NDSM

The NDSM wharf in Amsterdam North is a stunning hangout. Just 10 minutes by free ferry and a large area is there to explore.

Restaurants, bars, terraces, skatepark, new and old architecture, all with the amazing view on the IJ-waters. 

Many of the old buildings that were in use for the making of large ships are still there, housing creative enterprises.

NDSM wharf

In 1937, the NSM, forerunner of NDSM, was the largest shipbuilding company in the world, building tank ships as well as huge passenger ships.

Later the company merged the Dutch shipbuilders of NDM, becoming NDSM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij)

Located across the IJ, at Amsterdam North, NDSM ship wharf built cargo ships, bulk carriers and war ships for the Dutch navy.

Shortage of new orders caused the NDSM to finally stop building new ships in 1978. The company continued repairing ships until around 1984, but the glorious era of Dutch shipbuilding had come to an end.

Breeding grounds NDSM

The empty buildings left to waste at Amsterdam NDSM East Wharf were soon squatted. ‘City nomads’, craftsmen, artists and wanna be artists, settled in and united, naming themselves foundation Kinetisch Noord.

The city council like the idea of this new so called ‘broedplaats’ (‘breeding grounds’). Kinetisch Noord now receives subsidies from the Amsterdam city council to further develop the area an make good use of the large boathouse, the huge outside terrain and ramps.

NDSM ship wharf ramp. Beneath the ramp, artist work places are housed and raves and parties are held in the ‘bunker’.

Monumental buildings

The old buildings have been kept in their original state and are considered officially monuments. All locations on the wharf are accessible to the public.

Only remaining crane at NDSM Amsterdam

Large boathouse

The large boathouse (20.000 m2) has been transformed into a casco with work spaces for artists and new media start ups of low, no and some budget.

Kids can enjoy the NDSM skate park located in the huge spaces.

Artist spaces at NDSM wharf, main boathouse

Skatepark at NDSM

Old ship containers remain inside the wharf

IJ-kantine

The building that housed the offices and workers canteen was used by the former, now unemployed employees of NDSM, where they came to enjoy a drink and play cards. It has now turned into the IJ-Kantine, a bar and restaurant.

IJ-Kantine at former NDSM shipwharf

Live jazz on Sundays at IJ-Kantine Amsterdam

Modern and new offices

On the South side, new office have been developed, using the old offices.

Headquarters of IdTV, Discovery Channel, HEMA and VNU have now settled here.

‘Media wharf’ of NDSM

Student housing

On the former ship wharf temporary student living cabins have been places. Each house is 24 m2 and they all have a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, tv and internet. They cost €225 per month.

Left, student housing cabines, right former ship wharf NDSM

Greenhouse cafe Noorderlicht

Café Noorderlicht is located beautifully along the IJ-waters. The terrace and the inside of the bar and restaurant always has a sunny side, as it is covered with plastic see through material, like a greenhouse.

Greenhouse effect at Noorderlicht

Self sustainable houseboat

Next to the Noorderlicht is the remarkable houseboat ‘geWoonboot’. The floating house is completely self sustainable. Installations on board make heating and electricity and clean drinking water. GeWoonboot is owned by Amsterdam housing corporation The Key.

More info on: www.opgewekt.nu.

Self sustainable houseboat at Amsterdam NDSM

Check out the programme of the NDSM shipwharf.

Throughout the year, festivals, raves, exhibitions are organised. The bars and restaurants are worth a visit, as well as the monumental old buildings and street art and graffiti. There is also a large flea market and in summer there is a city beach where you swim.

How to get to NDSM

You can get to Amsterdam NDSM by taking the free ferry leaving behind Amsterdam Central Station.