Yes, it’s true: it haunts in Amsterdam. The city is full of ghosts and stories, including the poop-throwing ox ghost. Want to know where these ghosts hide? Read on and maybe go ghost hunting yourself tonight.
Folktales can be found everywhere, but no one knows exactly where they come from. In the 60s and 70s, the Meertens Institute decided to collect these stories. Over 20 people traveled the country and found many tales of shadows and hauntings.
Corpses from the Gallows Field
Take Shelter, the club under the A’dam Tower. Here, centuries ago, the corpses from the gallows field were dumped. Visitors sometimes feel a chill and hear voices in the music.
Insane Mayor
In the house with bloodstains lived former mayor Coenraad van Beuningen. He became insane and the walls are still covered in his blood.
Jealous Sister
On the Zeedijk, there was a jealous sister, Helena, who murdered her sister Dina out of jealousy. Helena married Wout, but her guilt led to her downfall.
Torture Chamber in the Monastery
In Bloedstraat, there was once a monastery with a torture chamber, where rebellious Protestants were interrogated.
Poop-Throwing Teasing Ghost
Not all hauntings are scary. The ox ghost appears every third Friday of the month and throws horse poop at skippers.
Possessed Children
At the Old Church, children were cursed by witchcraft. They climbed the walls like cats and rang the bells.
Decapitated Robbers
In the House with the Heads, a maid decapitated 6 bandits. She remained calm and continued knitting.
False Servant
In the House with the Heads, the servant was the sixth robber. He sought revenge, but Anna survived.
Countless Hauntings
There are many strange ghost stories in Amsterdam. From a nuns skull that disappeared to a wailing ghost on the Zeedijk.
Shameful Procession
The ghost on Haarlemmerdijk was actually a young maid trying to scare her master for money. She was punished.
Walking Past Hauntings
The canals of Amsterdam are perfect for hauntings. Who dares to take a look tonight?
Song about the ‘sighing, moaning and screaming wonder ghost’ on the Zeedijk
Main photo: Oudezijds Achterburgwal, back of the Zeedijk, seen towards the bridge for the Spooksteeg, Amsterdam City Archives