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Events

Head of the River

Head of the River will return to the Amstel in March 2026. Rowing competitions are always incredibly exciting, but as the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race in England shows, it becomes even more interesting when rowing is not on a track, but on a river with unpredictable waters. Since the championship was first held in 1933, Head of the River Amstel has become one of the most popular rowing competitions in the country. Please note: Listed dates and times for 2026 are subject to change.

Head of the River

Dates

Sun 8 Feb10:45 - 18:00
Sat 7 Mar13:15 - 18:00
More dates

Location

Start: Rozenoordbrug
Jan Vroegopsingel 4-8
1096 CN Amsterdam

Spectacle on the water

With crews of four and eight (plus a helmsman), more than 4,000 men and women, from 15 to 70 years old, will take to the Amstel in Amsterdam. The course is 8 km long and runs from the center of the city, where the Amstel is wide and straight, south through some narrower, challenging bends, eventually reaching the picturesque town of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel.

Whether you join in, watch from the banks in the city, or follow the action from start to finish by cycling along with the rowers, it is a remarkable river spectacle.

Dates and times

Sunday 8 February10:45 - 18:00

Head of the River

Dates

Sun 8 Feb10:45 - 18:00
Sat 7 Mar13:15 - 18:00
More dates

Location

Start: Rozenoordbrug
Jan Vroegopsingel 4-8
1096 CN Amsterdam