What is an Amsterdam Obscura tour?

At Amsterdam Obscura, our tours focus on the dark and hidden histories within the nearly 800-year-old city center of Amsterdam. Such a long history is undoubtedly laden with stories that do not always enter the mainstream archive, like those involving ghosts, torture, executions, and the structures behind such which allow their existence to be felt, but not seen (in another word, hauntings!). Behind Amsterdam Obscura is a commitment to de-shrouding the historical trauma of Amsterdam through ethical storytelling and dedicated research, making our experience less conventional than other walking tours given in the city. In short our tour caters to ghost lovers, alternative history aficionados, and discoverers of the unknown.

Why are dark and hidden stories important?

It is our belief at Amsterdam Obscura that the less-than-pretty stories of Amsterdam are essential to holistic understandings of the place’s history. In this sense, it is impossible to appreciate the beauty of Amsterdam without also addressing the centuries of injustice and violence perpetrated on its soil. It is with this attitude that we respectfully share the dark portions of Amsterdam’s history with travelers from all over the world.

Practical information:

Amsterdam Obscura tours are given throughout the week, year-round. Tours begin at Nieuwmarkt, a public square which is easily accessible by metro from lines 51, 53, and 54. Tours end at the Tuschinski Theater, which is nearby Rembrandtplein, another public sqaure which is perfect for a post-tour refreshment. With 10 locations included, the total duration of the tour is around 75 minutes.