic outside the adjacent Anne Frank House.
Accessibility
The Westerkerk church interior at ground level is accessible via a step-free entrance on Prinsengracht. The tower climb involves steep narrow stairs and is not accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with mobility impairments. The surrounding Prinsengracht canal path is flat and paved.
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors enter the Westerkerk for free?
Yes, the church interior is free to enter on weekdays during opening hours. A ticket is required to climb the Westertoren tower (approximately €10 for adults); tours operate April to October.
Is the tower climb at Westerkerk accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
The Westertoren tower climb involves steep stairs with no lift and is not accessible for visitors with mobility impairments. The church interior at ground level is accessible via a step-free entrance.
How close is the Westerkerk to the Anne Frank House?
The Westerkerk is directly adjacent to the Anne Frank House; the tower at Prinsengracht 281 is within sight of the Prinsengracht 263 entrance. Visiting both in sequence takes 60–90 minutes for the church plus the Anne Frank House tour.
When are carillon concerts held at the Westerkerk?
The carillon plays automatically at regular intervals throughout the day. Live concerts by the city carillonist are scheduled periodically and publicised on the church's website and by the City of Amsterdam.