Lomanstraat X trees

Tucked away in Amsterdam’s refined Oud-Zuid district, a quiet residential street holds one of the city’s most enchanting natural spectacles. Lomanstraat’s century-old trees have grown into an extraordinary intertwined canopy, their trunks and branches crossing overhead to form dramatic X-shaped patterns that transform an ordinary sidewalk into a living cathedral of greenery.

A living sculpture born from light

The trees lining Lomanstraat did not acquire their distinctive crossed formation through deliberate human design. This remarkable display emerged naturally over decades as the trees responded to their urban environment. Planted along the sidewalks in the early 20th century, these specimens found themselves competing for sunlight between the tall residential buildings flanking the narrow street.

The four-story brick facades characteristic of this neighborhood block direct sunlight for much of the day. In response, the tree trunks gradually bent toward the center of the street, seeking the available light that streams down between the buildings. Over time, as opposing rows of trees each angled toward this central light source, their branches met and intertwined overhead. The result is an accidental masterpiece of urban botany—a phenomenon known as phototropism creating what many consider Amsterdam’s most photographed residential street.

Plan Zuid: the architectural vision behind the neighborhood

Lomanstraat exists because of one of Amsterdam’s most ambitious urban planning projects. In 1917, the Amsterdam city council approved Plan Zuid (Plan South), an expansion design created by the renowned Dutch architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage. Berlage broke from the cramped, monotonous streets of 19th-century Amsterdam developments, instead envisioning wide boulevards, intimate side streets, generous green spaces, and unified architectural blocks.

The plan called for streets lined with substantial tree coverage—a hallmark that remains visible throughout the neighborhood. Berlage’s design prioritized the silhouette of buildings, street perspectives, and green infrastructure as essential elements of urban life. Many structures in this area, including those on Lomanstraat, were subsequently designed by architects of the Amsterdam School movement, which flourished during the 1920s and 1930s. This expressionist architectural style is characterized by ornate brickwork, sculptural facades, and decorative details that remain distinctive features of Oud-Zuid.

The four-story apartment blocks with their elegant proportions and red brick construction provide the perfect backdrop for the dramatic tree canopy. These buildings, typical of Berlage’s middle-class housing vision, inadvertently created the conditions necessary for the trees’ extraordinary growth pattern.

Surviving the Hunger Winter: a dark chapter in the street’s history

The trees of Lomanstraat carry a connection to one of the Netherlands’ most harrowing periods. During the winter of 1944–1945, Amsterdam endured the Hongerwinter (Hunger Winter), a devastating famine that gripped the German-occupied western Netherlands. With the Nazi embargo cutting off food and fuel shipments, and an exceptionally harsh winter setting in, residents faced starvation and freezing temperatures.

Desperate for firewood, Amsterdammers cut down trees throughout the city. Parks were stripped bare. Railway sleepers were pried up. Abandoned houses were dismantled for any combustible material. By the war’s end, only approximately 25,000 trees remained in all of Amsterdam—a tiny fraction of the urban forest that once shaded the city’s streets.

Yet the trees of Lomanstraat survived.

Local oral history offers a chilling explanation. According to residents who lived through the occupation, high-ranking Nazi officers had taken up residence on this street. The constant presence of German military officials created an atmosphere of fear so intense that local residents dared not risk attracting attention by cutting down trees directly outside these occupied homes. In this way, terror inadvertently preserved one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful streetscapes—a tree canopy saved not through admiration, but through fear.

What you’ll experience through the seasons

The intertwined canopy of Lomanstraat transforms with each season, offering visitors distinct experiences throughout the year.

Spring brings a gentle awakening as delicate new leaves unfurl across the intricate branch network. The X-shaped silhouettes gradually fill in with fresh, luminous green foliage. Light filters through the young leaves, casting soft, shifting shadows on the brick pavement below. The neighborhood is typically quieter during this season, making it an ideal time for unhurried photography.

Summer presents the canopy at its most lush and complete. Dense green foliage creates a cool, shaded tunnel that offers welcome relief on warm days. The interlocked branches form an almost continuous ceiling overhead, and the dappled light creates a serene, cathedral-like atmosphere. Morning and evening light produces the most dramatic interplay of shadow and illumination.

