Naarden Fortress walking route

The atmospheric fortified town of Naarden was once a modern military defense post from which the access road to the rich region of Holland and the merchant city of Amsterdam was defended. Now it is a beautiful historic town that is full of monuments and special shops, museums and cozy restaurants. Discover the story of the best preserved fortified city in Europe!

Introduction
Welcome to the historic fortified town of Naarden. Naarden was founded in 1350 on the current site, between the former Zuiderzee and a vast lake and swamp area. As a result, the fortress was able to prevent an enemy who wanted to move from the east to Amsterdam from passing through. Later the fortress became part of a defensive line, the New Dutch Water Line. Until 1926 Naarden maintained a strategic position as a military base.

Naarden-Vesting has a beautiful star shape. In this way, the town was optimally defensible. The points of this star are formed by bastions. In between are small fortress islands, the ravelines. The fortress has a total of six bastions, and has – as the only town in the world! – a double canal belt with double walls.

During this audio tour you will discover the fascinating history of Naarden Vesting and the story behind the fortifications. Because of all the sights and the wide range of shops and restaurants, a day in Naarden is an ideal day out for the whole family.

The tour starts from the Utrechtse Poort. On the square you will also find the visitor center of the New Dutch Waterline and the TOURIST OFFICE. We wish you an enjoyable and educational walk in and around this best preserved fortified city in Europe.

For more route tips, highlights in Gooi & Vecht and further tourist information, visit the official site of the region: www.visitgooivecht.nl