Amstelsluizen

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  • Address
    nr Theater Koninklijk Carré, Amstel Locks, Southern Canal Belt
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Lonely Planet review

These impressive sluices, or locks, date from 1674 and allowed the canals to be flushed with fresh water from lakes north of the city, rather than salt water from the IJ, an innovation that made the city more livable. They were still operated by hand until recently. Four times a week in summer, and twice a week in winter, the locks are shut while fresh water flows in.

The sluices on the west side of the city are left open as the stagnant water is pumped out to sea.