The KNSM Island

KNSM Island, located in Amsterdam's Eastern Docks, has an intriguing history. Named after the Royal Dutch Steamship Company (KNSM), which had its home there from 1903 to 1979, this man-made island offers a mix of old and modern architecture.

With about 2,500 inhabitants, KNSM Island is a residential area where modern flats and houses blend harmoniously with cultural and recreational facilities. Its location near the city centre and the water increases the appeal of this residential location. Via several bridges, the island is well connected to the mainland and easily accessible by public transport.

KNSM Island has not only undergone a contemporary transformation, but also carries a historical layer. Between 1945 and 1946, some sheds on Levantkade and Surinamekade served as an internment camp for NSBs, traitors in hiding and other collaborators. Here, the camp residents awaited trial while facing harsh living conditions. The camp closed in 1946, with some prisoners released and others transferred elsewhere.