Stelling van Amsterdam Travel Guide

Today in the Netherlands: Whit Sunday (19 May)

Trek Zone

Unesco • Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Noord-Holland region of the Netherlands, the Stelling van Amsterdam is a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is an intricate network of forts, dams, and dikes that once served as a defensive line surrounding the city of Amsterdam.

As you explore the Stelling van Amsterdam, you will be transported back in time to the late 19th century when the fortifications were constructed. The forts, strategically positioned along a 135-kilometer perimeter, showcase the innovative military engineering of the era. From Fort aan de Nekkerweg to Fort bij Spijkerboor, each fortress tells a story of the country's determination to protect its capital city.

Beyond its historical significance, the Stelling van Amsterdam also offers breathtaking natural beauty. The forts are surrounded by lush green landscapes, dotted with meandering canals and shimmering lakes. Take a leisurely stroll along the fortified dikes, marvel at the vibrant wildflowers in bloom, or rent a bike to explore the area at your own pace. The peacefulness of the surroundings creates a serene atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and reflection.

For a truly immersive experience, consider visiting the Stelling van Amsterdam during one of the open fort days. On these special occasions, many of the forts open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to explore the underground passages, admire the original weaponry, and even participate in guided tours and reenactments. These events provide an invaluable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the fortifications.

As you conclude your visit to the Stelling van Amsterdam, be sure to stop by one of the charming nearby villages for a taste of authentic Dutch cuisine. From fresh seafood to traditional cheese, the local gastronomy will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a lasting impression of the region.

Alternative names: Unesco: from 1996Area: 67.78 mi²Elevation: -16 ft b.s.l.Coordinates: 52°22'38"N, 4°45'49"E

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Noord-HollandNetherlands

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Stelling van Amsterdam Top Attractions

Stelling van Amsterdam Attractions - What to See and Explore

Stelling van Amsterdam offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Museum De Cruquius, IJmeer, Fort Vijfhuizen, Bordering lakes. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum housing giant steam engine
Museum De Cruquius
The Museum De Cruquius occupies the old Cruquius steam pumping station in Cruquius, the Netherlands. It derives its name from Nicolaas Kruik, a Dutch land-surveyor and one of many promoters of a plan to pump the Haarlemmermeer dry.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
IJmeer
The IJmeer is a 'bordering lake' in the Netherlands. It lies between the De Nes polder, Pampushaven, Hollandse Brug and the mouth of the IJ in IJburg, straddling the provinces of North Holland and Flevoland.
Museum • Area
Fort Vijfhuizen
Fort Vijfhuizen is one of forty-two forts in the Defense Line of Amsterdam, a World Heritage Site. It is located in the town of Vijfhuizen on the ringvaart which surrounds the Haarlemmermeer polder.

Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Bordering lakes
In the Netherlands, the bordering lakes are a chain of lakes which separate the Flevopolder and Noordoostpolder from the ancient lands of the provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, Overijssel and Friesland.
Island • Area
Pampus
Pampus is an artificial island and late 19th-century sea fort located in the IJmeer near Amsterdam. Pampus now belongs to the municipality of Gooise Meren and is open to visitors.
Island • Museum
Fort Pampus Batterij
Pampus is an artificial island and late 19th-century sea fort located in the IJmeer near Amsterdam. Pampus now belongs to the municipality of Gooise Meren and is open to visitors.
Area
Fort near De Kwakel
The Fort bij De Kwakel is a fort that is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. It's located in the village of De Kwakel. It's one of four forts that form the linie Kudelstaart - Uithoorn. To the west is fort bij Kudelstaart, to the east is fort aan de Drecht and fort bij Uithoorn. The fort was built in 1890.
52°29'38"N • 4°45'59"E
SolaRoad
The SolaRoad was the world's first bike path made from solar panels, and was a prototype project testing the feasibility of various proposals for smart highways.
Museum • Area
Muiden Fortress
Mouse Fort is a Dutch fort in Muiden. The fort is part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, the UNESCO World Heritage site that consists of a set of forts around the city of Amsterdam. The fort is made of masonry and covered with sand on the east side.
Area
Fort aan den Ham
The Fort along Den Ham is a fort that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Stelling van Amsterdam. It's located along the railroad from Uitgeest to Krommenie. The earthen walls date from 1896, the fort itself was finished in 1903. The fort was only used very briefly, during the First World War.
Historical place • Windmill
De Onrust
De Onrust or Meermolen is an octagonal ground-sailer, also known as an octagonal windmill, near Muiderberg on the Boezemkade, dating from 1809. The mill was built as a polder mill to drain the Naardermeer.
52°29'20"N • 4°44'58"E
Westpark Saendelft
Park • Parkrijk
52°20'52"N • 4°41'12"E
Nationaal Monument MH17
Memorial • Noordoost Vijfhuizen
52°30'17"N • 4°45'43"E
Bloemenhuis Rosarium
Park • Rosariumbuurt

Day trips

Stelling van Amsterdam – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Stelling van Amsterdam, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Kalverstraat (Amsterdam), Keukenhof (Lisse), Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam (Amsterdam).

5.4 miE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Kalverstraat, Amsterdam
Kalverstraat is the quintessential shopping artery of Amsterdam, bustling with activity and brimming with a wide range of stores. This pedestrian-friendly street stretches approximately 750 meters from Dam Square to Muntplein and is a magnet for both tourists...
12 milesSW
Flower garden for springtime tulips
Keukenhof, Lisse
The Keukenhof, known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens, situated in Lisse, Netherlands. This picturesque botanical garden spans over 32 hectares and is a visual spectacle with approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually.
5.1 miE
Museum of contemporary art and design
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is a beacon of modern and contemporary art nestled in the heart of the Netherlands' vibrant capital city. As one of Amsterdam's most prestigious institutions, it boasts a rich collection that spans over a century of artistic innovation...
6.3 miE
Waterfront, boat-like
NEMO Museum, Amsterdam
The NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is a beacon of discovery and education, nestled in the heart of the city. This striking structure, resembling a green copper ship rising from the water, opened its doors in 1997 and has since become an iconic destination for curious...
20 milesSE
Specialty museum, Forts and castles, Museum
Kasteel de Haar, Utrecht
Kasteel de Haar is the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands, located near the city of Utrecht. This enchanting edifice, with its fairy-tale appearance, is nestled within expansive, meticulously manicured gardens and parklands.