Defence Line of Amsterdam-Fort aan de Jisperweg

The UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Defence Line of Amsterdam (in Dutch named Stelling van Amsterdam) is a 135 km long ring of fortifications around Amsterdam, consisting of 42 forts located between 10 to 15 kilometers the centre, and lowlands that can easily be flooded in time of war. The flooding was designed to give a depth of about 30 cm, insufficient for boats to traverse. Any buildings within 1 km of the line had to be made of wood, so that they could be burnt and the obstruction removed.

The Stelling van Amsterdam was constructed between 1880 and 1920. The invention of the aeroplane and tank made the forts obsolete almost as soon as they were finished. Many of the forts now are under the control of the town councils and the nature department, and may be visited. Monuments Day, on the second Saturday in September, is the ideal day to visit as entrance is free.

The Fort along Jisperweg has natural surroundings of great value. The trees and bushes offer breeding spots for many birds. The grass on top of the front wall is kept short mainly by grazing sheep. The fort is surrounded by a beautiful nature reserve.

In 1885 the fort was completed as a defendable earthwork. It was not until 1914 that the fortress reached its final completion, though, when the construction of the shellproof building was finished. The Fort along Jisperweg was created to defend the access that was formed by the Jisperweg road.

The Fort along Jisperweg is not open to the public.

More information is available here.