Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) History and Facts

  Spanning the Amstel river, the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) is the quintessential Dutch drawbridge.

  ## The Name
  "Mager" means skinny. The original bridge built here in 1691 was so narrow that two pedestrians could barely pass each other. It has been widened and replaced several times since, but the name stuck.

  ## The Legend
  Local lore says it was built for two wealthy sisters who lived on opposite sides of the river and wanted an easy way to visit each other for tea.

  ## The Movies
  You might recognize it from the James Bond film *Diamonds Are Forever* (1971). It is enchanting at night when 1,200 light bulbs illuminate its contours.