Autumn marks the street’s most celebrated season. From late September through early November, the leaves transform into brilliant gold, amber, and bronze. Sunlight filtering through the colored foliage bathes the entire street in warm tones. As leaves begin to fall, they carpet the sidewalk and cycling path in seasonal color, while the increasingly visible branch structure hints at the winter geometry to come.

Winter strips the trees to their skeletal framework, fully revealing the crossed trunk and branch architecture that gives the street its name. The bare X-shapes stand stark against the gray Dutch sky. On rare occasions when snow dusts the branches, Lomanstraat takes on an ethereal quality, the white outlines tracing every twist and intersection of the century-old wood.

Photography tips for capturing the canopy

Lomanstraat has become a destination for photographers seeking its unique visual qualities. The interplay of the crossed branches, filtered light, and Amsterdam architecture creates opportunities for striking images.

Optimal timing: Early morning light, particularly during autumn, offers warm tones and long shadows that emphasize the tunnel effect. Late afternoon provides similar golden-hour conditions. Overcast days can actually enhance autumn color saturation by eliminating harsh shadows.

Composition approaches: The natural vanishing point of the tree canopy creates inherent depth. Positioning yourself at street level emphasizes the tunnel perspective. Including a cyclist or pedestrian adds human scale and movement to static architectural shots. Looking directly upward captures the intricate lattice pattern where branches meet.

Seasonal considerations: Autumn weekdays see fewer visitors than weekends, allowing cleaner compositions. Winter’s bare branches are most photogenic against dramatic cloud formations or during the blue hour after sunset.

Practical visitor information

Location and access

Lomanstraat is situated in Amsterdam’s Oud-Zuid (Old South) district, within walking distance of several major landmarks and easily accessible by public transport.

• From Museumplein: The street lies approximately 15 minutes on foot from the museum district. Head southwest from the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum.
• By tram: Lines 5 and 24 serve the surrounding area. Exit at the Gerrit van der Veenstraat stop or Museumplein and walk southwest.
• From Vondelpark: The western edge of Vondelpark is a short stroll from Lomanstraat. Exit the park near the Vondelkerk and continue into the residential streets.
• By bicycle: Amsterdam’s extensive cycling infrastructure makes bike travel ideal. Lomanstraat itself includes a dedicated cycling path running beneath the tree canopy.

Neighborhood context

Oud-Zuid ranks among Amsterdam’s most desirable residential neighborhoods, characterized by its elegant architecture, leafy streets, and proximity to cultural institutions. The district maintains a tranquil, almost village-like atmosphere despite its central location. The Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Concertgebouw concert hall all lie within a 15-minute walk.

Visitor etiquette

Lomanstraat remains an ordinary residential street where approximately 100 households go about their daily lives. Respectful visiting practices help maintain the neighborhood’s peaceful character:

• Keep noise levels low, particularly during early morning or evening hours
• Remain on sidewalks and cycling paths rather than private property
• Be mindful of cyclists using the path—this is an active transportation route
• If photographing, avoid blocking doorways or capturing residents without permission
• Refrain from climbing on tree guards or touching low-hanging branches

Nearby attractions worth exploring

A visit to Lomanstraat pairs naturally with exploration of the surrounding Oud-Zuid neighborhood:

• Vondelpark: Amsterdam’s most beloved urban park lies just minutes away. The 47-hectare green space offers walking paths, open-air theater in summer, cafés, and notable specimens of mature trees throughout.
• Museumplein: The central plaza connecting the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Concertgebouw provides access to world-class art collections and musical performances.
• De Pijp neighborhood: Head east to explore this vibrant area known for the Albert Cuyp Market (Amsterdam’s largest street market), independent boutiques, and diverse restaurants.
• Amsterdam School architecture walk: Oud-Zuid contains numerous examples of this distinctive Dutch expressionist style. Notable structures include the schools, housing blocks, and bridges designed by architects like Michel de Klerk and Piet Kramer.

Frequently asked questions