Is the A’DAM LOOKOUT worth a visit?

In addition to Amsterdams classic tourist attractions, the A’DAM LOOKOUT is a point of interest for many visitors. Especially the “Over the Edge” swing is advertised as a highlight. We, too, saw pictures online and so we headed to the A’DAM LOOKOUT in the most fantastic weather.

From the central station it is best to follow the signs for “Ij-Zijde” towards the ferries that go to Amsterdam North. The ferry to “Buiksloterweg” is free and departs frequently on every day of the week.

I loved the ferry ride. The ferry was a bit crowded but we still had a great view of the harbour. Too bad that the trip isn’t all that long.

Once on the other side, turn left and follow the path to the nearby entrance of the building.

We did not purchase our tickets online in advance. So we had to queue for a little bit (maybe 10 minutes) until we finally made it to the ticket counter. This is where I had to make a decision, do I want to go on the swing that I saw so many pictures of online?

Luckily I overheard how the couple in front of us was told that the tickets for the swing are sold for specific time slots and that the next available window would only be in 2.5 hours from now. This made the decision for me because I did not want to “have to” hang out up there for that long only to maybe get scared of the height after all and not go on the swing once it is my turn.
After the ticket queue, we joined the next queue. This time we waited for about 15 minutes. Everyone has their picture taken before the elevator takes them up. Those pictures can be purchased for a sizeable amount of money after the experience or downloaded for free in a lesser quality. We did download them and found the quality somewhat decent.

Up we go…

A truly spectacular lift takes us up the building. It covers over 100 meters in only a few seconds. All the while a unique light installation is on display in the elevator. Too bad that the ride was so short, this was really worth seeing!

From the lift, one walks past a restaurant. And one more floor up is where the actual viewing platform is. It has a 360° view of the city. We intentionally chose a day with really good weather for the visit. I think in poorer weather conditions or in the rain (there is no roof) a visit might not be worth it.

But in good weather the view is amazing. I couldn’t get enough of the vista and kept spotting new details. The building is right next to the water so it is interesting to observe the ships down there. This view alone makes a visit to the viewing platform worth a visit.

If you would like to grab a drink you can do so in the Rooftop Bar where you get to relax in cosy beanbags. No one is keeping track of time here or asks you to leave after you have spent a certain amount of time up here.

“Over the Edge” swing

So there we are, on the roof of the A’DAM LOOKOUT, checking out the swing. I had seen some feet dangling down and the red frame of the swing from below but now it is time to inspect this thing up close.

There is a pedestal with two huge swingsets. Each swing has room for two people. One leaves behind all bags and cameras and sits down in the seats to be strapped in. A member of staff takes a quick picture before a mechanism starts the swing. This swing isn’t muscle-powered, it has an engine that does the work. Up to that point I still thought this was okay. When the swing reaches its maximum amplitude it swings about 5 meters past the edge of the building. I still think this is okay.
What I didn’t like though was the duration of it all. Getting in and out of the swing almost took longer than the ride. I’d say they moved the swing about 7 times before the fun was over.

I would have been really annoyed had I waited more than two hours for an experience that lasts mere minutes. The thrill of the ride looked far less spectacular than I had hoped and was therefore not worth that kind of wait.

Conclusion

The whole thing with the swing isn’t really worth it in my opinion. But the visit to the roof of the building was worth every penny!

Ticket Prices:

Standard admission: 13.50€
Premium admission (2 drinks in the Rooftop Bar are included): 18.50€

“Over the Edge” Swing: 5€