The Great Sea Lock Muiden

The Great Sea Lock. The name gives it away, you are looking at an enormous construction here. This is the connection between the river Vecht and the IJmeer. It was built at the end of the 17th century. On one hand, it was meant to protect the area of the Vecht from flooding. On the other hand, the lock would also become a military weapon, as it allowed for inundations. When the lock is opened, the meadows behind it are submerged under about 40 cm of water. Too high to walk through, and too low to sail through. Thus, the enemy cannot approach you. This is referred to in military terms as 'creating a water line'.

The presence of the Sea Lock was also important in the development of the towboat transportation. Towboats were a popular means of transport in the 17th century, both for people and goods. Towboats were boats that sailed in specially created tow waterways. They were pulled by horses. This was fast, comfortable, and became a huge success. Each boat carried dozens of passengers, and there were even fixed departure and arrival times. Thanks in part to the Great Sea Lock, Muiden became an important crossroads of towboat routes, with major connections to Amsterdam and Naarden.

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