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One of the best Amsterdam hidden gems you can visit in the city is Zevenlandenhuizen also known as the Seven Country Houses on the Roemer Visscherstraat.
True to its name, they are a delightful row of seven terraced homes that each represent a different country and have been inspired by its architecture.
It’s perfect for travel lovers as you won’t even have to leave the Netherlands to journey around Europe!
As it’s a little-known secret, even to locals, you can avoid the crowds. Here is a guide for the Zevenlandenhuizen and how to visit the Seven Country Houses in Amsterdam.
What are the Zevenlandenhuizen?
The Zevenlandenhuizen are a row of seven unique houses on the Roemer Visscherstraat in Amsterdam.
Each house represents a country from Europe its design has been inspired by the architecture of that country.
It’s a quiet street in the capital of the Netherlands but a great place to visit if you’re a fan of architecture and history.
Zevenlandenhuizen history
The Seven Country Houses were built in 1894 and were designed by the architect Tjeer Kuipers and it was commissioned by the famous philanthropist Sam van Eefghen.
Years ago, the houses along the canals of Amsterdam were built narrow and tall as a way to avoid tax evasion. But, the Seven Country Houses did this with flair.
Exotism is an architectural style that represents a longing for something that feels far away. So, each house was built in a romantic style.
Along this row, you’ll find seven houses that represent the countries of Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, the Netherlands and England.
The Seven Country Houses
So, here is a list of the Zevenlandenhuizen or Seven Country Houses and the unique features of each house;
No 20 – Germany (Duitsland)
Germany truly is the king of Romantic buildings in Europe. You can see this echoed in the architecture here with its ornate door with a ‘D’ on it (for Deutschland) and a pointed archway.
No 22 – France (Frankrijk)
With France, you can see elements of the Loire Valley in its design.
This valley in France has many famous chateaux’s including the famous Chateaux du Chambord.
No 24 – Spain (Spanje)
Spain has a Moorish design known as the Mudéjar style as seen in the ornate archway, detailed carving work and striped paint.
Mudéjar means ‘permitted to remain’ in Arabic. It refers to any of the Muslims who remained in the country after the medieval Reconquista conquest.
No 26 – Italy (Italië)
Italy takes on the Italian Palazzo style, a design used for the royal palaces in Italy.
Although you’d think that it only refers to royalty, this design was used by the Italian bourgeoisie. They used it to build their large houses in the 19th and 20th centuries.
No 28 – Russia (Rusland)
Russia’s house has been heavily inspired by Russian Orthodox cathedrals. You can even see an onion or mushroom dome in the doorway!
No 30 – Netherlands (Nederland)
Of course, this row of houses wouldn’t be complete without some Dutch architecture thrown in there.
The Netherlands house has been designed in a Renaissance style.
No 32 – England (Engeland)
And last, but by no means least, you have a house that represents England!
It’s where I currently live and it has been designed in a Cottage style.
This building is now home to Quentin England Hotel, so you could even book a stay here!
How to visit Zevenlandenhuizen in Amsterdam
I wouldn’t go out of your way to see these houses but if you’re in the area they are a nice thing to do, especially if you love to travel!
I’d say you need around 20 – 30 minutes to stroll down this street to admire the architecture and take some photos.
You’ll find them on the Roemer Visscherstraat which is within walking distance from the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and the Van Gogh Museum.
The nearest metro stop is Vijzelgracht and the nearest tram and stops are in Leidseplein.
The address is Roemer Visscherstraat 37-1, 1054 EW Amsterdam, Netherlands. Click here for a Google Pin.
A friendly reminder about respect
Although these houses are a wonder of architecture and a fun place to go, always remember that these are people’s homes.
Feel free to take photos from the outside at a distance but don’t pry or peer into the windows. It’s always a good idea to respect residents when we travel.
Why not purchase the I Amsterdam City Card?
Did you know that you can travel around the city for free and enter many attractions using the I Amsterdam City Card?
It’s a great way to explore Amsterdam as it gets you free access to over 70 museums, a canal cruise, and bike rental.
It also allows you to travel the city car-free as it includes city-wide public transport including buses, trains, trams, metro and ferries.
You can buy 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour cards depending on your holiday time and preferences. Then, you’re free to explore the city as you wish.
Every time you visit a new city these days, there is always a city card or pass advertised and it can be hard to know whether buying one is worth the price tag.
So, I’ve written an honest review below where you can see if purchasing one is worth it.
Read my review – Is the I Amsterdam City Card Worth it?
Read my Netherlands travel guides
25+ Hidden Gems and Secrets Spots in Amsterdam
Discover the secret Cuypers Library in Rijksmuseum
25+ Things to do in Haarlem that make it worth visiting
The magical Amsterdam City Archive
How to visit the majestic Muiderslot Castle
Save Zevenlandenhuizen or Amsterdam Seven Country Houses for later!
