A cold sunny winter day (Amsterdam, the Netherlands)

AmsterdamThe NetherlandsWinter photography

Jan 18

Stefanie Pietschmann, Amsterdam Canals, Netherlands, winter in Amsterdam, boat, storytelling photography

A cold sunny winter day

I quickly realized something was different this morning after I opened my eyes. Instead of the depressing daily grey sky of winter that always provides the feeling that it is still in the middle of the night, the sun's warm light flooded the room, surrounded by a cold blue sky with a few small clouds.

Under these conditions, there was no question about what I would do that day - enjoying this rare event outside. Though temperatures are freezing, the first rays of sunshine hit my face, and I soon notice how much I've been missing this warmth and light lately - what a fulfilling moment.

Though this pleasure is limited in time, it is still a little attempt to fill the gap until the next possibility arises because winter still has some time to go.

The cold season in Amsterdam

I took this photo which shows a canal in the city center of Amsterdam, in January. You can see the iconic Dutch houses that the capital of the Netherlands is famous for. Besides, you can also see a small blue boot. People will use these kinds of boats all over the year to enjoy a cruise in the canals of Amsterdam. Though it might be surprising, you can also see many people on this kind of small boat during the cold and wet seasons as long as the water on the canals is not frozen.

Visiting the “Venice of the north” in winter surely offers many attractions, like the annual Amsterdam light festival, a canal cruise, Christmas markets, and many inside activities. However, if you are okay with the temperatures, which usually do not drop as much as in neighboring countries, you can also do many outdoor activities.