Amsterdam, oh Amsterdam, what a beauty are you! Amsterdam, oh Amsterdam, you never stop surprising, do you?
Amsterdam is a city that has made it to almost everyone's travel bucket list and rightly so. Almost 2 years ago, I had the pleasure of checking this marvelous city of canals and coffee shops off my travel bucket list. But even as I write this piece, I can't wait to go back because it spoils you for choice. Amsterdam is so much more than what meets the eyes. It's reality and a parallel universe together rolled into a 219.3 km2 landmass. It's where the calm of walking through cobblestone streets meets the loud music blaring from famous pubs and clubs. Amidst all that Amsterdam is known for, stands the relatively new A'DAM Lookout.
Set high in the sky, at 100 m, on the roof of an old building, A’DAM Lookout is Holland's answer to Paris's Montparnasse tower. From afar, it looks like an ordinary skyscraper with a makeshift crown for the top floor, but if you look enough, you'll notice a set of three swings on the edge. Don't be fooled, those swings aren't for everyone, surely not the faint-hearted. That right there, my dear friends, is 'Over the edge,' the highest swing in Europe.
Tickets and Entrance
I came across A’DAM Lookout while reading about Amsterdam during the planning stage and I knew I had to pay a visit. The booking process is pretty simple, you can just go to their website and buy the tickets online as per your requirement. I went for the regular € 12,50 for the entrance and added the Over The Edge Swing for € 5 more.
BTW They're actually open for business now and are offering a free ride on the Over the Edge swing with every entry ticket till 7th June 2020!
Reaching there
You'll be pleased to know that reaching the A'DAM Tower involves a free and fun ferry ride. You can reach the LOOKOUT by taking the free ferry (to Buiksloterweg) from behind the Amsterdam Central station, followed by a short walk along the IJ.
What's the experience like?
The journey from the entry gate to the crown of A'DAM Tower is full of quirks. It starts with a fun photo-op, followed by the 20 second elevator ride decked up with spectacular light and sound effects to take you to the 20th floor and finally, the rooftop deck and Over the Edge swing.
Now, imagine sitting on a swing going upwards and then suddenly realizing that there's no ground beneath your feet. You look down, at first a chill goes down your spine, but then you see the whole of Amsterdam against the clear blue skies. It looks like a cute little toy land from the height but it leaves you wanting for more. The swing lasts less than a minute but for just € 5, the view you get is to die for!
Once you've used up your swing slot, you have all the time to soak in the breathtaking views from the 360° Sky-deck. You can just walk around, groove to the music or grab a snack or drink. You can even explore the observatory or just laze around on one of the bean bags with friends!
Some might call it overrated, but for me, it was totally worth it.
Do you think you've brave enough to get on the Highest swing in Europe?