💡 Introduction

Every winter, Amsterdam transforms into a glowing outdoor gallery — where the historic canals become a stage for light, reflection, and imagination. The Amsterdam Light Festival (ALF) 2025–2026 marks its 14th edition, bringing together international light artists, architects, and designers to create breathtaking installations across the city.

From November to January, more than 20 luminous artworks will illuminate the waterways, bridges, and streets, turning cold nights into an unforgettable spectacle. Whether you’re a traveler, a photographer, or simply a lover of art, ALF 2025 promises one of the most visually captivating events in the Netherlands.

🎨 Theme of Amsterdam Light Festival 2025–2026

Each year, the festival revolves around a central theme — inspiring artists to tell visual stories through light. While the official 2025/26 theme will be announced closer to the event, expect interactive installations, environmental reflections, and immersive storytelling combining light, sound, and motion.

In recent years, themes like “Imagine Beyond” and “Nature & Technology” have encouraged visitors to rethink the connection between humanity and light — and 2025 will continue this creative dialogue on a grand scale.

📍 Main Route & Highlights

The festival route stretches through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring, featuring a 6.5 km loop of light installations visible from both land and water.

Key highlights typically include:

• Herengracht & Keizersgracht Canals – The heart of the festival, lined with glowing arches and floating light sculptures.

• Amstel River Section – Best for boat tours and panoramic views of reflections on the water.

• Maritime Museum & Oosterdok Area – Home to larger installations and projections on water surfaces.

• NEMO Science Museum & Artis Zoo vicinity – Great family-friendly area with interactive pieces.

Tip: Pick up the official ALF Map or use the Amsterdam Light Festival App to follow the walking route and get background info on each artwork.

📍 Amsterdam Light Festival Map Details 

To help visitors navigate the 6.5 km illuminated route, the Amsterdam Light Festival provides an official festival map every year. This map highlights the walking route, boat route, key installation locations, and the best viewing points along the canals.

🗺️ What’s Included in the Official ALF Map?

The ALF map typically shows:

• Numbered artworks with artist names

• Start & end points for walking and boat routes

• Best viewing angles for photography

• Nearby tram stops for easy public transport access

• Toilets, cafés, and warm-up spots

• Boat boarding locations (Central Station, Oosterdok, Rijksmuseum Pier)

The map is available:

✔️ On the Amsterdam Light Festival official website
✔️ Inside the ALF mobile app
✔️ At the visitor center near Central Station
✔️ With most canal-cruise partners

🗺️ Breakdown of the 2025–2026 Festival Route (Approx.)

1️⃣ Start Point – Oosterdok (Near NEMO Museum)

• Wide open water with large-scale floating installations

• Good for long-exposure photography

• Perfect start for boat tours

2️⃣ Kadijksplein → Maritime Museum Area

• Projections and interactive artworks

• Dramatic reflections on the water

• One of the busiest and most scenic sections

3️⃣ Entrepotdok → Artis Zoo Side Canal

• Family-friendly part

• Often features playful or animal-themed light pieces

4️⃣ Amstel River (Skinny Bridge Area)

• One of the most iconic photo locations

• Ideal for both walking and cruising

• Best night reflections in the city

5️⃣ Herengracht → Keizersgracht Loop

• Heart of the UNESCO Canal Belt

• Famous for tunnel-shaped light structures

• Dense cluster of artworks close together

6️⃣ Final Section – Brouwersgracht → Central Station Waterfront

• Finishes with panoramic skyline views

• Great for capturing the city lights + installations in one frame

💡 Tip: The full walking loop takes about 90–120 minutes, depending on photo stops.

🧭 How to Use the ALF Map for Your Visit

🚶 For Walking Visitors

• Start at Oosterdok or Skinny Bridge

• Follow the numbered markers on the map

• Look for symbols showing best photo angles

• Stop at cafés marked on the map for breaks

🚤 For Boat Tour Visitors

• The map highlights boarding points clearly

• Boat routes sometimes differ slightly

• Use the digital map to track artworks in real-time

• Audio guides sync with map locations

📱 ALF Mobile App Advantages

The app includes:

• Real-time GPS navigation

• Interactive artwork descriptions

• Artist interviews

• Audio tours

• Push notifications for crowded spots

📸 Best Photo Spots at Amsterdam Light Festival 2025/26

Bring your camera or smartphone — every corner of ALF is Instagram-ready! Here are some top photo locations:

💡 Photography Tip: Visit just after sunset (around 5:00–6:00 PM) for the best “blue hour” lighting. Bring a tripod or stabilizer for crisp long-exposure shots.

🚤 Experience the Festival by Boat

The Water Colors Cruise is the most popular way to experience ALF. Special boat tours operate daily during the festival, offering warm cabins, mulled wine, and expert guides who explain each artwork as you float by.

🚢 Recommended Boat Tours

• Lovers Canal Cruises (Official Partner) – Offers both open and closed boats.

• Blue Boat Company – Known for family-friendly and accessible options.

• Private Electric Boats – Ideal for small groups or romantic rides.

Tickets usually range from €22–€28 per person, and it’s best to book online in advance, especially during December weekends.

Prefer to walk? The Walking Route (Light Walk) lets you explore the installations at your own pace — perfect for taking photos and grabbing snacks along the way.

🚢 Recommended Canal Cruises

💡 Tip: Book your tour between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM to catch the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds.

🏨 Where to Stay During the Festival

If you’re visiting from outside Amsterdam, book early — December and January attract thousands of visitors. Here are top neighborhoods for easy access to the ALF route:

🍴 Where to Eat Near the ALF Route

• Pasta e Basta (Singel) – Cozy Italian spot with live singing staff.

• Pluk Amsterdam (9 Streets) – Instagram-perfect café with healthy brunches.

• Café de Jaren (Nieuwe Doelenstraat) – Ideal riverside view during the light show.

• Foodhallen (West) – Trendy indoor market for local bites and drinks.

• Hannekes Boom (Oosterdok) – Relaxed outdoor bar near water installations.

💡 Tip: Reserve dinner for 8–9 PM, then walk the festival route afterward when it’s less crowded.

🚆 How to Get Around During ALF

• Public Transport: Trams 4, 9, 14, and 24 connect most festival points. Use your OV-chipkaart or GVB day pass.

• Bike: Rent from MacBike or A-Bike and follow the canal-side paths.

• Boat: Join official tours departing near Central Station and Rijksmuseum Pier.

• Walking: The full route takes about 90 minutes on foot — wear warm shoes and gloves!

🕓 Useful Visitor Information

🌍 Why Amsterdam Light Festival Is a Must-Visit

The Amsterdam Light Festival isn’t just an art event — it’s an immersive celebration of creativity, culture, and community. It brings warmth to winter, inspires imagination, and showcases how technology and art can transform a cityscape.

For locals, it’s a cherished tradition; for visitors, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime visual journey through the heart of Amsterdam.

💭 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re gliding through the canals under glowing bridges or strolling the cobbled streets with a hot chocolate in hand, the Amsterdam Light Festival 2025–2026 promises a radiant start to the winter season.

Plan your visit early, charge your camera, and get ready to see Amsterdam in a new light — quite literally.