Amsterdam’s popular tourist attraction removed by authorities for bizarre reason

Tourists and locals in Amsterdam have been left shocked after one of the city’s popular attractions was suddenly removed by authorities.

The ‘I Amsterdam’ sign has been sat proudly in front of the Rijksmuseum for over a decade and has proven a hit with visitors who queue up to take pictures right by the sign on the city’s iconic Museumplein.

However this week, locals were surprised when lorries turned up with a crane, and the sign was promptly removed.

The reason? It’s been deemed ‘too individualistic’ by the city council.

Femke Roosma, a member of the left wing GroenLinks party, was one of the councillors favouring the move. She explained in a statement: "The message of ‘I Amsterdam’ is that we are all individuals in the city. We want to show something different: diversity, tolerance, solidarity."

She’s not the only one who’s been behind the sign’s removal – other councillors including alderman Udo Kock have also spoken out in favour of removing the sign.

However, the move hasn’t proven popular with visitors, many of whom have taken to social media sharing the hashtag #IAmsterdam alongside pictures of their previous trips posing by the sign.

Still, some tourists saw the funny side, with a group of fans jokingly erecting their own structure simply reading "HUH" in a nod to the confusion as to why the sculpture has been removed in the first place.

It’s the second time this year that tourists have faced one of the city’s tourist favourites being removed.

Earlier this year, city authorities announced that they were banning popular beer bikes after these caused too much chaos as groups of tourists kept getting drunk on the trips.

Visitors won’t be left twiddling their thumbs of course. There will still be plenty to fill the itinerary thanks to the plethora of things to see and do across the city, including the museums.

As for the nightlife, you’ll be spoiled for choice with brilliant bars whether you’re after a cosy date night or plan to party long into the night.

Never been before? Check out our round-up of the best cheap hotels for a budget break in the picturesque city.

Source: Read Full Article