Building info
To say The Yays - Crane Apartment is a special place to spend the night would be selling it short. It’s the ultimate experience for fans of history, design and architecture, and for those who seek exclusivity and uniqueness. Built in 1957, this crane has seen the KNSM Island evolve from industrial area to creative hub, and underwent a similar transformation when it was turned into a luxury apartment. Wake up to the sun rising over the IJ river. Explore the KNSM Island on your Yays bicycle. Cross the bridge into town to discover everything it has to offer. In The Yays - Crane Apartment, you’re not just staying in one of the most unique accommodations in the city - you’re staying in a piece of Amsterdam history.
Neighbourhood info
Named after the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company, the KNSM Island is an industrial harbour turned bustling borough. Walking around, you will be bestowed with beautiful modern architecture mixed with many of the original building and warehouse exteriors, giving you hints of the rich history that characterises this area. Surrounded by many colourful restaurants, funky art galleries and local shops on the island, and even more within the greater area of Amsterdam-East, you will never find yourself bored, nor hungry staying here. The island itself is connected to the mainland by a dam and a beautifully designed bridge, placing you within a short bike ride’s distance from the National Maritime Museum and the Hortus Botanicus – one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. On the KNSM Island you’re as close to or far from the action as you want to be.
The History of The Yays – Crane Apartment
Image source Stadsarchief Amsterdam
After the destruction of World War II, the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company builds new cranes along the quay – including the Figee 2868.
1979
Image source Stadsarchief Amsterdam
The Amsterdam harbour activities are relocated to the west, leaving the area without a purpose. A collective of creative urban nomads turned the KNSM Island into their home and podium.
1980s
Image source Stafsarchief Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam begins redeveloping the area into residential neighbourhood, removing all cranes, with the exception of the Figee 2868.
2010
The Figee 2868 Crane is renovated by initiative of the city, local residents, the foundation for monument conservation and Yays.
2016
The old crane is dismantled and transported to Franeker, where it is restored and converted into a luxury apartment designed by Edward van Vliet.
2017
The crane is put back in its original spot on the quay, in the presence of Henk Roos – the crane’s last operator.
Present day
The crane-turned-apartment is back where it belongs, for Yays guests to enjoy spectacular views and a piece of Amsterdam history.
40 m2
1x Double Bed
The Yays - Crane Apartment
As if sleeping in a converted crane isn’t exceptional enough, the interior of this one-of-a-kind three-storey apartment makes your stay even more special. From the spectacular views over the IJ river to the luxury bathroom and kitchen, it’s the perfect hideout to escape the buzz of the city. Designer Edward van Vliet paid homage to the past by preserving original details from the crane’s former industrial life. You can even listen to recorded personal stories from the crane’s last operator, Henk Roos, which are presented playfully in the operator’s original box, taking you back to days gone by.
Services & Amenities
Airport pick up service
Bike
Concierge
Early checkin
Home delivery (meals)
Housekeeping service
Late checkout
Linnen & towel service
Shampoo
Taxi
Tea/ coffee facilities (free coffee / tea)
WiFi
Welcome to the neighbourhood
The KNSM peninsula was built in the IJ river in the late 19th century. Initially to protect the Oostelijke Handelskade from incoming waves, the island was claimed by the Royal Dutch Steamboat Company in 1903. In the 1980s, these Eastern Docklands have transformed into a modern residential area with true architectural beauties, home decoration boutiques and waterfront cafés.
DE KOMPASZAAL
De Kompaszaal will instantly throw you back in time since the building used to function as the first class departure and arrival hall of the former K.N.S.M. (Royal Dutch Steamboat Company) in the fifties. The terrace has been awarded as one of the best ‘holiday-feeling’ terraces by the Amsterdam based newspaper. De Kompaszaal is also a great location for a high tea or high wine. T: +31(0)20 419 9596
BOOKSHOP VAN PAMPUS
The slogan of this bookshop is loosely translated ‘An invitation to stay’. At Van Pampus you will have everything you need: an endless stock of books, armchairs for some relaxed ‘test’ reading, coffee and croissants. Finished your book, coffee and croissant? Then you can head upstairs for some yoga teached by Mrs. Van Pampus. T: +31(0)20 419 3023
PAKHUIS DE ZWIJGER
This former warehouse knows all about creation and innovation in the city. Pakhuis de Zwijgeris an independent platform about urban development, creative industries and global trends that organises lectures, activities and exhibitions. +31 (0)20 624 6380
ARCAM
An impressive building designed by Rene van Zuuk, Arcam offers guided walks where you can follow an architect on a tour of the architecture, museums and cultural institutions of the neighbourhood. And for the refined gift buyer, an impressive array of maps, books and architectural pieces can be found there. +31 (0)20 620 4878
POMPSTATION
If it weren’t for the massive old windmill down the street, you’d almost mistake Pompstation for a Brooklyn hotspot instead of a restaurant in Amsterdam-Oost. Renowned for its meat from Dutch cows, excellent wine selection and live music, Pompstation never fails to serve up a great night. +31 (0)20 692 2888
DE KOMPASZAAL
De Kompaszaal will instantly throw you back in time since the building used to function as the first class departure and arrival hall of the former K.N.S.M. (Royal Dutch Steamboat Company) in the fifties. The terrace has been awarded as one of the best ‘holiday-feeling’ terraces by the Amsterdam based newspaper. De Kompaszaal is also a great location for a high tea or high wine. T: +31(0)20 419 9596
BOOKSHOP VAN PAMPUS
The slogan of this bookshop is loosely translated ‘An invitation to stay’. At Van Pampus you will have everything you need: an endless stock of books, armchairs for some relaxed ‘test’ reading, coffee and croissants. Finished your book, coffee and croissant? Then you can head upstairs for some yoga teached by Mrs. Van Pampus. T: +31(0)20 419 3023
PAKHUIS DE ZWIJGER
This former warehouse knows all about creation and innovation in the city. Pakhuis de Zwijgeris an independent platform about urban development, creative industries and global trends that organises lectures, activities and exhibitions. +31 (0)20 624 6380
ARCAM
An impressive building designed by Rene van Zuuk, Arcam offers guided walks where you can follow an architect on a tour of the architecture, museums and cultural institutions of the neighbourhood. And for the refined gift buyer, an impressive array of maps, books and architectural pieces can be found there. +31 (0)20 620 4878
POMPSTATION
If it weren’t for the massive old windmill down the street, you’d almost mistake Pompstation for a Brooklyn hotspot instead of a restaurant in Amsterdam-Oost. Renowned for its meat from Dutch cows, excellent wine selection and live music, Pompstation never fails to serve up a great night. +31 (0)20 692 2888
