Tired of looking at European churches yet? Well, these Dutch churches have found a new life that will reignite the excitement for you! Repurposed churches are becoming widespread in the Netherlands, with around 1500 of them so far (which is only 25% of all the churches in the country…. 🤯). There are some really unique ones worth a visit, which I give you in this list below! Even better, these are all possible as a day trip from Amsterdam (although, in this tiny country, there’s nowhere that couldn’t be a day trip from Amsterdam). From bouncy castles to rock climbing walls, head over to these repurposed churches for what is surely going to be your most unique attraction in the Netherlands!
P.S. when you see “kerk” that means church!
Dominicanenkerk in Maastrict – Bookstore
One of the most beautiful bookstores I have ever been to! If you like dark academic and Harry Potter style libraries, then you’ll like this church turned bookstore. It’s the oldest church on the list, built in 1261 when the Dominicans settled into the Dutch Countryside.
Throughout the years, the Dominican Church has been a variety of things, from bike storage to slaughterhouse, but I think it’s current designation as bookstore is best, and I think the world agree. The Guardian also called this “The most beautiful bookstore in the world, a bookstore from heaven!”
In addition to being a bookstore, they also have a café and host hundreds of events (such as lectures and art exhibitions) throughout the year.
The church is free to enter. Maastricht is around 3-3.5 hours by train from Amsterdam, but it is in the Region of Limburg which is arguably one of the prettiest and most nature-heavy of the Netherlands. Limburg is a sort of panhandle, which borders Germany and Belgium, so it is easy to combine with a few nights of exploring German or Belgian cities!
Clemenskerk in Hilversum – Bouncy Castle
This church was almost demolished in 2010 before being repurposed first into a trampoline park in 2018 and then into an inflatable park in 2024! Not just any bouncy castle (or should I say, bouncy church) but the largest one in the Netherlands!
Photo from the Bounce Hilversum website
The church itself has a unique Neo-Romanesque architecture style, and is different from many others on this list because the original church was built in only 1914. Just a baby church!
Tickets to bounce start at only €9.95 and Hilversum is only 20-30 minutes from Amsterdam by train.
Google Maps | Learn More | Buy tickets
Sint-Josephkerk in Arnhem – Gym and Padel Courts
Finally, a repurposed church used one of the iconic and insanely funny names available to them. Introducing, Holy Fit and Holy Padel – the church turned gym and padel ball courts (similar to pickleball).
photo from Holy Padel Website
The gym is open 24/7, 365 days a year! Those are extremely rare hours for the Dutch, so the opening times are impressive in themselves. The church is quite new, built in only 1928, and has a modern brick interior.
photo from Holy Padel Instagram
Day passes are €15, but if you become a member after that you can get your money back. Arnhem is only 1 hour from Amsterdam by train
Google Maps | Learn More | Buy Tickets
Church Hotels, Everywhere!
One of the most common repurposes for churches seems to be boutique hotels. Some of them are EXQUISITE, and some of them are definitely haunted. Still, how cool is it to sleep in a church that’s hundreds of years old? The most dreamy looking one is probably the hidden church in Amsterdam
There are dozens of other church hotel options listed on Vipio, which is a website specifically for unique accommodation (like churches, treehouses, and windmills)! I have no affiliation with them, it’s just a super cool site, and the rates are surprisingly reasonable. If you stay in any of these, I want to know what kind of supernatural dreams you have while you’re there….
Sint-Willibrorduskerk in Veldhoven – Rock Climbing
This bouldering gym is sure to go on your Instagram (and rock climbers do love to show off on there, haha sorry!) Despite being a couple hundred years old, the church isn’t thatttt impressive, but it’s still just amazing to see the work that goes into converting the place into a climbing gym!
Image from Boulder Veldhoven Instagram
Tickets for adults cost €14.50 for a day. Veldhoven is 2 hours from Amsterdam by train and bus. It’s located next to Eindhoven, the biggest city in the South, so you can definitely make a day trip out of it!
Google Maps | Learn More | Buy Tickets
Laurenskerk in Rotterdam, Event Space
While Laurenskerk (also known as St. Lawrence Church) still functions as a church you can visit, it is now also an event space. They hold all variety of events from unique things like roller skating, candlelit yoga, and a vegan fair to events you’d expect like concerts and opportunities to play the organ.
The church itself is a tall, beautiful specimen, boasting the last medieval tower in Rotterdam (which you can climb by the way!) Because Rotterdam was bombed during World War 2, Laurenskerk is also one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Image from the Laurenskerk website
The church costs €4 to enter. Rotterdam is only 1 hour by train from Amsterdam and is located next to Delft and the Hague, which are other great cities to visit in South Holland! Check out my guides to Delft.
Google Maps | Learn More | See Prices
Jopenkerk in Haarlem – Brewery
Bars and breweries are another common designation for repurposed churches, although I’m not sure God would approve. I chose Jopenkerk because it is located in Haarlem which is directly next to Amsterdam and is such a cute town that I recommend you visit anyway. It’s medium sized, so plenty to do here!
Jopenkerk is also one of the grandest brewery-churches, so that’s why I gave it the spotlight!
Haarlem itself was a brewing city since way back in the 14th century. Beer production stopped in the early 20th century but crazy enough, during the town’s 750th anniversary in the 1990s, beer recipes from the 1500s were uncovered and viola! ‘Jopen’ comes from the name of the barrels that the beer was transported in.
The Jopenkerk also has a café serving lunch and dinner. Reservations are required only for dinner but check the website to be sure! Haarlem is only 15-20 minutes from Amsterdam by train.
Google Maps | Learn more | Reservations and Visting
Here are some other notable bars and breweries in old churches:
Wipse Brouwerij – Outer Amsterdam | Google Maps
ANNA – Amstelveen (30 min from Amsterdam) | Google Maps
Belgian Beer Café Olivier – Utrecht (30 min from Amsterdam) | Google Maps
TLDR
These Dutch Churches Have Become What???
Bookstore
Bouncy Castle
Gym and Padel Courts
Boutique Hotel
Bouldering Gym
Event Space
