The claim
A short walk from Centraal Station, the Karpershoek has served sailors, travellers and commuters since at least 1641, when an inn called De Oldenburger Kelder was recorded on this spot. Dark panelling and big windows onto the Martelaarsgracht keep the mood of an old harbour tavern, and it still claims a founding date of 1606.
What the records show
The 1606 is the Amsterdam press's: Mokum Magazine states flatly that the brown café dates from 1606. Amsterdam750's review of the archives is more careful — an inn named De Oldenburger Kelder is recorded on this spot in 1641, with one indication from 1606 that drink was already sold here — so the earlier year is possible but unproven.
| Year | What | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1606 | Claimed founding | The press |
| 1641 | First record of a drinking house here | Amsterdam750, on the inn De Oldenburger Kelder in 1641 |
What to look for inside
- Inn 'De Oldenburger Kelder' recorded 1641
- Claims 1606 foundation
- Near Amsterdam's old harbour front
Visiting
Café De Karpershoek is in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at Martelaarsgracht 2, Amsterdam. We do not list opening times, because they change; the pub’s own site is the place to check before you set out.
Sources
- amsterdam750.nl/verhaal/wat-is-de-oudste-kroeg-van-amsterdam/
- www.mokummagazine.nl/2024/07/12/cafe-karpershoek-de-oude-dame-is-in-stijl-opgepimpt/
- api.data.amsterdam.nl/v1/horeca/exploitatievergunning/?adres%5Blike%5D=Martelaarsgracht%202*&_format=json
Know something we don’t?Suggest a correctionLast checked Sept 2026
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