26 November 2024
4 minutes
See Amsterdam from the sky as you laugh, look and live a one-of-a-kind experience at A'DAM LOOKOUT Over The Edge - Europe's highest swing.
26 November 2024
4 minutes
You'll find yourself gasping and grinning with excitement as you glide through the air at this unique attraction. A'DAM LOOKOUT Over The Edge is Europe's highest swing, and provides an exhilarating experience along with stunning views. Discover more about one of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam.
The height of the A'DAM LOOKOUT swing (sometimes spelled as the "ADAM LOOKOUT Amsterdam swing") is exactly 100 metres above the ground, set at the top of the A'DAM Tower. The observation deck adjacent to the swing offers 360-degree views of the capital. Whether you plan to sail through the sky or admire the vistas with your feet on the ground, you'll be able gaze upon the city's famous network of canals and the harbour alive with activity, or point out the old centre attractions you've visited.
"To Live Is to Fly" — Townes Van Zandt
Find out exactly how much can be packed into one minute when you ride the swing, which is a short but breathtaking experience a little like riding a theme park attraction (but with much better views). Expect the time spent in the swing to last up to two minutes, including the time it takes to buckle and unbuckle the safety harness.
Good to know: the Over The Edge swing is engine-powered, not muscle-powered, so you can save your energy for more attractions!
The ride earns its rave reviews, with the impressive swing truly offering jaw-dropping views of this fabulous city. Up there, you can watch ferries in the port and even see as far as surrounding towns. Afraid to take the leap? Trust the staff: the attraction is well organised and they are very reassuring. Even people who are scared of heights can rest assured that the ride is strong and secure. The rooftop bar is a great spot to recover from the thrill and talk about your adventure right after living it.
Riding the Amsterdam Lookout Swing a little before sunset is the time to enjoy the best atmosphere and take some like-worthy photos. A'DAM LOOKOUT is open daily from 10am to 10pm, and you can book tickets in advance, with the last time slot starting at 9.40pm. Even in summer this is pretty close to sunset, so you might want to book a slightly earlier slot – although riding the swing in the dark also has its own charms when you see the capital lit up at night.
If you'd like a hotel close to the swing without having to travel back a long way, book the family hotel ibis Amsterdam Centre, or the boutique INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery, both just a short ferry ride away in the city centre near Dam Square.
Good to know: The 20-minute time slots for the swing include queuing time, which should not be more than 15 minutes.
It can get windy at the top of the tower, and sunny days make for better views, so it may be worth checking the weather forecast before you book your advance tickets. The swing may occasionally close due to maintenance or very severe weather.
It's not possible to take your phone or camera on the swing because of the obvious risk of dropping the precious equipment over the edge! However, staff will take high-quality photos of you while you ride. You can download professional pictures for free afterwards, and printed shots are also available at reasonable prices. You can take photos from the adjacent observation deck as long as they are for private, personal use.
There's plenty more to see without leaving the A'DAM Tower, like the Amsterdam VR Ride that is an adrenaline hit similar to Over the Edge. Buckle up for a virtual roller coaster ride through Amsterdam, as if you were racing along a track over the city. Even the tower's elevator is a feature in its own right, as the 20-second journey to the 20th floor has a light show and sound effects along with a see-through ceiling.
When you need to take time out with something a little more sedate, use the interactive binoculars and free audio tour to enhance your experience of the observation deck. Take your first sip at the Sky Bar as you look out over the city, or savour a multi-course meal at the Panorama Restaurant. The revolving restaurant Moon is set on the 19th floor, where lunch can be added to your LOOKOUT ticket.
Adjacent to A'DAM Tower is This is Holland, an attraction that includes a 5D flight simulator where you'll be taken on a virtual tour of some of the Netherlands' most famous sights. The attraction feature four shows, including the 9-minute flight simulator. As well as seeing the sights as if you were flying right over them, you'll learn about the history of the country and how the Dutch built a successful nation on land that's in large parts below sea level.
Also right next to A'DAM Tower is the Eye Filmmuseum, which celebrates Dutch and global cinema. The museum has rotating exhibitions, as well as permanent exhibits that include cinema equipment, hands-on features that kids will love, and photos from film sets. Take a while to browse the movie posters and find films you love or want to check out later. There are four cinemas inside, and the museum hosts lectures and other events. Don't forget to stop and take a photo of the futuristic exterior of the building!
Eye Filmmuseum address: IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam
Exhibitions open: daily from 10am to 7pm (except during exhibition construction and dismantling)
Box office open:
Sunday to Thursday - 10am to 10pm
Friday and Saturday - 10am to 11pm
(may vary slightly depending on screening times)
Address:
Overhoeksplein 5, 1031 KS Amsterdam
Directions:
From Amsterdam Centraal Station, head to the departure point of Ferry F3, following the signs IJ-Zijde.
Take the 2-minute journey on the free ferry to F3 Buiksloterweg.
Upon arrival, turn left to the IJ-promenade and look for the A'DAM LOOKOUT main entrance.
Tickets:
A'DAM LOOKOUT entry tickets booked online cost €14.50 for each adult and €8.50 per child, plus a €6 supplement to ride the Over the Edge swing.
Entry tickets bought at the tower cost €2 extra: please note that only cards are accepted (no cash).
Tickets can be combined with other attractions, such as the Amsterdam VR Ride.
Restrictions:
The minimum height to ride the swing is 120cm.
The venue advises against using the swing while pregnant.
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