Het Houten Huis, the Wooden House, stands in the Begijnhof, the hidden medieval courtyard off the Spui. Built around 1420, it is one of only two surviving wooden houses in Amsterdam: after devastating fires, building houses of wood was banned in the 16th century.
You can admire its black wooden façade from the courtyard; the house itself is a private residence. The Begijnhof is free to enter and people still live there, so please keep your voice down. The gates close at 17:00.
Read more in our guide to historical sites in Amsterdam.
Practical information
- Address Begijnhof 34, 1012 WV Amsterdam