The NDSM wharf district in Amsterdam Noord was once home of the NDSM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij) shipyard until the 1980s. The area is in the process of revitalization, with a particular emphasis on companies in the creative sector, and is full of distinctive architecture and artwork. We took taking advantage of a warm and sunny Valentine’s Day for a ferry trip across the IJ River and a walking tour through NDSM wharf and Amsterdam Noord.

Below are trip highlights from February 14th, 2019. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps

Car on Ferry Position: 52°22.84’N, 4°53.96’E When the Amsterdam ferries open for boarding, pedestrians and bikers pour on. Even this small car scooted on amongst all the people at the last minute. We’re still a little surprised to see these little cars treated effectively like bicycles in Amsterdam. These low-speed vehicles, and scooters, are allowed to use extensive network of bicycle lanes and are allowed directly on the ferries.

NDSM Ferry Position: 52°22.84’N, 4°53.95’E Waiting with the crowds to board our ferry to NDSM wharf across the IJ River. We’re taking advantage of the beautiful sunny weather for a trip to Amsterdam Noord across the river.

Houthaven Position: 52°23.62’N, 4°53.68’E Houthaven means lumber port in Dutch. The once-commercial area has recently been revitalized with dramatic modern architecture.

Submarine B80 Position: 52°24.01’N, 4°53.41’E The Russian Zulu class submarine B-80 moored off the ferry dock at NDSM wharf. The vessel was brought to the Netherlands by submarine enthusiasts and later sold as a party boat. Even with the interior stripped out to make more space, an old Russian submarine wouldn’t be our first venue choice for a big party.

IJ Kantine Position: 52°24.09’N, 4°53.46’E The NDSM wharf area was once home of the NDSM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij) shipyard until the 1980s and is in the process of revitalization. We had a great lunch in sun-filled IJ Kantine, in the building where the NDSM shipyard canteen was located.

Kraanspoor Position: 52°24.20’N, 4°53.20’E Kraanspoor means craneway in Dutch. The striking three-floor glass-encased office building was built on a craneway in the former NDSM shipyard.

Amsterdam Marina Position: 52°24.20’N, 4°53.15’E Amsterdam Marina is a large, modern marina in the revitalized NDSM wharf area.

The Curve Position: 52°24.31’N, 4°53.47’E Creative sector companies are particularly attracted to buildings such as The Curve in the revitalized NDSM wharf area.

Common Area Position: 52°24.06’N, 4°53.53’E Art in the common area in front of the Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe (formerly MTV Networks) headquarters building in the NDSM district.

Kunststad Position: 52°24.07’N, 4°53.79’E Kunststad is a former shipbuilding warehouse filled with artists studios on three levels.

Metal Roller Position: 52°24.08’N, 4°53.74’E The Kunststad building still had many remains from its shipbuilding heritage including crane, hoists and this large metal roller.

Crane Hotel Faralda Position: 52°23.96’N, 4°53.74’E The fantastic three-room Crane Hotel Faralda built into a crane on the former NDSM shipyard.

Cafe Noorderlicht Position: 52°23.99’N, 4°53.79’E Greenhouse-encased Cafe Noorderlicht often features live music. In the night photos we’ve seen, the building glows wonderfully lit from within.

Stretch Hummer Position: 52°23.91’N, 4°54.04’E A few people were out exploring the area in this stretched Hummer.

Shell Technology Center Position: 52°23.29’N, 4°54.15’E The Shell Technology Center is one of three major Shell research centers worldwide.

IJ River Position: 52°23.08’N, 4°54.01’E Jennifer enjoying the view to the IJ River from the ramp up to the Eye Film Institute opposite the river from our marina.

A’DAM Tower Position: 52°23.05’N, 4°54.03’E The A’DAM Tower was the former home of the Shell Technology Center Amsterdam and has been renovated to include a public lookout and bar on the top with fabulous views.

EYE Film Institute Position: 52°23.02’N, 4°54.10’E The dramatic EYE Film Institute building along the IJ River.

Cafe De Pont Position: 52°22.95’N, 4°54.21’E Enjoying a drink on the patio at Cafe De Pont—amazing for mid-February in Amsterdam. People where outside everywhere enjoying the 50-degree weather. We particularly enjoyed this spot with a view to the constant ferry traffic nearby.

Bicycle Position: 52°22.96’N, 4°54.27’E We’ve seen a lot of unusual bicycles in Amsterdam, but not one like this.

Willemsluis Position: 52°23.03’N, 4°54.43’E The Willemsluis lock was built in 1824 and appears much as it did back then. It was the first double-lock in the Netherlands, with separate basins for large and small ships.

IJplein Position: 52°22.92’N, 4°54.51’E Waiting to board the ferry at the IJplein dock.

Crossing Position: 52°22.84’N, 4°54.30’E The view east down the IJ River as we cross back to Amsterdam Central Station.

Buiksloterweg Position: 52°22.78’N, 4°54.11’E Looking across the IJ River from Central Station to the Buiksloterweg ferry terminal with the A’DAM Tower and the EYE Film Institute buildings prominent.

Building Position: 52°22.75’N, 4°53.66’E This spectacular building was the former home of the Noord Braband Waalwijk life insurance company.

Bistrot Neuf Position: 52°22.76’N, 4°53.63’E We finished the day with a exceptional Valentine’s Day dinner at Bistrot Neuf.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map, with the complete log of our cruise. On the map page, clicking on a camera or text icon will display a picture and/or log entry for that location, and clicking on the smaller icons along the route will display latitude, longitude and other navigation data for that location. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.