The Haarlemmerdijk by Amsterdamwest

The name reveals the stretch of the dike. It starts on the dam square and bares the name Nieuwe Dijk (new dike) and the becomes the Haarlemmerdijk, even further it is called Spaarndammer dijk and then Sloterdijk. This dike ensured that the waters of ''t IJ' could not flood the mined peat meadows and the city. The dike used to snake, in the 17th century they straightened it. For years the shops and houses here were neglected, now it is one of the most trendy streets in Amsterdam. At the end of the dike you will reach the Haarlemmer square. Take a right here and keep the houses on your right hand side. Straight ahead you can see the railroad tracks. Traverse the busy tarmac road en cycle through the small tunnel. At the other side of the railroad the street you are on is called 'De Nieuwe Teertuinen'. Bike ahead and take the bridge. You can stop on the bridge and enjoy the view for a moment.