Defence Line of Amsterdam-Fort Uithoorn

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 near Uithoorn is sometimes also referred to as the Fort near Amstelhoek. Just like the Fort near Aalsmeer and the Fort near Nigtevecht its gun turret buildings are still intact. Most of the wooden partitions in the fort’s premises are still present as well. In addition, the telegraph room, de-ironing installation for drinking water, kitchen facilities and various other rooms can be visited. The wooden engineer depot also has been preserved.

Paid tours are offered by appointment. Touring the fort and its surroundings will appeal to a wide variety of people - no matter whether you’re interested in recreation with a bit of a cultural historical twist, want to delve into military strategy, are the sportive type or are looking for a more spiritual experience.

The Fort near Uithoorn currently is home to several organizations, such as a training centre, Fort Academie Amstelhoek (Fort Amstelhoek Academy) and Brandweer Games (Firefighter Games).

The purpose of the Fort near Uithoorn was to defend the accesses formed by the river Amstel, the Mijdrechtse Zuwe (provincial road), the former railway road Uithoorn – Alphen aan de Rijn featuring a railway bridge across the Amstel, as well as the western inundation sluice.

More information is available here.