This short vacation in Amsterdam was after we had been to Alsace with the Photo Syndicate. After Alsace we split up, and my wife and I drove to Amsterdam. I had only been there once before – as a child – and back then photography was not my great passion.

Amsterdam, often dubbed the “Venice of the North,” is a vibrant city brimming with culture, architecture, and a unique lifestyle that captivates visitors and photographers alike. My journey through Amsterdam’s center in 2015 opened my eyes to five standout features that define this picturesque city: the cycling culture, its enchanting canals, world-renowned museums, the famous coffeeshops, and the intriguing Red Light District.

Of course, we saw some of the big attractions like the Rembrandt and Van Gogh museums, but most of the time we just wandered around the streets and soaked up the things we experienced. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. There were no angry looks if you just “happened” to take a shot. It was definitely a city where “streeting” was a lot of fun.

Amsterdam’s canals take up a lot of space in the cityscape of the inner city. With well over 100 canals, they could hardly avoid becoming part of my images. The canals are used as transport routes, but there are also countless houseboats that lie along the quays. As road crossings there are many old, picturesque lift / lower bridges, all very idyllic.

I have always loved train stations. It’s where you receive guests and send them off again. It’s where you depart from or arrive at. A lot of landmark things happen at a station. Walking around with your camera and taking pictures of people at a station is something I really enjoy. Just as much as visiting cemeteries, but that’s another story.

In Denmark we have some ugly trains. The Dutch trains are very beautiful. A warm yellow base color with stripes of blue. The two colors complement each other, and they condition your mind to be happy and positive. All in all the visit to Amsterdam Central Station was very positive.

I don’t know if the Netherlands is the country of bicycles, but Amsterdam is the city of bicycles. There are people cycling everywhere, and bicycles are parked everywhere. It helps to give the city a special charm. It’s good for the cyclists’ physical health; it’s good for the flow of traffic in the relatively narrow streets; and it’s good for the climate. Here the bike is a way of getting around and not just an instrument for pleasure.

I don’t find Amsterdam’s coffee shops interesting. I’m fine with a few drops of alcohol now and then. There’s no reason to experiment with a substance that creates dependence. The same goes for the red-light district. It’s so far away from me in terms of fulfilling my needs. Another thing is that if you bring your camera to a place like that, it’s a huge provocation.

We visited the Stedelijk Museum, the Rembrandt Museum and the Van Gogh Museum – all three are world-class. When you’re going to show your pictures from a museum, it shouldn’t be a picture of a work of art. Something unique needs to be added. It could be a person studying it in depth, or a couple who are immersed in a conversation that seems to be about something else standing right in front of a world-famous work. For me, visiting museums is always interesting, both the experience of the art on display, but also the opportunity to create your own things here.

Amsterdam’s heart beats with diversity, allowing photo enthusiasts to capture a multitude of stories. Whether it’s the energetic cyclists, the whimsical canals, or the diverse cultural experiences, the city promises a visual feast that will spur creativity and artistic vision.

Take a deap breath and go on with my gallery from Stockholm